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Home / DTC / P0278 — Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance

P0278 — Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance

Detailed page for trouble code P0278.

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Code

P0278

Generic P — Powertrain

Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance

Brand: Generic
Type: P — Powertrain
Views: UK: 13 EN: 21 RU: 12
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty ignition components on cylinder 6 (coil, spark plug, plug wire)
  • Faulty or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 6
  • Low compression in cylinder 6 (worn rings, burned valve, head gasket)
  • Intake or exhaust leakage affecting cylinder 6
  • Wiring harness or connector fault to injector or ignition coil
  • ECM/PCM driver fault or software issue

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Rough idle or vibration
  • Reduced engine power and acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy and increased emissions
  • Possible stumble or hesitation under load
  • Misfire-specific codes may also be present (e.g., P0306)

What to check

  • Read freeze frame and full code history; note related codes (P0306, P0206, P0171/P0172, etc.)
  • Scan tool: monitor per-cylinder misfire counters and contribution/balance test values
  • Visual inspection of spark plug, coil, injector, and connectors on cylinder 6
  • Check ignition coil and spark plug condition and gap
  • Measure fuel rail pressure and check injector pulse (using lab scope or scan tool)
  • Perform a cylinder compression or leak-down test on cylinder 6 vs others

Signal parameters

  • Cylinder contribution/balance value (scan tool value) — deviation from baseline
  • Individual cylinder misfire counts and PIDs
  • Short-term and long-term fuel trim (STFT/LTFT) by bank and per-cylinder if available
  • Injector pulse width (ms) and duty cycle for cylinder 6
  • Ignition coil primary/secondary waveform (V and mV) or dwell
  • Fuel rail pressure (psi or bar) and fuel pressure regulator operation

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve and record codes, freeze frame, and live data. Note if P0306 (cylinder 6 misfire) or injector/ignition circuit codes are present.
  2. Clear codes and perform a road or snap-idle test while monitoring cylinder contribution and misfire counts to reproduce the fault.
  3. Perform a visual inspection: check spark plug condition, coil boot, injector connector, wiring harness, and ground connections for cylinder 6.
  4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 6 with another cylinder and test again. If the code follows the coil, replace the coil.
  5. Swap the fuel injector from cylinder 6 with a known-good cylinder and re-test. If the condition follows the injector, service/replace it.
  6. Measure injector resistance and check injector operation with a lab scope or noid light to confirm pulse and proper atomization.
  7. Check fuel rail pressure and volume to rule out supply issues affecting one injector's performance.
  8. Perform a static compression test, and if low, do a cylinder leakage (leak-down) test to identify mechanical faults (valve, piston, head gasket).
  9. Inspect intake and exhaust near cylinder 6 for leaks (gaskets, manifold cracks) that could alter contribution readings.
  10. Verify cam/crank timing and sensor signals (waveforms) to ensure correct valve timing and synchronization.
  11. If wiring or connectors are suspect, perform back-probing and voltage/continuity checks on injector and coil circuits; repair as needed.
  12. If component swaps and tests do not isolate the issue, consider ECM/PCM driver fault or advanced diagnostics by an experienced technician or dealer scanner with manufacturer-specific tests.

Likely causes

  • Bad ignition coil or spark plug on cylinder 6
  • Clogged or failed fuel injector for cylinder 6
  • Low compression in cylinder 6 (mechanical issue)
  • Loose or corroded wiring/connector to coil or injector
  • Intermittent sensor (cam/crank) or timing related problem

Fault status

⚠️ Status
MIL (Check Engine Light) may be illuminated. Code can be stored as active or pending depending on occurrences and drive cycle. Freeze frame data often available showing conditions when the fault was set.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Workshop Manuals

Available brands with manuals

2
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Workshop Manual
Years: 2008 Manual in English Pages: 187 4.9 MB
Short description

Workshop manual for the 6‑speed manual gearbox 0B1 (front‑wheel drive). Includes identification, technical data, gearbox/selector removal & installation procedures, clutch hydraulics, adjustment instructions and front differential service. Applicable to Audi A4, Audi A5 (Coupé, Cabriolet, Sportback) and Audi Q5 as referenced in the manual. Edition: 05.2014.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Identification
  • 1.1 Gearbox identification
  • 2 Technical data
  • 2.1 Allocation of gearbox to engine
  • 2.1.1 Allocation - Audi A4 2008 ►
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  • 2.1.3 Allocation - Audi A5 Cabriolet 2009 ►
  • 2.1.4 Allocation - Audi Q5 2008 ►
  • 2.2 Capacities
  • 3 Transmission layout
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Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002

Workshop Manual
Years: 1997 Manual in English Pages: 283 4.3 MB
Short description

Service manual for Audi A3 (1997) 1.6L 4‑cylinder (2‑valve) engines (codes AEH, AKL, APF). Includes technical data, engine removal/installation, crankshaft group, cylinder head and valve gear, lubrication, cooling and exhaust system procedures. Edition 07.2002.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data ............................................................1
  • 1 Technical data ............................................................1
  • 1.1 Technical data .......................................................1
  • 1.2 Engine number .......................................................1
  • 1.3 Engine data ........................................................1
  • 10 - Removing and installing engine ..........................................3
  • 1 Removing and installing engine .........................................3
  • 1.1 Removing and installing engine ....................................3
  • 1.2 Removing - vehicles with engine codes AEH, AKL .....................4
  • 1.3 Removing - vehicles with engine code APF ..........................18
  • 1.4 Detaching engine from gearbox ...................................35
  • 1.5 Attaching engine to repair stand ................................38
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Workshop Manual
Years: 2004 Manual in English Pages: 235 3.8 MB
Short description

Official workshop manual for the Audi A3 2.0L FSI turbo engine (mechanics). Includes step‑by‑step removal/install procedures, technical data, tightening torques and diagnostic/repair instructions. Intended for professional garages and experienced technicians.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Engine number
  • 2 Engine data (code letters AXX, BPY, BWA, BHZ, BZC, CDL — capacity, power, torque, bore/stroke, compression, ignition)
  • 3 Safety precautions
  • 3.1 Working on the fuel system
  • 3.2 Procedure before opening high-pressure section
  • 3.3 Working on the cooling system
  • 3.4 Using testers during road test
  • 3.5 Working on the exhaust system
  • 4 General repair instructions
  • 4.1 Cleanliness rules for fuel/injection/turbo
  • 4.2 Checking fuel system for leaks
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Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2004 Manual in English Pages: 150 68.2 MB
Short description

Workshop manual for the Audi A3 (2004) — Electrical system. Includes procedures for battery, starter, alternator, gauges, wipers, exterior/interior lighting and wiring. Edition 02.2018.

Contents
Key sections:
  • List of Workshop Manual Repair Groups
  • - 27 Starter, current supply, CCS
  • - 90 Gauges, instruments
  • - 92 Windscreen wash/wipe system
  • - 94 Lights, bulbs, switches - exterior
  • - 96 Lights, bulbs, switches - interior
  • - 97 Wiring
  • 27 - Starter, current supply, CCS
  • 1 Contact corrosion
  • 2 Battery
  • 2.1 Battery - general notes
  • 2.2 Maintenance-free batteries
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Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007

Workshop Manual
Years: 2001–2003 Manual in English Pages: 307 7.3 MB
Short description

Comprehensive workshop manual for Audi A4 (2001) and A4 Cabriolet (2003) with the 4.2 L V8, 5‑valve engine with timing chains (Engine IDs BBK/BHF). Includes step‑by‑step procedures for engine removal/installation, crankshaft and timing chain service, cylinder head/valve gear, lubrication, cooling and exhaust system repairs. Intended for professional technicians and service workshops.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
  • 1 Engine number
  • 2 Engine data (Codes: BBK / BHF; 4.163 l; 253 kW @7000 rpm; torque 410–420 Nm; bore 84.5 mm; stroke 92.8 mm; compression ratio 11.5; RON 98)
  • 3 Safety precautions
  • 4 General repair instructions (cleanliness, fuel system, contact corrosion)
  • 10 - Removing and installing engine
  • 1 Removing engine - vehicles with manual gearbox
  • 1.1 Removing engine (tools, drain fluids, remove bumper, lock carrier, disconnect wiring, fuel, coolant, A/C lines, suspension components, propshaft, exhaust, support engine on platform, lower assembly)
  • 1.2 Separating engine and gearbox (subframe removal, support sets, remove front exhaust pipes, bolt sequence)
  • 1.3 Securing engine to engine and gearbox stand (lifting tackle, VAS 6095 support)
  • 1.4 Installing engine (clutch remarks, alignment, torque values)
  • 2 Removing and installing engine - vehicles with automatic gearbox (procedure parallels manual gearbox with ATF/torque converter notes)
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Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2001 Manual in English Pages: 259 2.0 MB
Short description

Workshop Manual for Audi A4 and A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater (Edition 08.2004). Contains self-diagnosis procedures, fault tables, electrical and fuel system checks, final control tests, CO₂ exhaust adjustment and step-by-step removal/installation and repair procedures. Intended for professional workshop use.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 01 - Self-diagnosis, electrical checks
  • 1 Auxiliary heater self-diagnosis
  • 1.1 Technical data of self-diagnosis
  • 1.2 Function
  • 1.3 Fault recognition
  • 1.4 Guided fault-finding
  • 1.5 Technical data of self-diagnosis
  • 1.6 Test requirements for self-diagnosis
  • 1.7 Safety precautions
  • 2 Self-diagnosis procedure
  • 2.1 Connecting vehicle diagnostic VAS 5051A/K-wire adapter
  • 2.1.1 Control unit identification
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Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2001 Manual in English Pages: 34 851.0 KB
Short description

Service manual for Audi A4 (2001‑) and A4 Cabriolet (2003‑) with 1.8L 4‑cylinder turbo engines. Covers Motronic fuel injection and ignition systems, diagnostic and maintenance procedures. Includes technical data, removal/installation steps and system checks.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 24 - Mixture preparation - injection
  • 1 Safety precautions and rules for cleanliness
  • 1.1 General notes on self-diagnosis
  • 1.2 Safety precautions when using testers and measuring instruments during a road test
  • 1.3 Rules for cleanliness and instructions for working on fuel system
  • 1.4 Checking vacuum system
  • 2 Injection system
  • 2.1 Technical data
  • 2.2 Overview of fitting locations - injection system
  • 3 Intake manifold
  • 3.1 Exploded view - intake manifold
  • 3.2 Removing and installing intake manifold
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Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2003 Manual in English Pages: 369 9.1 MB
Short description

Comprehensive workshop manual for the Audi A8 (2003) electrical system — Edition 08.2014. Covers battery, alternator, starter, instrument cluster, wiper/washer systems, exterior/interior lighting and wiring repair procedures with step-by-step illustrations. Includes diagnostic and adjustment procedures and torque/data specifications.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 27 - Starter, current supply, CCS
  • 1 Contact corrosion
  • 2 Battery
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  • 2.2 Maintenance-free batteries
  • 2.3 Disconnecting and connecting battery
  • 2.4 Removing and installing battery
  • - Remove luggage compartment side trim (right-side)
  • - Connect battery charger for back-up power
  • - Detach earth and positive cables, central venting hose
  • - Remove battery retainer plate and lift battery out
  • - Installation notes, adaptation via Vehicle diagnostic tester
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Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685

Workshop Manual
Years: 2021 Manual in English Pages: 186 82.7 MB
Short description

Official Audi Service Training self‑study programme SSP 685 for the Audi Q4 e‑tron (Type F4). Covers body, power units, power transmission, running gear, electrics & electronics, high‑voltage system, thermal management, driver assist and infotainment. Intended for internal service training and technical familiarisation; not a workshop repair manual.

Contents
Key sections:
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  • - Dash panel and centre console
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Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2018 Manual in English Pages: 645 14.8 MB
Short description

Workshop manual for the Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System. Includes technical data, safety notes and step‑by‑step repair procedures for battery/charging, starter/alternator, lighting, washer/wiper and wiring. Edition 05.2019.

Contents
Key sections:
  • 00 - Technical data
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  • 1.1 Safety precautions when working on vehicles with start/stop system
  • 1.2 Safety precautions when using testers and measuring instruments during a road test
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  • 2.2 General notes
  • 2.3 Contact corrosion
  • 2.4 ESD (electrostatic discharge) workplace
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Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)

Workshop Manual
Years: 2008–2019 Manual in English Pages: 128 11.1 MB
Short description

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Code

P0278

GWM P — Powertrain

- 6 cylinder is incorrectly balanced

Brand: GWM
Type: P — Powertrain
Views: UK: 0 EN: 3 RU: 0
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty ignition components on cylinder 6 (coil, spark plug, plug wire)
  • Faulty or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 6
  • Low compression in cylinder 6 (worn rings, burned valve, head gasket)
  • Intake or exhaust leakage affecting cylinder 6
  • Wiring harness or connector fault to injector or ignition coil
  • ECM/PCM driver fault or software issue

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Rough idle or vibration
  • Reduced engine power and acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy and increased emissions
  • Possible stumble or hesitation under load
  • Misfire-specific codes may also be present (e.g., P0306)

What to check

  • Read freeze frame and full code history; note related codes (P0306, P0206, P0171/P0172, etc.)
  • Scan tool: monitor per-cylinder misfire counters and contribution/balance test values
  • Visual inspection of spark plug, coil, injector, and connectors on cylinder 6
  • Check ignition coil and spark plug condition and gap
  • Measure fuel rail pressure and check injector pulse (using lab scope or scan tool)
  • Perform a cylinder compression or leak-down test on cylinder 6 vs others

Signal parameters

  • Cylinder contribution/balance value (scan tool value) — deviation from baseline
  • Individual cylinder misfire counts and PIDs
  • Short-term and long-term fuel trim (STFT/LTFT) by bank and per-cylinder if available
  • Injector pulse width (ms) and duty cycle for cylinder 6
  • Ignition coil primary/secondary waveform (V and mV) or dwell
  • Fuel rail pressure (psi or bar) and fuel pressure regulator operation

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve and record codes, freeze frame, and live data. Note if P0306 (cylinder 6 misfire) or injector/ignition circuit codes are present.
  2. Clear codes and perform a road or snap-idle test while monitoring cylinder contribution and misfire counts to reproduce the fault.
  3. Perform a visual inspection: check spark plug condition, coil boot, injector connector, wiring harness, and ground connections for cylinder 6.
  4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 6 with another cylinder and test again. If the code follows the coil, replace the coil.
  5. Swap the fuel injector from cylinder 6 with a known-good cylinder and re-test. If the condition follows the injector, service/replace it.
  6. Measure injector resistance and check injector operation with a lab scope or noid light to confirm pulse and proper atomization.
  7. Check fuel rail pressure and volume to rule out supply issues affecting one injector's performance.
  8. Perform a static compression test, and if low, do a cylinder leakage (leak-down) test to identify mechanical faults (valve, piston, head gasket).
  9. Inspect intake and exhaust near cylinder 6 for leaks (gaskets, manifold cracks) that could alter contribution readings.
  10. Verify cam/crank timing and sensor signals (waveforms) to ensure correct valve timing and synchronization.
  11. If wiring or connectors are suspect, perform back-probing and voltage/continuity checks on injector and coil circuits; repair as needed.
  12. If component swaps and tests do not isolate the issue, consider ECM/PCM driver fault or advanced diagnostics by an experienced technician or dealer scanner with manufacturer-specific tests.

Likely causes

  • Bad ignition coil or spark plug on cylinder 6
  • Clogged or failed fuel injector for cylinder 6
  • Low compression in cylinder 6 (mechanical issue)
  • Loose or corroded wiring/connector to coil or injector
  • Intermittent sensor (cam/crank) or timing related problem

Fault status

⚠️ Status
MIL (Check Engine Light) may be illuminated. Code can be stored as active or pending depending on occurrences and drive cycle. Freeze frame data often available showing conditions when the fault was set.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Keep it short and practical. Up to 500 characters.
Send to email
Code

P0278

HUMMER P — Powertrain

Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault

Brand: HUMMER
Type: P — Powertrain
Views: UK: 3 EN: 7 RU: 4
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty ignition components on cylinder 6 (coil, spark plug, plug wire)
  • Faulty or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 6
  • Low compression in cylinder 6 (worn rings, burned valve, head gasket)
  • Intake or exhaust leakage affecting cylinder 6
  • Wiring harness or connector fault to injector or ignition coil
  • ECM/PCM driver fault or software issue

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Rough idle or vibration
  • Reduced engine power and acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy and increased emissions
  • Possible stumble or hesitation under load
  • Misfire-specific codes may also be present (e.g., P0306)

What to check

  • Read freeze frame and full code history; note related codes (P0306, P0206, P0171/P0172, etc.)
  • Scan tool: monitor per-cylinder misfire counters and contribution/balance test values
  • Visual inspection of spark plug, coil, injector, and connectors on cylinder 6
  • Check ignition coil and spark plug condition and gap
  • Measure fuel rail pressure and check injector pulse (using lab scope or scan tool)
  • Perform a cylinder compression or leak-down test on cylinder 6 vs others

Signal parameters

  • Cylinder contribution/balance value (scan tool value) — deviation from baseline
  • Individual cylinder misfire counts and PIDs
  • Short-term and long-term fuel trim (STFT/LTFT) by bank and per-cylinder if available
  • Injector pulse width (ms) and duty cycle for cylinder 6
  • Ignition coil primary/secondary waveform (V and mV) or dwell
  • Fuel rail pressure (psi or bar) and fuel pressure regulator operation

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve and record codes, freeze frame, and live data. Note if P0306 (cylinder 6 misfire) or injector/ignition circuit codes are present.
  2. Clear codes and perform a road or snap-idle test while monitoring cylinder contribution and misfire counts to reproduce the fault.
  3. Perform a visual inspection: check spark plug condition, coil boot, injector connector, wiring harness, and ground connections for cylinder 6.
  4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 6 with another cylinder and test again. If the code follows the coil, replace the coil.
  5. Swap the fuel injector from cylinder 6 with a known-good cylinder and re-test. If the condition follows the injector, service/replace it.
  6. Measure injector resistance and check injector operation with a lab scope or noid light to confirm pulse and proper atomization.
  7. Check fuel rail pressure and volume to rule out supply issues affecting one injector's performance.
  8. Perform a static compression test, and if low, do a cylinder leakage (leak-down) test to identify mechanical faults (valve, piston, head gasket).
  9. Inspect intake and exhaust near cylinder 6 for leaks (gaskets, manifold cracks) that could alter contribution readings.
  10. Verify cam/crank timing and sensor signals (waveforms) to ensure correct valve timing and synchronization.
  11. If wiring or connectors are suspect, perform back-probing and voltage/continuity checks on injector and coil circuits; repair as needed.
  12. If component swaps and tests do not isolate the issue, consider ECM/PCM driver fault or advanced diagnostics by an experienced technician or dealer scanner with manufacturer-specific tests.

Likely causes

  • Bad ignition coil or spark plug on cylinder 6
  • Clogged or failed fuel injector for cylinder 6
  • Low compression in cylinder 6 (mechanical issue)
  • Loose or corroded wiring/connector to coil or injector
  • Intermittent sensor (cam/crank) or timing related problem

Fault status

⚠️ Status
MIL (Check Engine Light) may be illuminated. Code can be stored as active or pending depending on occurrences and drive cycle. Freeze frame data often available showing conditions when the fault was set.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Keep it short and practical. Up to 500 characters.
Send to email

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