P0296 — Cylinder 12 Injector Circuit High
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0296 means
This code means the engine computer detected abnormally high voltage in the wiring or control circuit for the fuel injector on cylinder 12. It usually points to an open circuit, damaged wiring, a poor connector, or a failing injector. Typical fixes include repairing the wiring or connector, or replacing the cylinder 12 injector.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Rough idle or engine shaking
- Reduced engine power
- Hesitation or stumbling under load
- Poor fuel economy
Common causes
- Open circuit in the injector wiring
- Faulty fuel injector on cylinder 12
- Damaged or corroded injector harness
- Loose or corroded injector connector
- Failing engine control module (rare)
Typical repair cost
$150 – $500
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0296 code?
For short trips, usually yes, but don't rely on it. A poorly firing cylinder 12 can cause misfires and catalytic converter damage. Get it checked soon, and stop driving if the light flashes or the engine shakes hard.
How much does it cost to fix a P0296 code?
Most repairs fall between $150 and $500. A wiring or connector repair is cheaper, while replacing the injector costs more, especially on large V12 engines where the work is more involved.
Is a P0296 code serious?
It's moderate. The engine usually still runs, but ignoring a weak cylinder can lead to misfires and expensive converter damage. It's worth fixing promptly.
Is P0296 different from P0295?
Yes. Both involve cylinder 12's injector circuit, but P0296 is a high-voltage fault (often an open circuit) while P0295 is a low-voltage fault (often a short to ground). The repairs overlap but the wiring diagnosis differs.