P0272 fault code: what it means

P0272: Cylinder 4 contribution/balance fault. 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

P0272 by make

Ford

Cylinder 4 injector contribution/balance fault. Rough idle, knock or smoke.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; injector return leak; low compression; injector coding not done

GWM

GWM diesel ute: cylinder 4 contribution/balance fault.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

Holden

Cylinder 4 contribution/balance.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

Isuzu

Cylinder 4 contribution/balance fault.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

LDV

LDV diesel: cylinder 4 contribution/balance fault.

Usual causes: worn or leaking injector; low compression

Mercedes-Benz

Cylinder 4 contribution/balance fault. 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 P0272 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.