P0267 on 2010-2014 Cadillac SRX: Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2010-2014 Cadillac SRX

For this generation of Cadillac SRX with direct injection V6 engines (3.0L LF1, 2.8L LAU Turbo, or 3.6L LFX), the fuel injector wiring harness is a known weak point. General Motors has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), such as PIP4924D, that group P0267 with other injector codes and direct technicians to inspect the harness for chafing or damage, particularly where it may rub against engine or chassis components like the ECM bracket. This suggests a higher-than-average probability of a wiring fault compared to other vehicles.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2010-2014 SRX is part of the second generation (2010-2016). Models from 2010-2011 used either a 3.0L V6 (LF1) or a 2.8L Turbo V6 (LAU). For 2012-2016, these were replaced by a single, more powerful 3.6L V6 engine (LFX). The P0267 code and its common causes apply similarly to all three direct-injection engines, though part numbers for injectors may differ.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine running rough or vibrating (misfire).
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration.
• Noticeable loss of engine power.
• Rough or unstable idle.
• Increased fuel consumption.
• Engine may stall.

Most Likely Causes

1. Damaged Wiring or Faulty Connector 🔴 High Probability Engine vibrations and heat can cause wiring harnesses to become brittle or chafe over time. GM TSBs PIP4924D and PIT5424 specifically mention the fuel injector harness rubbing through or shorting out. A common chafe point on 3.6L LFX models is where the harness passes the metal ECM bracket.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the cylinder 3 fuel injector for any signs of cracking, melting, or chafing against other components. Pay close attention to the harness loom near the back of the engine and around the ECM. Check that the electrical connector is securely attached and free of corrosion or bent pins.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the pigtail connector for the fuel injector. If the harness is chafed, the repair should include re-routing or adding protective conduit to prevent a recurrence.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50
2. Failed Fuel Injector 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Fuel Injector The fuel injector is an electro-mechanical part that can fail internally. An electrical short or open in the injector's coil windings will trigger this code. Direct injection injectors operate under very high pressure and are complex components.
   How to confirm: Measure the resistance of the fuel injector with a multimeter; for these GM direct injectors, the value should be between 1.5-2.5 ohms. An easier method is to swap the cylinder 3 injector with one from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 1). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0261 (Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low), the injector is faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the failed fuel injector. Due to the labor involved in accessing the injectors (intake manifold removal is required), it is often recommended to replace all injectors on the same bank 🎬 See this 3.6L fuel injector replacement walkthrough (Bank 1: cylinders 1, 3, 5) at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $70-$200
3. Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is rare, but the internal driver circuit in the PCM that controls the injector can fail. This is the least likely cause and should only be considered after all other possibilities are exhausted.
   How to confirm: This should only be considered after definitively ruling out the wiring and the fuel injector itself. A professional diagnosis with advanced scan tools 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a fuel injector circuit malfunction is required to confirm a PCM failure. The tech would verify that the command signal is leaving the PCM but is incorrect, or that there is no signal at all despite good inputs.
   Typical fix: Replace and reprogram the Powertrain Control Module.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0267 and note any other codes present, like P0303.
2. Locate Cylinder 3. On the transverse V6 engines in the SRX, the cylinder banks are arranged with Bank 1 (cylinders 1, 3, 5) on the passenger side (right side) and Bank 2 (cylinders 2, 4, 6) on the driver side (left side). Cylinder 3 is the middle cylinder on the passenger side.
3. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness and electrical connector for the cylinder 3 fuel injector. Look for any signs of damage, melting, or corrosion. Pay special attention to areas where the harness bends or is close to metal brackets, per GM TSBs.
4. If the wiring looks good, disconnect the injector and measure its internal resistance with a multimeter. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specification (typically 1.5-2.5 ohms for these direct injectors).
5. A common diagnostic trick is to swap the cylinder 3 injector with an adjacent one on the same bank (like cylinder 1 or 5). This requires removing the intake manifold. 🎬 Watch: How to remove the intake manifold and replace gaskets After swapping, clear the codes and run the engine. If the fault code 'moves' to the new cylinder (e.g., P0261 for cylinder 1), the injector is bad. If P0267 returns, the problem is in the wiring or PCM.
6. If the injector is good, test the wiring. Check for voltage on one pin of the injector connector (with key on, engine off). Then, use a noid light designed for direct injection systems or a multimeter in AC volts mode to check for a pulsing signal from the PCM while cranking the engine.
7. If the wiring and injector are confirmed to be good, the final step is to suspect a faulty PCM driver, which typically requires professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Injector (OEM #12638530 (ACDelco 217-3445) for 3.6L LFX; 12632255 (ACDelco 217-3449) for 3.0L LF1) — An internal electrical failure in the injector is a common cause for a circuit low code after wiring issues are ruled out. Part numbers differ by engine.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine), Bosch, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $120-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$150
• Fuel Injector Connector Pigtail (OEM #13580876 (ACDelco PT2651)) — The plastic connector and its terminal pins are a frequent failure point due to heat and vibration, causing a poor electrical connection. This part allows you to splice in a new connector without replacing the whole harness.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0303 — P0303 means 'Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected'. Since P0267 indicates a problem with fueling cylinder 3, a misfire is a direct and expected consequence.
• P0203 — P0203 means 'Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 3'. This is a related code that can appear if the circuit has a complete break instead of just low voltage.
• P0261, P0264, P0270, P0273, P0276 — These are 'Circuit Low' codes for other cylinders. If multiple injector codes appear together, it strongly points to a widespread wiring harness issue affecting several circuits, or a failing PCM.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP4924D: A broad TSB covering numerous injector codes (including P0267) across many GM models. It directs technicians to inspect the fuel injector wiring harness for shorts or rub-through damage.
• PIT5424: Similar to PIP4924D, this bulletin addresses multiple injector circuit codes and advises inspection of the engine harness routing for potential chafing, particularly between the ECM and the rear of the engine.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Known Wiring Harness Chafing: As documented in TSBs like PIP4924D and PIT5424, the engine wiring harness is known to rub against engine components, brackets, or the firewall, leading to shorts or open circuits for the fuel injectors. A specific point of failure noted for the 3.6L LFX engine is the harness rubbing on the sharp edge of the metal ECM bracket. Any diagnosis for P0267 on this vehicle must include a careful inspection of the harness.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Injector Coil Resistance (3.6L LFX) — expected: 1.5 - 2.5 ohms. Failure: A reading of OL (open circuit) or a significant deviation from this range indicates a failed injector coil.
• Injector Harness Supply Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: 11.5 – 12.5 Volts. Failure: Voltage below this range can indicate a problem with the power supply circuit to the injectors.
• High-Pressure Fuel System Pressure — expected: Up to 2,000-3,000 PSI. Failure: While not a direct cause of P0267, low high-side pressure (see codes like P0087) can indicate a failing High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP), a known issue on these engines.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Techline) or equivalent professional scan tool: Fuel Injector Balance Test / Cylinder Power Balance Test — This function allows a technician to disable one injector at a time while monitoring RPM or fuel pressure drop. If disabling cylinder 3 causes no change in engine operation (while disabling other cylinders does), it confirms cylinder 3 was not contributing, which is expected with a P0267 fault. It helps verify the symptom before starting physical inspection.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G102 — On the right rear of the engine (passenger side).. A poor engine ground can cause a variety of electrical issues, including erratic sensor and actuator behavior. Ensuring this primary ground is clean and tight is a foundational step.
• G112 / G113 — On the side or top of the engine block/cylinder head, often near the intake manifold.. These grounds are in close proximity to the fuel injector harness. A loose or corroded ground here can affect the injector driver circuits.
• ECM Connector (e.g., X1 or X2) — The main connectors at the Engine Control Module.. This is the termination point for the injector control circuit. A technician would test for continuity and shorts between the pin for the cylinder 3 injector at this connector and the pin at the injector connector itself to definitively test the wiring.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Car Forums Website User (Cadillac SRX 3.6L) — Check Engine Light with code P0203 (Injector Circuit Malfunction, a related code to P0267).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapping the fuel injector from cylinder 3 to another cylinder.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem remained on cylinder 3 after the injector swap, proving the injector was not the issue. Further diagnosis with an oscilloscope showed no signal from the PCM. A detailed inspection of the wiring harness found a chafed and open wire, consistent with TSB PIP4924D. Repairing the wire resolved the code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12638530 → 12669384 — Part has been updated by the manufacturer. Later revisions often address reliability or performance improvements.
  Heads up: While 12638530 was used on early 3.6L engines, the latest part number is 12669384. It is always recommended to use the latest part number and to replace injectors in a full set to ensure matched flow rates.
• 12632255 → 12669384 — Consolidation of part numbers into a newer, updated design.
  Heads up: This earlier part number is also superseded by 12669384 for the 3.6L engine.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2010-2011 vs 2012-2014: The primary engine changed from the 3.0L V6 (LF1) and 2.8L Turbo V6 (LAU) in 2010-2011 to the 3.6L V6 (LFX) from 2012-2014. While the engine architecture is similar (GM High Feature V6 family), the fuel injectors have different part numbers (e.g., 12632255 for 3.0L vs 12638530/12669384 for 3.6L). However, the primary cause of wiring harness chafing covered in TSB PIP4924D applies to all of these engines.