What it means
The control module has reached the minimum fuel-trim correction for cylinder 8. This indicates a cylinder-specific mixture correction limit; the code alone does not identify the underlying cause.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The engine control module adjusts fuel for cylinder 8 to keep combustion near its target mixture. This code sets when the cylinder-specific correction reaches its minimum limit, so the module cannot reduce fuel enough; the code alone does not confirm whether the cause is a leaking injector, excess pressure, or a control fault.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Injector leaking on cylinder 8
- Injector stuck open or control fault
- Excess fuel pressure
- Cylinder 8 sensor or wiring fault
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Rough idle or engine vibration
- Misfire or hesitation
- Fuel odor or increased fuel consumption
How to diagnose it
- Record freeze-frame data and compare cylinder 8 fuel-trim or mixture data with other cylinders to identify when correction reaches its minimum.
- Check cylinder 8 misfire and contribution data, and note any fuel odor or roughness that could indicate excess fuel.
- Inspect the cylinder 8 injector and its connector, wiring, and seal area for damage, unintended control, or signs of leakage.
- Measure fuel pressure and compare it with the manufacturer's specification to check for excessive pressure.
- Use the vehicle’s approved injector leak or balance test to determine whether cylinder 8 is over-delivering fuel when commanded.
- If injector flow and pressure are normal, test cylinder 8 sensor inputs and wiring for a fault that could mislead mixture correction.
Common fixes
- Repair damaged cylinder 8 injector wiring or connector contacts that cause an injector control fault.
- Correct fuel pressure that exceeds the manufacturer's specification.
- Replace a leaking cylinder 8 injector seal if inspection confirms leakage at the seat.
- Repair or replace the cylinder 8 injector if testing confirms it is stuck open or over-delivering.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid hard acceleration and long trips while cylinder 8 is receiving too much fuel; excess fuel can worsen misfires and damage the catalytic converter. Stop driving if the engine runs very rough, the check-engine light flashes, or you smell raw fuel strongly.
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.