What Does P0282 Mean?
This code indicates a cylinder 7 contribution or balance fault where cylinder 7 is producing insufficient power compared to the other cylinders. Found on V8+ engines, this code uses crankshaft acceleration analysis to identify the underperforming cylinder. The driver will experience rough running, reduced power output, vibration, and potentially increased fuel consumption as the ECM tries to compensate.
Common Causes
35%
Cylinder 7 fuel injector with reduced performance — restricted, weak spray, or worn
25%
Mechanical compression loss on cylinder 7 — ring wear, valve issues, or gasket leak
20%
Electrical issue reducing fuel delivery to cylinder 7 injector
12%
Intake charge distribution imbalance affecting cylinder 7
8%
Exhaust manifold crack or gasket leak at cylinder 7 affecting efficiency
Diagnostic Steps
1
Confirm cylinder 7 as the weak cylinder by reviewing live contribution data — check the deviation at idle, part-throttle, and full-load conditions to understand when the imbalance is worst.
2
Perform a relative compression test during cranking using crankshaft sensor data — this non-invasive method provides quick insight into mechanical health across all cylinders.
3
Swap the cylinder 7 injector with another cylinder (same bank preferred), clear codes, and operate the engine — track whether the contribution fault follows the injector or remains at position 7.
4
If the fault stays at cylinder 7 after an injector swap, perform a thorough leak-down test — 20% or less leakage is acceptable; listen for the leak source at intake, exhaust, oil cap, and coolant.
5
Inspect cylinder 7 with a borescope through the injector or glow plug hole — look for excessive carbon deposits, scoring, cracked piston crown, or valve damage.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $1,500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates a cylinder 7 contribution or balance fault where cylinder 7 is producing insufficient power compared to the other cylinders. Found on V8+ engines, this code uses crankshaft acceleration analysis to identify the underperforming cylinder. The driver will experience rough running, r...
The most common cause of P0282 (Cylinder 7 Contribution/Balance Fault) is: Cylinder 7 fuel injector with reduced performance — restricted, weak spray, or worn
Typical repair costs for P0282 range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Moderate concern — the vehicle is driveable with reduced power. Prolonged operation with cylinder imbalance on a V8 can damage catalytic converters and cause the ECM to enter reduced power mode. Repair within a reasonable timeframe.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0282 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel Injection / Engine Mechanical
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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