P0278 — Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault
What it means: Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault.
How serious / can you keep driving: Serious. Power derate likely — plan to stop soon.
Check first: Cylinder balance test and compression check on cylinder 6
Don't risk it — look up listed providers near you and give them this code when you call.
Listed providers nearest Albuquerque, NM
Closest first. Tell them P0278 and what the truck is doing. RoadService.app lists these providers and does not employ them or carry out the repair.
- 0.0 mi away — based in Albuquerque, NM · (505) 226-2125
- 0.0 mi away — based in Albuquerque, NM · (505) 823-9696
- 0.0 mi away — based in Albuquerque, NM · (505) 220-3541
Seen on: Heavy Truck/Diesel
What P0278 means
Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault. Common causes: Cylinder 6 not contributing equal power.
How serious is it?
Serious. Power derate likely — plan to stop soon.
Most likely causes
- Cylinder 6 not contributing equal power
- Worn injector
- low compression
First moves (roadside)
- Cylinder balance test and compression check on cylinder 6
FAQ
Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Fault. Common causes: Cylinder 6 not contributing equal power.
Serious — Power derate likely — plan to stop soon.
The most common cause is: Cylinder 6 not contributing equal power. Other possibilities include Worn injector; low compression.
Power derate likely — plan to stop soon. When in doubt, get a qualified mobile diesel tech on the truck before continuing.
Related codes
Codes that commonly appear alongside P0278, or share the same subsystem.
- Injector Metering Rail 1 Pressure - Data Valid But Below Normal Operating Range (XPI common rail fuel pressure too low) (SPN 157 FMI 1)
- Fuel Delivery Pressure — Low (SPN 94 FMI 1)
- Injection Rail Pressure — Below Normal (SPN 157 FMI 18)
- Injector Metering Rail 1 Pressure - Data Valid But Above Normal Operating Range (XPI common rail fuel pressure too high) (SPN 157 FMI 0)
- Injector #1 open circuit (SPN 651 FMI 5)
- Injector #2 open circuit (SPN 652 FMI 5)
- Injector #3 open circuit (SPN 653 FMI 5)
- Injector #4 open circuit (SPN 654 FMI 5)
Find a mechanic or related guides
General diagnostic guidance for diesel engines (Cummins, Detroit, PACCAR, Volvo, Mack and more). Not a substitute for a scan-tool diagnosis on your specific truck.