Drivable short-term, but fix now to avoid damage.
This code means the engine computer sees cylinder 1 producing less power than the other cylinders, a balance or contribution fault. It usually points to a weak or clogged fuel injector, low compression, a fuel delivery issue, or a mechanical problem in that cylinder. Repairs depend on the cause and commonly involve testing the injector, compression, and fuel delivery before replacing the faulty part.
$150 – $1200
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Short distances are usually fine, but don't rely on it. A weak cylinder often means a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter over time. Get it diagnosed soon, and if the engine is vibrating heavily or losing significant power, avoid driving until repaired.
If it's a fuel injector or wiring, repairs often range from $150 to $600. If the cause is low compression or a mechanical issue in the cylinder, costs can climb toward $1,200 or more. Diagnosis is key since the price depends heavily on the root cause.
Yes, it's fairly serious because cylinder 1 isn't pulling its weight, which can stem from a misfire or even a mechanical problem. Continued driving risks catalytic converter damage and worse engine issues. It deserves prompt attention.
It means the computer compares how much each cylinder contributes and found cylinder 1 lagging behind the others. That imbalance usually traces to a weak injector, low compression, or a fuel delivery problem in that cylinder. A technician runs balance and compression tests to find the exact cause.