OBD code P1263 - High to Low Side Short

valkraider · **Posted:** Sat Jan 21, 2006 5:05 pm

I have a CEL and the code is P1263 which is a "Cylinder #3 High to Low Side Short".

I called the dealership, and they had no clue what it could be, but said that if the CEL is not flashing, that I can still drive the vehicle until I can get it in for diagnostics.

Do any of you have any idea what this might be? Should I be busting my arse to get this thing into the service department NOW, or should I just go as soon as I can get there easily?

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

Welcome to the code translation chapter of your CRD. When mine showed a P1267, it was a generic code that used to mean something else on Chrysler gas engines. When read by the dealer equipment, it was actually code P0671, P0674. Glow plug faults on plugs #1 and #4. EGR failure stressed glow plugs by overuse, and a day or two after the EGR was replaced, the glow plugs went. Result was slow starts, even in warm weather, black smoke like you wouldn't believe out the tailpipe and dog slow acceleration. Glow plugs replaced, runs better than ever, no more smoke.

If you have had an EGR replaced, it might be related to this. Five minutes and an ohmmeter will tell you for sure. With the engine OFF, take the plastic cover off the engine, and look at the driver side near the oil dipstick. There is a connector on the engine, with 4 black wires running down into the glow plugs. The other wire on the connector goes to the glow plug controller, mounted nearby on the fender well, next to the battery. Open the connector (with the engine OFF) and connect one end of your ohmmeter to engine ground and check the four pins inside the connector half going to the engine. Good glow plugs should read from .5 to 1.5 ohms. If they are outside this range, its bad glowplugs. If they read within this range, they should be good and you're off to the dealer to see whats up.

Good luck...

valkraider · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:06 pm

You are correct!

I have not had the EGR replaced. But it was glow plugs.

The code it read was "P1263: Cyl #3 High to Low Side Short"

The actual trouble was: "P0672: Cyl #2 Glow Plug Circuit"

They are replacing the glow plug.

We'll see...

Maybe we should add this to the FAQ...

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

Maybe we should... I think we'll be seeing more glowplugs go out, and not necessarily due only to EGR failures. These glow plugs are the latest Bosch design, running at 7 volts D.C. instead of 12 volts. According to Bosch, the design is to enable good glow plug operation in cold temperatures, while cranking the starter. They say that battery voltage drops under cold cranking conditions to 8 volts and these glow plugs will continue to operate correctly under these conditions. A good idea, but service technicians are used to 12 volt glow plugs.

I have heard some mechanics tell other technicians, "Connect battery to the glow plugs and see if they're good". Some web sites have troubleshooting tips recommending the same thing. This was correct when glow plugs were 12 volts!
The only warning sticker on our CRD's is right on the front of the timing cover about the 7vdc glow plugs. The CRD FSM has dire warnings about how these glow plugs will not tolerate 12 vdc for any period of time and will burn out very quickly with 12 volts applied. How many techs are not even looking at that warning sticker when diagnosing hard start problems?

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

valkraider wrote:

You are correct!

I have not had the EGR replaced. But it was glow plugs.

The code it read was "P1263: Cyl #3 High to Low Side Short"

The actual trouble was: "P0672: Cyl #2 Glow Plug Circuit"

They are replacing the glow plug.

We'll see...

Maybe we should add this to the FAQ...

Lucky you

Number 2 and 3 glow plugs require alternator loosening and removal of the intake pipe to replace!!! 1 and 4 can be done without too much trouble.

PS I'd be interested if you asked your Jeep parts department if you can buy a spare glow plug. When I tried, they told me that Star had them on restriction and they would be only sold to dealers.

valkraider · **Posted:** Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:24 pm

I did not ask, as *I* will not be replacing a glow plug for another 93,000 miles.

But I am sure some quick calls to other dealer parts counters would find out for sure..

kidjedi · **Posted:** Fri Dec 23, 2016 5:24 pm

Ranger1 wrote:

Lucky you

Number 2 and 3 glow plugs require alternator loosening and removal of the intake pipe to replace!!! 1 and 4 can be done without too much trouble.

Super old thread, but others may stumble across it when looking for solutions to Glow Plug problems. I just wanted to add that if you have done the EGR delete that involves welding the elbow shut (or Stage II which is essentially removing the metal pipe) you can get to your 2, 3, 4 glow plugs pretty easily from underneath! No removing the alternator.

OBD code P1263 - High to Low Side Short

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