What is the code P0261 on a Chevy Cruze?

The P0261 code indicates a fault in the fuel injector circuit for a cylinder on your Chevy Cruze. It points to problems with the injector, its wiring, or the injector driver in the engine control module (ECM/PCM).

On Cruze models that use different engines (such as the 1.4L turbo or the 1.8L), P0261 can appear with varying cylinder references and diagnosis. This article outlines what the code means, common symptoms, and practical steps to diagnose and address the issue in typical Cruze powertrains.

What P0261 Means for a Chevy Cruze

Below are the most common interpretations and factors that can trigger P0261 on a Cruze. The list highlights typical causes you’ll encounter during diagnosis.

• Faulty fuel injector in the affected cylinder (sticking, not opening, or leaking).



• Injector driver or PCM/ECM issue (faulty injector control circuit or driver transistor).


• Problems in the fuel delivery system (low fuel pressure or fuel pump/ filter issues affecting injector performance).


• Miscellaneous electrical issues (short to ground or short to power within the injector circuit).


• Intermittent misfire or other fuel/cylinder conditions that complicate the diagnosis (often accompanied by P0300 or P030x codes).

In most cases, P0261 points to the injector circuit rather than a blanket fuel-supply problem, and the diagnostic approach often starts with wiring and the injector itself before moving to the ECM or fuel system aspects.

Common Symptoms You Might Notice

Owners may experience several signs that accompany a P0261 diagnosis. The following list highlights typical indicators.

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• Reduced power, sluggish acceleration, or hesitation under load


• Decreased fuel economy or unusual fuel consumption


• Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated, sometimes with related misfire codes (P030x)


• In some cases, a noticeable fuel odor or rough running after startup

If you notice these symptoms, begin with a diagnostic scan to confirm P0261 and identify any related misfire or fuel-system codes.

How to Diagnose P0261

Before starting any hands-on work, gather data with a scan tool and plan a methodical test. The upcoming steps outline a practical diagnostic flow.

1. Verify the code with an OBD-II scanner and note the cylinder (if the tool provides cylinder-specific data). Review freeze-frame data for context on engine load, RPM, and misfire information.


2. Check for related codes, especially misfire codes (P0301–P0304 or P0300), and identify which cylinder is affected.


3. Inspect the injector harness and connections for visible damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Look for signs of heat or moisture that could compromise the circuit.


4. Measure injector resistance with a multimeter (follow the factory spec for your engine). Compare each injector’s resistance to the spec and to known-good values if available.


5. Test the injector circuit for voltage and ground while the engine is cranking or running. Look for a healthy pulse and stable voltage; a dead or erratic signal points to wiring, driver, or PCM issues.


6. Check fuel pressure with an appropriate gauge to ensure adequate delivery. Low pressure can mask injector problems and trigger similar codes.


7. If the injector and wiring test point to the injector itself, swap in a known-good injector or perform a controlled swap with a cylinder that is not currently showing a fault to verify if the issue follows the injector.


8. Clear codes and perform a road test to confirm that P0261 does not return after the suspected injector or circuit has been addressed. If the code recurs, further PCM/driver diagnostics or service bulletins may be required.

Concluding: Start with the simplest, most common causes—injector and wiring—before moving to the ECM/PCM. If you’re unsure or the problem persists, seek a qualified technician who can perform advanced diagnostics and ensure proper safety procedures.

Chevy Cruze-Specific Considerations

Chevy Cruze engines vary by year and market, with common configurations including the 1.4L turbo (often direct injection) and the 1.8L (port injection in many regions). These differences influence diagnostic steps and potential failure modes for P0261.

• The 1.4L turbo engines (direct injection) are susceptible to injector-related issues such as carbon buildup or intermittent sticking, which can trigger injector-circuit codes.


• The 1.8L engines (often port-injected in earlier Cruzes) may present injector-circuit concerns caused by wiring wear, connector corrosion, or injector-driver faults, similar to other GM four-cylinders.


• GM service bulletins and recalls occasionally address fuel-injector concerns or injector-driver-related problems; checking with a dealer or GM's service information portal can reveal coverage for your VIN and model year.


• When diagnosing in a Cruze, technicians frequently verify both the injector and its circuit first, then verify fuel pressure and ECM operation, to avoid unnecessary parts replacement.

Understanding your Cruze’s specific engine helps refine diagnosis and repair. If you’re unsure of the exact engine variant in your vehicle, consult your owner's manual or a GM service database to match the correct injector specifications and wiring diagrams.

What to Do Next

Based on your findings, you can decide whether to proceed with DIY repairs or involve a professional. The next steps summarize practical actions.

• Confirm the exact cylinder indicated by the scan data and note any related misfire codes.


• Inspect wiring and connectors for the affected injector; address corrosion, damage, or loose connections.


• Test injector resistance and the injector’s electrical signal; replace or bench-test the injector if needed.


• Check fuel pressure and overall fuel delivery to rule out pump or regulator issues.


• Consider PCM/injector-driver concerns if all other causes are eliminated and the code persists.

If you’re not comfortable performing electrical tests or fuel-system checks, schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician. Accurate diagnosis saves time and prevents unnecessary parts replacements.

Summary

P0261 on a Chevy Cruze signals a fault in the fuel injector circuit for one cylinder. The most common causes are a faulty injector, wiring/connectors, or injector-driver/PCM issues, with fuel-pressure problems as a contributing factor. Start by validating the cylinder involved and inspecting the injector and its wiring, then test injector resistance and circuit signals, followed by fuel pressure checks. Cruze engines (notably the 1.4L turbo and 1.8L options) can have injector-related concerns related to direct injection buildup or wiring wear, and service bulletins may apply. When in doubt, consult a professional to ensure a precise diagnosis and safe, effective repair.

What can cause a P0261 code?

What the P0261 code means. This trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a lower reference voltage coming from the number 1 cylinder's fuel injector than what was specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

What are the symptoms of a fuel injector going bad?

Symptoms of a bad fuel injector include rough idling, engine misfires, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting, and engine stalls. You may also notice a strong fuel odor, a check engine light, or hesitation and lack of power during acceleration. 
Engine performance issues

• Rough idle: The engine shakes or vibrates unevenly, especially when stopped or at low RPMs. 
• Engine misfires: The engine may sputter or hesitate, feeling like a lurch or jerk. 
• Difficulty starting: The engine may crank for longer than usual or fail to start. 
• Engine stalls: The engine may cut out unexpectedly, particularly when you press the accelerator. 
• Hesitation or surging: The engine may hesitate or stumble when accelerating, or surge unexpectedly. 
• Loss of power: The vehicle feels sluggish and lacks its usual acceleration, especially under load. 
• Vibration: You might feel unusual vibrations throughout the vehicle. 

• Increased fuel consumption: You'll need to fill up your gas tank more often because the engine is using fuel inefficiently. 
• Strong fuel odor: A noticeable gasoline smell can indicate a leak from the injector or that it's not closing properly. 
• Fuel leaks: A visible leak of gasoline around the engine can be a sign of a cracked or poorly sealed injector, which is a fire hazard. 

• Check Engine Light: This is often the first sign, indicating that the engine's computer has detected a problem. 
• Failed emissions test: The engine's inefficient combustion process can cause it to fail an emissions test. 
• Thick smoke from tailpipe: This can occur if the engine is running too rich or too lean due to a bad injector. 

How to fix P0261 code?

How To Correct P0261 Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low

1. The first thing which you should do is to replace the fuel injector on the number 1 cylinder.
2. The wiring or connectors should be repaired or replaced that are associated with the fuel injector on the number 1 cylinder.

What is the code po261 on a Chevy Cruze?

If the PCM detects a low voltage condition in the fuel injector circuit for the #1 cylinder, the vehicle's computer will set the code P0261.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.