P262E: Sensor Reference Voltage G Circuit High

With P262E the 5 V supply G that the engine module feeds to a sensor group sits above its upper limit. That points to an external voltage source getting onto the line, for example a reference wire rubbed through against a 12 V feed or a sensor signal wire, or to a regulator inside the module that no longer holds its setpoint. Sensors powered from G scale their outputs with this supply, so their readings rise and can become implausible; a hard short to battery voltage may also damage them. No manufacturer documents P262E publicly. Ford's 2012 summary treats more than 5.25 V on its reference A for 5 s as a short toward battery voltage, and GM's tables use 5.125 V as the ceiling for its collective reference codes. P262D is the low fault, P262F the plausibility fault on circuit G.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.

Symptoms

Check engine light
Readings of several sensors too high or implausible
Limp mode or reduced power possible

Most likely causes

Reference wire G shorted to a 12 V feed or another powered circuit
Sensor on the group feeding voltage back into the reference
Internal regulator of the engine module out of tolerance

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the battery and grounds
Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
Clear the code and see if it returns
If it is a reference voltage code, disconnect sensors one at a time and see if the voltage recovers
Check whether a software update is available
Do not replace the control module without a full diagnosis

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P262E means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
2: Generic code: same on every make
6: Control modules and outputs
2E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P262E?

It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.

What causes code P262E?

The most common causes are: reference wire G shorted to a 12 V feed or another powered circuit; sensor on the group feeding voltage back into the reference; internal regulator of the engine module out of tolerance.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.