P0266 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

EXCELLENT RATING ON

Cost of diagnosing the P0266 code

P0266 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P0266 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P0266 code definition

Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault

What the P0266 code means

This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has detected that the reference voltage from the fuel injector on cylinder 2 has fallen out of the range of acceptance set by the vehicle manufacturer.

What are the causes of the P0266 code?

  • Damaged wiring or connectors associated with the fuel injector circuit on the number 2 cylinder may be present.

  • A faulty or restricted fuel injector on the number 2 cylinder may exist.

  • The powertrain control module could be malfunctioning.

What are the symptoms of the P0266 code?

Symptoms of this trouble code that the driver may experience would include:

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0266 code?

  • A mechanic may begin diagnosing this trouble code by removing any engine covers that exist to gain access to the fuel injectors.

  • Once the fuel injectors are visible, the mechanic would inspect the wiring and connectors for damages that may have been caused by mice or other small animals that could have nested under the engine cover.

  • Next, the mechanic would test the fuel injector on the number 2 cylinder for proper function using the manufacturer’s suggested procedure.

  • If the cause of the issue has still not been revealed after these two tests have been performed, the mechanic would use a high tech scan tool to test the powertrain control module to ensure that it is working correctly.

After all tests have been performed and the mechanic has come up with a diagnosis, he/she would relay the information over to the customer to make an informed repair decision.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0266 code

A common mistake that could be made when diagnosing this trouble code would be to replace the fuel injector on the number 2 cylinder when it is actually the wiring or connector that is faulty. It is very important to check all possible causes of a problem before making a repair decision.

How serious is the P0266 code?

This code would be considered serious because the engine will not run properly with the cylinder 2 injector not functioning as it should. This issue would be worse on 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engines as opposed to 8 cylinder engines due to the fact that the extra cylinders can make up for the imbalance that the malfunctioning injector on cylinder 2 would cause. A code such as this should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible because continuous driving with a misfire condition can cause damage to the engine.

What repairs can fix the P0266 code?

  • Repairing or replacing the wiring or connector that is associated with the fuel injector on the number 2 cylinder

  • Replacing the fuel injector on the number 2 cylinder.

  • Running a good fuel system cleaning through your engine to clear any restrictions the fuel injector on the number 2 cylinder may have.

  • Replacing the powertrain control module

Additional comments regarding the P0266 code

This code will likely be associated with a P0302 code for a cylinder 2 misfire. While the mechanic is inspecting the fuel injector circuitry, it would be a good idea to have him/her check the wiring on the ignition coil or spark plug wire to be sure that the ignition going to the number 2 cylinder is working properly.

Need help with a P0266 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230

Check Engine Light
trouble codes
P0266

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P0266 code.

SCHEDULE P0266 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


Related questions

I have check engine light on and the code is showing p0266 ?
P0266 means that the fuel injector on cylinder number two does not pass the self tests that the Electronic Control Unit performs. It is often accompanied by a code P0302 for an engine misfire. It could be that you have...

More related articles

P0363 OBD-II Trouble Code: Misfire Detected - Fueling Disabled
P0363 P0363 code definition If the PCM has stored the P0363 code, it indicates that there has been a misfire in a cylinder, and that the PCM has disabled the fuel supply to the malfunctioning cylinder. What the P0363 code...
B1250 OBD-II Trouble Code: Air Temperature Internal Sensor Circuit Failure
B1250 means there is an error with the air temperature internal sensor, mostly caused by a defective sensor or damaged electrical components.
P0557 OBD-II Trouble Code: Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Low
P0557 means there is an issue with the brake booster pressure sensor circuit. This could be due to a faulty sensor, vacuum leaks, or broken circuits.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com