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P0293 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 11 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.
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Cylinder 11 Contribution/Balance Fault
The P0293 code indicates that the number eleven cylinder in your vehicle’s firing order is undergoing a fuel-related problem. Please note that P0293 is a generic code, which means it is common to all vehicle manufacturers. Your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the power output from each cylinder by comparing the acceleration of the crankshaft during the power stroke of each cylinder. When one or more cylinders are putting out less power than the remaining cylinders, the fault code P0293 appears.
The most likely cause is a lack of fuel to the number eleven cylinder. In some cases, your fuel injector may have failed completely, or is releasing only a small amount of fuel rather than the usual spray. If this occurs, you probably have dirt or some other debris on the inlet filter of your injector. You may also have a defective electrical connector on the fuel injector. This could be caused by corrosion of your terminals. Also check to see if you have a clogged or dirty fuel injector.
Some symptoms of the P0293 code include a Check Engine light that will not turn off, reduced acceleration and power, and a drop in your vehicle’s fuel economy.
While your PCM performs this test to determine if your fuel injector is in good shape, a professional technician can perform her own test to locate any internal engine problems. By removing one spark plug at a time while the engine is running, your technician can note the RPM drop on each of your vehicle’s cylinders. If you are doing this yourself, you should make sure that each of your cylinders is within five percent of each other. If a cylinder shows less than five percent, you will need to repair that cylinder.
Although a P0293 is not as serious as some other codes, your vehicle should still be examined as soon as you notice the trouble code. If ignored, this issue could damage other components in your vehicle.
First, you should inspect the electrical connector on your vehicle’s fuel injector. Examine the harness side for pushed out pins or corrosion. Next, fix any issues you see and add dielectric grease to the connector terminals. You can then reinstall the connector and start the engine. Now you will want to hold a long screwdriver handle to your ear and place the blade of the screwdriver on your car’s injector. Do you hear a ticking noise? If you do not, this means you are not receiving power or the injector has failed to engage. If this is the case, use a wire probe on a voltmeter and probe the red power wire at the injector. Is it showing battery voltage? If not, you have an open in the wiring between the fuel pump relay and the injector. If voltage is present, then the injector is working but is probably clogged with debris and in need of a cleaning. You can clean your injector using a direct fuel injector flush kit, which should be available at an auto parts store or online. Follow the instructions on the kit box, and after you are finished clear the code and start your vehicle. If the rough idle is still present and the code reappears, you will need to replace your fuel injector.
Like many trouble codes, a P0293 can become complicated if you do not have the proper diagnostic equipment. Therefore, it is important to do the proper amount of research before you begin to work. If you are thinking of doing this yourself, do not hesitate to contact a professional technician to ask questions about the best way to solve your issue.
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