OBD-II DTC P0276 – Cylinder 5 Contribution/Balance Fault
DTC P0276 meaning
DTC P0276 refers to a “Cylinder 5 Contribution/Balance Fault.” This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected an imbalance in the performance of cylinder 5 compared to the other cylinders in the engine. This imbalance can be due to various factors affecting the cylinder’s ability to contribute to the engine’s overall power output.
DTC P0276 symptoms
Common symptoms associated with DTC P0276 may include:
- Rough engine idle
- Decreased engine performance
- Increased fuel consumption
- Engine misfires
- Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated
DTC P0276 causes
Several factors can lead to the triggering of DTC P0276, including:
- Faulty fuel injector for cylinder 5
- Vacuum leaks affecting cylinder 5
- Worn or damaged piston rings
- Faulty ignition coil or spark plug for cylinder 5
- Low compression in cylinder 5
- Faulty ECM or wiring issues
DTC P0276 seriousness
DTC P0276 can be considered serious as it indicates that cylinder 5 is not functioning properly, which can lead to:
- Increased emissions
- Potential engine damage if left unaddressed
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Overall poor engine performance
How to diagnose DTC P0276
To diagnose DTC P0276, follow these steps:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the code and check for any additional codes.
- Inspect the engine for visible issues such as vacuum leaks or damaged components.
- Perform a compression test on cylinder 5 to check for mechanical issues.
- Test the fuel injector operation for cylinder 5.
- Check the ignition system components related to cylinder 5.
How to fix DTC P0276 step-by-step instructions
To fix DTC P0276, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Address any vacuum leaks found during the diagnosis.
- If the fuel injector is faulty, replace it with a new one.
- Replace any damaged spark plugs or ignition coils for cylinder 5.
- If low compression is detected, consider rebuilding or replacing the engine components.
- Clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner and test drive the vehicle to ensure the issue is resolved.
How to erase DTC P0276
To erase DTC P0276, follow these steps:
- Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Navigate to the “Erase Codes” or “Clear DTCs” option on the scanner.
- Confirm the action to clear the codes.
- Disconnect the scanner and start the engine to check if the code returns.
Recommended tools for OBD-II diagnostics
Explore our expert picks: The Best OBD2 Scanners for 2025
Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.