Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit Low
The engine's computer detected that cylinder 7's fuel injector isn't receiving enough electrical power to spray fuel properly. Think of it like a water sprinkler that's not getting enough voltage to turn on.
The ECM monitors the voltage and current supplied to the cylinder 7 injector circuit during operation. It expects a specific voltage pulse when the injector fires, and detects a low voltage condition when the signal falls below the minimum threshold. This typically indicates a wiring fault, weak battery supply, or failing injector coil.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Injector coil voltage | 12V+ during firing pulse | Below 9V or no voltage detected |
| Injector circuit resistance | 12-16 ohms | Open circuit or excessive resistance |
Code P0280 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, P0280 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.