P0283 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 8 Injector Circuit High

P0283 code definition

The P0283 Trouble Code refers to cylinder 8 injector circuit high.

What the P0283 code means

If the P0283 code appears and is stored on your vehicle, it means that the engine cylinder 8 is not running properly, or that it might not be running at all.

What causes the P0283 code?

The following are common causes for the P0283 code to appear in your vehicle:

• Dirty fuel injector.
• Clogged fuel injector.
• Shorted fuel injector.
• Faulty electrical connector
• Faulty electrical harness that runs from the power control module to the injector.

What are the symptoms of the P0283 code?

You may notice quite a few symptoms when the P0283 code is present in your vehicle. You will likely find that your vehicle runs rough when you are idling, and it will have a lack of power, which can make it more difficult to accelerate. The fuel economy will be diminished as well. In addition, the malfunction light will illuminate. These are problems that you will want to have repaired as soon as possible.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0283 code?

One of the first things the mechanic will do when he or she is diagnosing the vehicle is hook up their OBD-II scanner. This device will attach to the onboard computer and gather data about the vehicle. They will also reset the codes and run the vehicle. If the codes come back, they know that there is an actual issue and they will continue with the diagnosis. If the code doesn’t return, and there are no issues with the way the vehicle is running, then they know that the code was triggered by mistake.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0283 code

One of the most common misdiagnoses when dealing with the P0283 code is believing that the problem lies with the powertrain control module. It is possible for this to be the issue, but it is rare. Most of the time, it has to do with faulty electrical connectors, which may have been corroded, or a faulty fuel injector.

How serious is the P0283 code?

You never want to drive your vehicle when it is riding and idling rough or when there are issues accelerating. You want to make sure that you take the vehicle to the mechanic so they can repair the issues. Waiting too long can cause other issues with the vehicle including causing issues with the spark plugs, the catalytic converter, and the oxygen sensor. Even if your vehicle is still running, there is no reason to wait to take it to a mechanic if there are issues with it.

What repairs can fix the P0283 code?

The following are some of the repairs that the mechanic can employ to fix the P0283 code:

• Visually inspect the electrical connector located on the fuel injector. They will make sure it is in good condition and that there is no corrosion, and that it fits properly.
• They will check to make sure the fuel injector is working properly. If it isn’t, they will repair, flush, or replace it as needed.
• If the powertrain control module is actually at fault, they will replace it.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0283 code

With many older vehicles, there may be codes present, such as the P0283 code, that are not actually problems with the vehicle. They were triggered by an issue with the PCM. This doesn’t happen often though. Most of the time, the problem is legitimate. If you have a P0283 code stored in your vehicle, or any code for that matter, you will want to take care of it as soon as possible. If you don’t, there could end up being even more issues with the vehicle down the road. Take the time to bring the vehicle to a mechanic and get it repaired properly.

Need help with a P0283 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.