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OBD-II fault code definitions, symptoms, causes, and step-by-step diagnostics.
Standardized generic DTCFuel & air metering / injector control

P0293 — Cylinder 11 Contribution/Balance Fault

P0293 is the standardized powertrain DTC for “Cylinder 11 Contribution/Balance Fault.” The code identifies the monitored condition; it does not by itself prove which part failed.

Standardized generic definition
Cylinder 11 Contribution/Balance Fault
DTC category
Fuel & air metering / injector control
Diagnostic priority
Moderate to high if the engine is misfiring. A leaking injector can also damage the catalyst or dilute engine oil.
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What P0293 means

P0293 is the standardized powertrain DTC for “Cylinder 11 Contribution/Balance Fault.” The code identifies the monitored condition; it does not by itself prove which part failed.

Start with the stored data and the simplest external checks before replacing the component named in the code.

Possible symptoms

  • Cylinder misfire
  • Rough idle
  • Hard start
  • Fuel odor or poor economy
  • Check Engine Light

Causes to test

These are diagnostic possibilities, not a statistical parts-replacement ranking. Vehicle-specific service information takes priority.

  • Injector electrical open/short or poor connector contact
  • Injector mechanically clogged or leaking
  • Driver/control-circuit fault
  • Fuel-pressure problem
  • Mechanical compression issue mistaken for injector imbalance

Step-by-step diagnostic workflow

  1. Identify the cylinder and save misfire/fuel-trim data.
  2. Inspect injector connector and harness; verify supply and control with the correct test method.
  3. Use injector balance, current-ramp, or contribution testing where specified.
  4. Confirm fuel pressure and mechanical compression if the cylinder remains weak.
  5. Perform circuit or mechanical tests specified by service information; repair the confirmed root cause.
  6. Clear codes only after repair, then complete an appropriate drive cycle and verify the code and symptoms do not return.
Preserve evidence: EPA OBD guidance emphasizes that stored DTCs and freeze-frame data are important to proper diagnosis. Save them before clearing codes.

Scan data worth checking

  • Misfire counters
  • Injector command/pulse width
  • Fuel trims
  • Fuel/rail pressure
  • Cylinder contribution data where supported

Severity and drivability

Moderate to high if the engine is misfiring. A leaking injector can also damage the catalyst or dilute engine oil.

Stop driving and investigate immediately if there is a flashing MIL, oil-pressure warning, overheating, fuel leakage, severe misfire, major loss of power, abnormal mechanical noise, or a transmission that is slipping badly.

Common diagnostic mistakes

  • Using a test light that can overload a PCM injector driver
  • Replacing an injector without checking compression
  • Ignoring a leaking injector because electrical resistance tests normally

Related generic codes

P0292 — Cylinder 11 Injector Circuit HighP0294 — Cylinder 12 Injector Circuit LowP0291 — Cylinder 11 Injector Circuit LowP0295 — Cylinder 12 Injector Circuit HighP0290 — Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance FaultP0296 — Cylinder 12 Contribution/Balance Fault

Source and accuracy notes

Generic DTC structure and standardized definitions are governed by SAE J2012/J2012DA. Actual enable criteria, thresholds, circuit pinouts, test values, software conditions, and repair procedures vary by vehicle. Use current OEM service information for the exact year/engine/calibration and check applicable manufacturer technical service bulletins. See the site methodology and primary-reference policy.