OBD Guide

P0269

Cylinder 3 Contribution/Balance

P0269 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Cylinder 3 Contribution/Balance. Common causes: low compression in cylinder 3 (wear of rings, valves), cylinder 3 injector malfunction. Estimated repair cost: $11–278.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$11–278 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Rough, vibrating engine operation
  • Reduced power and traction
  • Misfires
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Check Engine Light Illuminates

Causes

  • Low compression in cylinder 3 (wear of rings, valves)
  • Cylinder 3 injector malfunction
  • Faulty spark plug for cylinder 3
  • Malfunction of the ignition coil of cylinder 3
  • Air leak in the intake manifold

How to Fix

  1. Read codes and check for skip codes (P0303)
  2. Replace spark plug for cylinder 3 and check operation
  3. Reposition the ignition coil and check if the error moves
  4. Measure compression in cylinder 3
  5. Check cylinder 3 injector for flow and spray
  6. Check the intake manifold for leaks

Related codes

Error P0269 by Vehicle Brand

FAQ

What does the P0269 code mean?

P0269 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Cylinder 3 Contribution/Balance

What causes a P0269 error code?

The most common causes of P0269 include: Low compression in cylinder 3 (wear of rings, valves); Cylinder 3 injector malfunction; Faulty spark plug for cylinder 3; Malfunction of the ignition coil of cylinder 3.

How do I fix a P0269 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0269: Read codes and check for skip codes (P0303). Replace spark plug for cylinder 3 and check operation. Reposition the ignition coil and check if the error moves. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0269?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix P0269?

The estimated repair cost for P0269 is $11–278. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

See also: Russian version · NationStat