P0263 fault code: what it means

P0263: Cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault: cylinder 1 is not adding the same power as the others. Usually a diesel injector.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

worn or leaking injector
low compression in that cylinder
injector wiring fault

P0263 by make

Ford

Cylinder 1 injector contribution/balance fault: that cylinder is not doing its share. Rough idle, knock or smoke on the diesel.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; injector return leak; low compression on that cylinder; injector coding not done after replacement

GWM

GWM diesel ute: cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault. Rough idle or knock.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

Holden

Cylinder 1 contribution/balance: that cylinder isn't doing its share. Rough idle or knock.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

Hyundai

Cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault: that cylinder isn't pulling its weight. Rough idle, knock.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; injector return leak; low compression

Isuzu

Cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault. Rough idle, knock or smoke on the 3.0 diesel.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; injector return leak; low compression

Kia

Cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault: that cylinder isn't pulling its weight. Rough idle, knock.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; injector return leak; low compression

LDV

LDV diesel: cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault. Rough idle or knock.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

Mercedes-Benz

Cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault: that cylinder is doing more or less work. Usually a diesel injector.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; injector seal leak; low compression

What the repair usually costs

Compression and leak-down test with diagnosisNZ$140–NZ$420 · A$150–A$450
Engine replacement, reconditioned engine (4-cylinder)NZ$5,570–NZ$10,560 · A$5,070–A$9,720

Not sure what P0263 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.