P0275: Cylinder 5 is contributing less power than the others
Cylinder 5 contribution / balance fault
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
No source here rates urgency. TroubleCodes.net says you may notice nothing, or reduced performance and economy, with rough idle or misfire if severe.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine idles roughly or misfires, which TroubleCodes.net says can happen when the fault is severe.
P0275 in short
P0275 means the engine computer found cylinder 5 contributing less power than the other cylinders. TroubleCodes.net lists dirty fuel injectors as the number one cause, then mechanical wear such as burnt valves, worn rings or a leaking head gasket. You may notice nothing, or a rough idle.
The computer compares how much each cylinder adds to the engine's speed. P0275 is the code for cylinder 5: its contribution is out of balance with the rest.
TroubleCodes.net names dirty injectors as the top cause, from poor fuel, weak filtering or carbon deposits. Diesel injectors that were replaced need a learning procedure, and mechanical faults in the cylinder can also cut its output.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Dirty or faulty injector on cylinder 5
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net cites dirty injectors as the number one cause.
- What would change this
- Rises if injector balance or flow tests show cylinder 5 behind the others. Falls if it matches the others.
Cause 2: Replaced diesel injector not learned
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net says diesel injectors need a learning procedure after replacement; it applies only if one was changed.
- What would change this
- Rises if the code began after injector work on a diesel. Falls otherwise.
Cause 3: Mechanical fault in the cylinder
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists burnt valves, worn rings and a leaking head gasket as reducing cylinder output.
- What would change this
- Rises if compression or leakdown is low on this cylinder. Falls if both are normal.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Have the cylinder 5 injector checked for flow and electrical operation against the other cylinders.
Warning:Fuel is flammable and rails hold pressure; a shop should depressurise the system and handle the injectors.
IfThe injector is clogged or out of range
It meansClean or replace it.
IfThe injector tests normal
It meansCheck cylinder mechanical condition.
Step 2: Have compression and leakdown tested on cylinder 5 and compared with the others.
Warning:The engine must be cranked with spark or injection disabled and the tester fitted in a hot cylinder head; a shop should do this.
IfCylinder is well below the others
It meansMechanical wear or head gasket leak.
IfReadings are even
It meansRecheck the injector learn and wiring.
Symptoms
- Often no noticeable symptom
- Reduced performance or fuel economy
- Rough idle or misfire if severe Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Car shaking with the check engine light on
How to fix
Step 1: Use a quality fuel and have the injectors checked before replacing parts.
Parts and cost context
- Fuel injector:Test the injector before replacing; labor varies, get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
VolkswagenYour car
2009–2010 · Touareg
Supported by vehicle dataVolkswagen bulletin TB011418 covers update programming for cylinder contribution faults including P0275. Whether it is still current is not verified.
TB011418Status unverified
Update programming for cylinder contribution faults including P0275
2009–2010touareg · issued · NHTSA 10241321
Volkswagen bulletin about update programming for cylinder contribution faults P0263, P0266, P0269, P0272, P0275 and/or P0278 stored in the ECM. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0275 yet.
Sources and review
- P0275 Cylinder 5 Contribution/Balance Fault
- TB011418: Update programming for cylinder contribution faults including P0275
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error