Injectors

P0278 Cylinder balance: cylinder contribution out of line (cylinder 6)

By: Diagno editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-15

P0278 means: Cylinder balance: cylinder contribution out of line (cylinder 6). The computer compares how much each cylinder contributes to turning the engine. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The most common repair costs about €200–400 in Estonia, depending on make and model.

Is it safe to drive?Get it checked soonDrive gently and have the car checked soon.

Injector replacement€200–400parts and labour in Estonia, depending on make and model

What it means

The computer compares how much each cylinder contributes to turning the engine. One cylinder is out of line with the others.

What you may notice

The engine runs unevenly
Shaking at idle
Less power

What could be wrong

1Worn or clogged injector · Injector replacement €200–400
2Misfire (spark plug or coil on petrol) · Fuel system check €45–90
3Low compression in the cylinder · Engine mechanical repair (after compression test) €600–1200
4Injector wire or connector · Injector replacement €200–400

Repair difficulty: Hard

What you can check yourself

If it only shakes at idle, the injector is the most likely cause. Don't drive like this for long. Best left to a workshop. It needs a diagnostic tool and experience.

How we fix it

We check cylinder balance on the diagnostic tool
We test the injectors and, if needed, compression
We replace or repair the injector

Standard SAE description: Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault

This code usually comes with: Check engine lightSee what the light means →

Related symptoms: Car shaking or jerking

Want a definite answer?

Bring the car to our workshop in Estonia for diagnostics. We read the fault codes, test the sensors and tell you what is wrong. Repair price depends on the work involved, generally €45 per hour.

Book a diagnostic check

Questions

What does fault code P0278 mean?

Cylinder balance: cylinder contribution out of line (cylinder 6). The computer compares how much each cylinder contributes to turning the engine. One cylinder is out of line with the others.

Can I drive with code P0278?

Drive gently and have the car checked soon.

How much does it cost to fix P0278?

It depends on the cause: injector replacement €200–400; fuel system check €45–90; engine mechanical repair (after compression test) €600–1200. Prices include labour at €45/h, depending on make and model.

How is P0278 fixed?

We check cylinder balance on the diagnostic tool. We test the injectors and, if needed, compression. We replace or repair the injector.

Based on AI combined with our hands-on workshop experience and knowledge. This information is general and prices are approximate (Estonian workshop rates). The same code can mean different things on different cars. Only an inspection of the car gives a definite answer.