PowertrainP0278
CautionSeverity: Caution - get it checked when you can
Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance
Key terms: Oxygen sensor: measures oxygen in the exhaust gas · Mass air flow sensor: measures the air going into the engine · SAE J2012: the standard generic code list · Powertrain: engine, transmission and emissions
1What it means in plain English
This code is in the powertrain range that covers fuel and air metering, over-temperature, overspeed and transmission over-temperature conditions.
2Common causes
- Dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor
- Vacuum or intake air leak
- Weak fuel pump or clogged fuel filter
- Faulty fuel injector
- Faulty oxygen sensor
- Wiring or connector fault
3Can I drive?
Do not assume this code is safe to ignore: some codes in this range affect engine safety systems. Have it diagnosed; if the engine is overheating, a red warning light is on, or the engine loses power or cuts out, stop safely and get professional help.
This page gives general information. It is not professional advice. For a definite diagnosis and a repair quote, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.
4Brand data 31
| Brand | Code | Description | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashok Leyland CV | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| BAIC Motor | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| BMW | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| BYD | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Chery | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Daewoo | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| DFFS | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| DFFX | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| DFXK | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| EOBD | P0278 | Silindir 6 katkı/denge Brand | Powertrain |
| Geely | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| GM | P0278 | Cylinder 6 balance system Brand | Powertrain |
| Great Wall | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Hafei | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Holden | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Balance System Brand | Powertrain |
| Honda | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| Hyundai | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| Isuzu | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| Land Rover | P0278 | Cylinder 6 contribution/balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Mahindra | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| Maserati | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Mitsubishi | P0278 | No.6 injector contribution Brand | Powertrain |
| Opel | P0278 | Cylinder 6 balance system Brand | Powertrain |
| Peugeot | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| Porsche | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance SAE | Powertrain |
| Proton | P0278 | No.6 injector contribution Brand | Powertrain |
| Saab | P0278 | Cylinder 6 balance system Brand | Powertrain |
| MG (SAIC) | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Tata | P0278 | Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Toyota | P0278 | Cylinder 6 contribution/balance Brand | Powertrain |
| Volkswagen | P0278 | Fuel injector #6 (N84): contribution/balance fault Brand | Powertrain |
Legend: SAE is the generic J2012 description; Brand is text taken from that manufacturer’s data. Manufacturer rows keep the wording and language of the source data, and non-English text is tagged so screen readers pronounce it correctly.
5Related codes
Browse Pxxx codes or P027xx codes.