Trouble Codes P0200 and P0261

Discussion in 'Saturn S-series' started by kwbills, Dec 2, 2025.

  1. kwbills

    kwbills

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    Check engine came on, finally got around to hooking it up to the ol' Icon T7 and read the codes, I didn't write them down, which I should have. Nothing was active, but showed it had failed prior and passed. Cleared all the codes, took it for a 20 mile drive, no check engine light. Scanned it when I got home before shutting it off and trouble codes P0200 (Injector Circuit Malfunction) and P0261 (Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low) came up, but showed they'd failed, then passed and were cleared.

    I have experienced an occasional miss/hesitation while cruising over the mountain pass on the interstate over the past 3 weeks. I suspect these codes are the culprits. Another thing I experience while driving, I will put the car in neutral and coast when coming the 7 miles down the grade. The RPM will drop to 950ish, but randomly increase to 1250 or so, then drop back to 950. My old SC1 didn't behave this way. Could this also be caused by what is throwing the codes?

    I've replaced both O2 sensors, PCV, plugs, wires, MAP, cleaned the throttle body and most recently the cracked hose bib that runs from the head to the firewall.

    I've checked the connections on the injectors as I had to remove them when I pulled the intake manifold. They're all seated nicely and the wires look good. Maybe a bad injector? I appreciate any thoughts on this.
     
    kwbills, Dec 2, 2025
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  2. kwbills

    Derf Moderator

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    Check the resistance across each injector and post measurements.
     
    Derf, Dec 2, 2025
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  3. kwbills

    kwbills

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    Starting at cylinder one, 11.7, 11.6, 11.7 and 11.9. I looked it up in my Haines book; says 11.5 to 12.5 is within spec.

    And thanks for the quick response, Derf!
     
    kwbills, Dec 2, 2025
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  4. kwbills

    Derf Moderator

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    That's funny because I thought I forgot to post it.

    Wires looking good is not the same as wires all continuous and connected properly. See if you can do continuity tests on them.

    There is also the option of a noid light which I think you can borrow as a loan a tool from AutoZone and similar.

    It should confirm that all injectors are receiving their pulses properly or show that they are not.
     
    Derf, Dec 2, 2025
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  5. kwbills

    kwbills

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    I saw the Noid light mentioned in the Haynes book. I see Harbor Freight has one for $30. I'll probably go that route. My mechanic retired last year and I am not fond of my options in our small community, so I'm learning. Appreciate your help.
     
    kwbills, Dec 3, 2025
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  6. kwbills

    Derf Moderator

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    Learning is good. For a min of $130/hr, learning is damn good
     
    Derf, Dec 3, 2025
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