P1292 - High Side #2 (Left) Short to Ground or B+
The P1292 code indicates a short circuit in the high side driver circuit for the left fuel injector or ignition coil (bank 2, left side). The powertrain control module (PCM) detects an abnormal voltage on the high side driver output, either shorted to ground or battery positive voltage (B+). This can cause misfires, poor fuel economy, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
01. Most Common Causes
- Shorted fuel injector or ignition coil on left side
- Wiring harness damage (chafed, pinched, or melted wires)
- Faulty PCM (rare)
- Corroded or loose connector at injector/coil
02. Symptoms You Will Notice
- Engine misfire or rough idle
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Reduced engine power or hesitation
- Poor fuel economy
03. Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1: Scan for codes and record freeze frame data.
Step 2: Visually inspect wiring and connectors for left bank injector/coil for damage or corrosion.
Step 3: Use a multimeter to check resistance of the suspect injector/coil; compare to specs.
Step 4: Perform a continuity test from PCM connector to injector/coil to identify short to ground or B+.
Step 5: If wiring and component check out, test PCM output or swap with known good component.
04. Commonly Affected Makes
05. Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?▼
It is not recommended. Driving with a short can cause further damage to the PCM or catalytic converter due to misfires.
How much does it cost to fix?▼
Repair costs range from $150 to $400 depending on the cause. A simple wiring repair may be cheaper, while replacing a PCM can be more expensive.