Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0206: Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 6
P0206 means the engine computer has detected an open or faulty electrical circuit to the cylinder 6 fuel injector.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0206 sets
When the powertrain control module (PCM) fires the cylinder 6 injector, it monitors the circuit for an electrical response that confirms the injector and wiring are intact. If that response is absent or abnormal, P0206 sets. Detection methods are manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0206
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Open winding in the cylinder 6 fuel injector
- Damaged or chafed injector wiring, often at the rear of the engine
- Corroded or unplugged connector
- Injector feed fuse or relay problem
- PCM injector driver failure
P0206 symptoms
- Check engine light on, possibly flashing
- Rough idle
- Hesitation and reduced power
- P0306 misfire code may also be stored
How P0206 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes and freeze frame; note P0306 and related codes.
- Locate cylinder 6 using service information; it can be hard to reach on transverse V6 engines.
- Inspect the connector and harness for damage.
- Measure injector resistance and compare with the others.
- Check for injector pulse and verify the power and control circuits.
Typical fixes for P0206
- Replace the cylinder 6 fuel injector
- Repair damaged wiring or the connector
- Correct a power supply fault
- Repair the PCM if testing confirms a driver fault
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P0206 FAQ
What does code P0206 mean?
P0206 means the engine computer has detected an open or faulty electrical circuit to the cylinder 6 fuel injector. The standard definition is "Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 6."
Can I drive with a P0206 code?
It is best to drive only as far as needed. A missing cylinder 6 injector pulse usually causes a misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter; stop driving if the check engine light flashes.
Why can P0206 be harder to fix on some V6 engines?
On many transverse V6 engines, the rear bank is tucked against the firewall and may require removing the upper intake manifold to reach the injector and its connector.
Does P0206 affect fuel economy?
Yes. A misfiring cylinder makes the engine less efficient, and the computer may adjust fueling on the other cylinders, which usually lowers mileage.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.