Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault
Cylinder 2 isn't pulling its weight—it's producing less power than the other cylinders, like one person on a team not contributing equally. The engine computer detected this imbalance through fuel trim or combustion pressure readings.
The ECM monitors fuel trim corrections, ignition timing, and combustion efficiency per cylinder using oxygen sensors and knock sensors. When Cylinder 2 requires excessive fuel compensation or shows weak combustion, the ECU flags a balance fault. Thresholds vary by manufacturer but typically trigger when one cylinder's contribution deviates >10-15% from the bank average.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder 2 Fuel Trim | -10% to +10% | >15% correction needed |
| Combustion Pressure/Contribution | Within 5% of other cylinders | >10% below cylinder average |
Code P0267 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, P0267 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.