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P0286 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 9 Injector Circuit High". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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When the P0286 code gets stored, it’s because the vehicle’s ECM has received a voltage reading from the fuel injector circuit that isn’t within the parameters designated by the manufacturer. The reading could have also come from the fuel injector in cylinder nine.
This code means that voltage variations that exceeded 10% of the amount outlined by the manufacturer were registered. It usually indicates that engine cylinder nine isn’t operating or, at best, is doing so poorly. Under normal conditions, fuel injectors would be turned on and off by the ECM.
The P0286 code is usually the fault of wildlife. Squirrels and other creatures will be attracted by the warmth of your engine after you’ve parked and actually climb inside to rest on top of it. Once they do, it’s often only a matter of time before they go on to chew through some of your vehicle’s wiring.
Other causes could be:
If a P0286 code has been stored, you should notice the Check Engine light come on. However, a far more obvious indicator would be your engine misfiring. That’s not at all uncommon. It’s also not rare for the engine to begin running rough, resulting in subpar fuel economy. Even when you’re sitting idle, you may feel vibrations coming from the transmission or even feel it vibrating. Trying to accelerate will most likely be choppy too.
Your mechanic will use a code reader to begin their assessment. A noid lamp and your vehicle’s service manual will come in handy too for figuring out what the appropriate voltage is supposed to be. They will also inspect electrical components, connectors and wires. Fuses and the fuse panel will be inspected as well. A continuity and resistance test may be necessary as well.
Open or shorted circuits often don’t get addressed which makes an accurate diagnosis and correct repairs impossible. Usually, if a mechanic misses that the fuel injection system has open or shorted circuits, they’ll go on to assume that the PCM isn’t working correctly and replace it – an expensive measure if not necessary.
Faulty fuel injectors can cause the same type of misdiagnosis and unfortunately response.
A P0286 code is definitely something you’ll want a qualified mechanic to inspect right away. A bad fuel injector is bound to cause further damage to other parts of your car, which could cost you a lot of money in repairs and, in the meantime, keep your vehicle from operating. For example, a malfunctioning fuel injector will affect the spark plug, cause detonation, affect the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, and much more.
Your mechanic will have to do one of the following to fix the P0286 code:
As we mentioned above, PCM failure probably isn’t the cause of P0286. It’s possible, but rare. If both a ground pulse and constant power supply are present, determine if the injector or injectors in question are activating by using a listening device.
The team at YourMechanic is here to help if your vehicle’s performance is currently being hindered because of an issue related to P0286. Give us a call at 1-800-701-6230 to speak with a service advisor or simply fill out our online form and let us know when you’d like your appointment to be. We’ll provide you with a quote regarding repairs and then dispatch a certified mobile mechanic to your place of work or home where they’ll fix your vehicle on the spot.
Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.
