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)
Best-selling code reader on Amazon. Reads and clears check engine codes on any 1996+ vehicle. Under $30.
Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.
Affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
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
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
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:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 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
Related Codes
Explore More
Was this helpful?
Send this to whoever is fixing the car — your mechanic, or the person asking what the light means.