P0273 — Cylinder 4 Contribution/Balance Fault
Drivable short-term, but fix now to avoid damage.
What P0273 means
This code means the engine computer detected that cylinder 4 is contributing unevenly to engine power compared to the rest. It usually points to a clogged or leaking injector, a fuel delivery issue, or a mechanical problem like low compression on that cylinder. Fixes range from cleaning or replacing the injector to repairing fuel or compression issues.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Rough idle or engine vibration
- Engine misfire or stumble
- Noticeable loss of power
- Poor fuel economy
Common causes
- Clogged or dirty fuel injector on cylinder 4
- Leaking or stuck-open injector
- Low compression in cylinder 4
- Vacuum or intake leak affecting that cylinder
- Fuel delivery or fuel pressure problem
Typical repair cost
$150 – $600
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0273 code?
Short trips are usually possible, but it's not recommended for long. A weak cylinder makes the engine run rough and can damage the catalytic converter. Have it checked promptly to avoid costlier repairs.
How much does it cost to fix a P0273 code?
Costs generally run from around $150 to $600. Cleaning or replacing an injector is cheaper, while diagnosing compression or fuel pressure problems adds labor and cost.
Is a P0273 code serious?
Yes, it's fairly serious because a cylinder isn't performing properly. This can lead to misfires, poor fuel economy, and converter damage over time. It's best to fix it soon.
Why is cylinder 4 contributing less than the others?
It usually means that cylinder is getting the wrong amount of fuel or has a mechanical weakness like low compression. The computer compares each cylinder's power and flags the one that's out of balance, in this case cylinder 4.