Cylinder 5 Contribution/Balance Fault
The P0275 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 5 Contribution/Balance Fault. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $150 - $1,200 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Engine misfire on cylinder 5
- Rough idle and vibration
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Uneven power delivery
- Engine stumbles under load
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Faulty cylinder 5 fuel injector (incorrect fuel delivery) Very High
- Low compression in cylinder 5 High
- Leaking or clogged injector on cylinder 5 High
- Vacuum leak at cylinder 5 intake runner Moderate
- Worn camshaft lobe affecting cylinder 5 valves Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Perform a cylinder contribution test to compare each cylinder's power output
-
Run a compression test -- cylinder 5 should be within 10% of the highest reading
-
Swap cylinder 5 injector with another cylinder to determine if the injector is at fault
-
Check for vacuum leaks at cylinder 5 intake using a smoke machine
-
If compression is low, perform a leak-down test to identify the failure point
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0275?
You can drive short distances with light loads. Cylinder 5 is not contributing its fair share of power, making the engine less efficient and responsive.
Is a contribution fault the same as a misfire?
They are related but different. A misfire means the cylinder fails to fire completely. A contribution fault means the cylinder fires but produces less power than expected -- it may be underfueled or have low compression.
How much does a compression test cost?
A compression test at a repair shop typically costs $80-$150 for a four-cylinder engine and $100-$200 for a V6 or V8. It is a valuable diagnostic tool for contribution codes.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0275 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
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