Drivable short-term, but fix now to avoid damage.
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.
$150 – $600
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
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.
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.
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.
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.