OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0273 Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance
The ECU compares torque contribution of cylinder 2 against other cylinders by analyzing crankshaft angular velocity. Persistent low contribution triggers this code.
Is it safe to drive with P0273?
Usually safe for short trips, but don’t ignore it: the underlying fault can get more expensive over time.
Common causes
- Most likelyInjector flow low
- PossibleLow compression cylinder 2
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Hard
- DIY friendly
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1–6 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Fuel Injector, Ignition Coil, Spark Plug, Compression
Related codes
- P0275Cylinder 5 Contribution/Balance
- P0278Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance
- P0281Cylinder 7 Contribution/Balance
- P0284Cylinder 8 Contribution/Balance
- P0287Cylinder 9 Contribution/Balance
- P0290Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance
- P0293Cylinder 11 Contribution/Balance
- P0296Cylinder 12 Contribution/Balance
- P0270Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low
- P0271Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit High
- P0272Cylinder 4 Contribution/Balance Fault
- P0274Cylinder 5 Injector A Circuit High
- P0276Cylinder 6 Injector A Circuit Low
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.