How to Fix P0272 Code on a 6.0L Powerstroke (Step-by-Step)

Onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems help to identify particular issues by providing different codes. Current vehicle manufacturers get the upper hand due to these codes, as most manufacturers universally approve them. Among the codes, P0272 dtc might be the one that brings you in this article.

That said, the P0272 code on 6.0 powerstroke means that there are issues with the balance or contribution section of cylinder #4. It happens when the acceleration rate is lesser than a calibrated amount.

When this P0272 code appears on your OBD system, the first question that may arise in your mind is how you are going to fix it. This is where we come and get you through the whole path. So, let’s start discussing the ways to fix the P0272 code.

How to Fix P0272 Code on a 6.0L Powerstroke

What Does P0272 Code Mean On 6.0 Powerstroke?

The code P0272 means the 6.0 Powerstroke engine has an out-of-range reference voltage in fuel injector cylinder #4. There is an acceptable range of reference voltage fixed by the Powerstroke engine manufacturers for this engine.

Therefore, this code will appear whenever the voltage shows an unacceptable amount, whether it’s too high or too low. When the fuel injector can’t get the recommended amount, then it means the injector isn’t getting enough power to keep the engine running.

So, the 6.0 Powerstroke engine has to work harder, and the cylinder head may get heated up and damaged. We can learn more about the issue while discussing the causes and solutions later.

P = Powertrain
0 = A SAE Standard generic number
2 = The system that caused the issue, in this case, a fuel injector cylinder.
72 = Describes the issue specifically. In this case, an out-of-range reference voltage in fuel injector cylinder #4.

How Serious Is Code P0272 On 6.0 Powerstroke?

You should fix the P0272 code as soon as possible because the engine won’t work properly if you don’t address it immediately. Your 6.0 Powerstroke engine will become unreliable because you must regularly fill the gas tank. It will cost you a lot as well.

Even in the worst scenario, due to the overwork of cylinder #4, the 6.0 Powerstroke engine may become badly damaged. Repairs won’t be easy then, and it will cost you a lot of fortune simultaneously.

When the 6.0 Powerstroke engine gets damaged, it can also risk your vehicle’s condition. Running the 6.0 Powerstroke engine with this code may put your vehicle in severe engine damage shortly.

What Causes Code P0272 On 6.0 Powerstroke?

A few reasons cause code P0272 on the 6.0 Powerstroke engine. For starters, not getting cleaned regularly can be one of the reasons. Along with this, these are the things that cause code P0272 on the 6.0 Powerstroke engine:

Faulty Fuel Injector Cylinder #4
Poor Electrical Connection
Shorted or Opened Harness
Clogged Fuel Injector Cylinder #4

In extremely rare cases, the PCM may be mistaken somehow. But mostly it happens due to the above causes.

Other Symptoms Of Getting P0272 Code On 6.0 Powerstroke

When the Code P0272 appears on the 6.0 Powerstroke engine, it will show some symptoms to ensure that the OBD system identifies the code right. So, here are those symptoms of getting the P0272 Code on the 6.0 Powerstroke engine as follows:

Misfiring Engine
Roughly Idle Engine
Struggling Accelerated Engine
Check Engine Light Coming On

When these symptoms start showing on your 6.0 Powerstroke engines, you can be sure that the P0272 code is the reason behind this. Those symptoms can appear more than once before the Code P0272.

How To Fix P0272 Code On 6.0 Powerstroke?

First, the mechanic needs to diagnose the trouble code P0272 on the 6.0 Powerstroke engine. When the code is diagnosed, a mechanic can move on to the steps to fix it. Here are the ways to fix the P0272 Code on the 6.0 Powerstroke as follows:

Proper cleaning of the fuel system regularly.
Replacement of the fuel injectors cylinders.
Replacement of the connectors and wiring.

Apart from these fixes, you can check the below-mentioned issues individually and fix them as well:

1. Repair The Faulty Fuel Injector Cylinder #4

When the fuel injector of the #The 4 cylinder gets faulty, code P0272 appears on the 6.0 powerstroke engine. To fix this issue, you need to check the condition of the fuel injector in the first place.

If it seems repairable, then you can repair it. Otherwise, it would be ideal for replacing it with a new one because this will also ensure optimal fuel injector performance in the future.

2. Check The Electrical Connection

6.0 Powerstroke engine requires a certain amount of electrical connection. When the engine doesn’t get the prescribed electrical connection, the P0272 code appears. But this poor electrical connection mostly occurs due to negligence.

When the plug is not set properly, the connection remains loose, resulting in poor electrical connection. So, whenever this code P0272 appears on powerstroke 6.0, you better check the connection first and make sure it’s plugged properly.

3. Replace The Shorted or Opened Harness

Code P0272 occurs on a 6.0 Powerstroke engine when the wire gets shorted or opened. So, you better look for the shorted or opened harness whenever this code appears. If you find any, you can move to the step to fix it.

The fix is quite easy; start with removing the wire connector. Identify the shorted harness and replace it with a new one. Remove the belt, connect it with the wire, and it will fix this issue right away.

4. UnClog the Fuel Injector Cylinder #4

As we have mentioned earlier about the powerstroke 6.0 faulty fuel injector of cylinder #4, the code P0272 occurs due to clogged fuel injectors. Damaged fuel injectors may not always cause the code; a clogged one can also bring the code.

So, you better look for the clogged piece of fuel injector first. If you can find one, just remove the clogs and clean the entire fuel injector properly. And your engine will get rid of the code P0272 in no time.

This code can get fixed easily if those steps are followed immediately after the code diagnosis. But if the vehicle owner is allowed to persist with this code, it can result in other engine damages. In that case, repairs will be very expensive.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix 6.0 Powerstroke P0272 Code?

The cost to fix the 6.0 Powerstroke P0272 code mostly depends on the cost of diagnosing the issue and finding the replacement cost of the parts. In our case, the diagnosis cost of the P0272 code is an hour of labor.

Now the hourly rate does vary from place to place. Even the diagnosis time also can vary by location. But one hour of labor is the perfect time to fix this code. For the 6.0 Powerstroke engine, the repair shops charge $75-$150 per hour. So, fixing Code P0272 may cost $75-$150.

Can You Drive Your 6.0 Powerstroke With P0272 Code?

You should never drive your 6.0 Powerstroke with Code P0272 because it is recommended not to do so by the engine and vehicle experts. Whenever this code appears on your vehicle, you should take your vehicle for fixing to the mechanic as soon as possible.

Otherwise, it may damage the entire engine, costing you a lot of cash. With this code on, your fuel system won’t work perfectly, and the injectors won’t get synced. Therefore, it can cost you a damaged engine in no time if you drive your 6.0 Powerstroke with a P0272 Code.

Conclusion

For many people, fixing the code P0272 on 6.0 powerstroke may seems quite troublesome. It happens because they don’t know how, when, and where to start fixing this code P0272. Even the mechanic can’t ensure the right steps to follow sometimes. Therefore, they try to follow all the steps mentioned in our fixing section.

In that way, the code gets fixed in no time, and the engine stays intact and solid. Your fuel system will work perfectly, and the injectors won’t get overheated. Your driving experience will remain like before after getting the fixes right to this Code P0272.