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P0208

Powertrain
Moderate

Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 8

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P0208

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Code P0208 indicates the engine control module (ECM) has detected an electrical malfunction in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 8. This code is exclusive to V8, V10, and V12 engines. Cylinder 8 is the last cylinder in the firing order for most V8 configurations, and the ECM has determined that its injector circuit's electrical characteristics are outside normal operating range.

The symptoms mirror those of other injector circuit faults: rough running, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and engine vibration. On a V8 engine, losing one cylinder still leaves seven working, so the vehicle will generally still be drivable, but performance will be noticeably degraded. Extended driving with this condition can damage the catalytic converter as unburned fuel enters the exhaust.

Cylinder 8 is often the rearmost cylinder on one bank of a V8 engine, making it one of the least accessible. On some truck and SUV V8 engines, the intake manifold or other components may need to be partially removed to reach it. This increases both DIY difficulty and professional labor costs. The diagnostic approach remains the same — connector inspection, noid light testing, and injector swapping — but budget extra time for access. Many owners opt for professional repair on rear-bank cylinders due to the tight working conditions.

Severity

Moderate — Address SoonThis Week

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light is on
  • Engine misfires and runs unevenly
  • Reduced power output
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Engine vibration particularly at idle
  • Rough or uneven exhaust sound

Likely Causes

Faulty cylinder 8 fuel injector35%

Cylinder 8's fuel injector has failed electrically — the internal solenoid coil is open or shorted, preventing proper fuel injection.

Damaged wiring to cylinder 8 injector30%

The injector harness wiring for cylinder 8 has deteriorated from extreme engine bay heat, vibration fatigue, or rodent damage.

Corroded or loose injector connector20%

The electrical plug at cylinder 8's injector has corroded pins or an insecure connection from heat cycling and vibration.

ECM driver circuit failure15%

The ECM's output transistor that controls the ground circuit for cylinder 8's injector has failed internally.

Estimated Cost

DIY Repair

$50$250
Difficulty
Shop OBD2 scanners

Professional Repair

$300$800

Includes parts + labor

Common Fixes

  1. Replace the cylinder 8 fuel injector
  2. Repair or replace wiring harness to cylinder 8
  3. Clean or replace injector electrical connector
  4. Test ECM output and replace ECM if driver has failed

Shop Parts

Videos

Causes and Fixes P0208 Code: Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 8

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