OBD-II fault code

P0279: Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit Low

What it means

The control module detects a low condition in the cylinder 7 injector circuit. This indicates an electrical circuit fault and does not by itself establish an injector flow problem.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the check-engine light
  • Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test

How it works

The control module monitors the electrical circuit that operates the cylinder 7 fuel injector. This code sets when the circuit signal is lower than expected, which points to an electrical fault such as a short to ground; it does not prove that the injector is clogged.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Wiring shorted to ground
  2. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
  3. Harness chafing through insulation

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light
  • Rough idle or misfire
  • Reduced power
  • Increased fuel consumption

How to diagnose it

  1. Use freeze-frame data and live misfire information to note when the fault occurs and whether cylinder 7 is affected.
  2. With the engine off, inspect the cylinder 7 injector connector and harness for corrosion, pushed-back pins, chafing, or contact with ground.
  3. Check the cylinder 7 injector circuit for a short to ground using the vehicle wiring diagram and the manufacturer's test procedure.
  4. Check connector continuity and terminal contact, comparing results with the manufacturer's specification.
  5. If the wiring and connections pass, test the injector and its control circuit before deciding whether the injector itself has failed.

Common fixes

  • Repair chafed cylinder 7 injector wiring that is shorted to ground.
  • Clean or repair corroded or loose connector terminals.
  • Reseat a pushed-back terminal and secure the connector.
  • Replace the cylinder 7 injector only if testing confirms it is faulty.

Can I keep driving?

A brief, gentle drive may be possible if the engine runs smoothly, but avoid heavy loads because a cylinder 7 misfire can damage the catalytic converter. Stop if it begins misfiring severely, stalling, or losing power.

A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together

This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.

Codes for the same component