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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What Are the Symptoms of P0275?
- Engine misfire on cylinder 5
- Rough idle and vibration
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Uneven power delivery
- Engine stumbles under load
What Causes P0275? (Most Likely First)
- 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
Can I Still Drive with P0275?
Short distances only. P0275 is rated moderate severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
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.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose P0275?
-
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
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If compression is low, perform a leak-down test to identify the failure point
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
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:
Which Vehicles Commonly Get P0275?
- 2008-2018 Ford F-350 Powerstroke
- 2010-2019 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax
- 2006-2016 Dodge Ram Cummins
- 2009-2018 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Diesel
- 2007-2017 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
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