P0293 - OBD Trouble Code

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The error code P0293 indicates that the number 11 engine cylinder is undergoing a fuel-related problem. P0293 being a generic code is common to all vehicle manufacturers.

The vehicle’s Powertrain control module (PCM) compares the acceleration of the crankshaft during the powerstroke of a cylinder and thus monitors the power output from each cylinder.

The error code P0293 is generated when one or more cylinders is putting out less power than the remaining cylinders. The OBD code P0293 is generated when one or more of the cylinders is putting out less power than the other cylinders. This issue might be occurring due to problems with one or more parts. Once the problematic part has been found, you must get it repaired or replaced immediately.

The conditions in which the error code is generated:

• Fuel injector 11 is dirty
• Fuel injector 11 is faulty
• Fuel injector 11 is plugged
• The harness of fuel injector 11 is open or shorted
• Fuel injector 11 circuit has a poor electrical connection

1. Fuel Injector - The ECM sends a signal to the fuel injector to spray the pressurised fuel into the engine. The fuel delivered will depend on the duration of time the fuel injector is open. If there is an issue with the Fuel Injector itself, the amount of fuel delivered might vary from the optimum or prescribed values which might create problems with the engine or emission system. Thus, it is necessary the fuel injector is repaired or replaced, as required, urgently.
2. Fuel Injection System - For smooth working, an engine needs to be supplied with the right amount of fuel/air mixture. Due to an issue with the Fuel Injection system, the amount of fuel delivered to the engine might be exceeding or be below the optimum limits or the balance of quantities between the fuel and air might not be in concurrence with the limits required for an efficient emission.
3. Crankshaft Sensor - A crankshaft sensor is used in an internal combustion engine. It is an electronic device used to monitor the position or the rotational speed of the crankshaft. The signals generated from the crankshaft sensor are used by the engine management system to control the fuel injection system over timing and similar parameters. Issues with the crank sensor might be causing the mechanics to break and thus lead to power output discrepancy in one of the cylinders. The sensor must thus be repaired or replaced immediately.
4. Rocker Arms - In the internal combustion engine, a rocker arm is an oscillating lever, a stamped steel pipe. These convey radial movement from the cam lobe in a linear movement to open the poppet valve. They are an integral part of the vehicle and must be kept in a tip-top condition.
5. Lifters - To maintain a zero-valve clearance in an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic valve lifter is used. These require regular adjusting so that a minimal clearance can be maintained between the valve and its rocker. For minimal clearance, it is necessary to keep the lifters in a good shape.
6. Cam - Camshafts are used in internal combustion engines to operate poppet valves. With each spin of the cam, its lobes open and close the intake and exhaust valves in time with the movement of the piston. The shape of the cam lobes directly corresponds to the performance of the engine in different speed ranges. Thus, for an optimum performance of the engine, the camshaft needs to be fixed in case there is some issue with it.
7. Piston Rings - Piston rings in reciprocating engines are mainly used for sealing the combustion chamber. This ensures that there is negligible loss of gases to the crankcase.
8. Engine Control Module - The Engine control module controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, variable cam timing and the emission control. It acts as the main think tank and a controlling body of the engine management system. It is as essential as a brain is to the human body and thus must be fixed immediately in case of any issues detected.

Issues of low power output from one cylinder as compared to other cylinders comes hand in hand with a few symptoms as listed below:

Common Symptoms

• Engine light or Service Engine Soon Warning Light ON
• Engine might misfire
• Engine might run roughly
• MPG might be low

To correct the issues occuring with the Cylinder 11, you can follow the below steps:

• Replace the fuel injector
• Replace the spark plug

A vehicle’s PCM performs tests to check if the fuel injector is in good condition. Similarly, a professional technician performs his/her own tests to locate if any internal engine problems are present in the vehicle. While the engine is running, spark plugs are removed one at a time and the technician can note the RPM drop on each of the vehicle’s cylinders. If you are performing the tests by yourself, you need to ensure that each of the cylinders is within five percent of each other. If any cylinder shows less than five percent, it needs repairing.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0293 Code

• Mistakes commonly made while diagnosing the P0293 code are:
• Failure of fuel injector
• Failure of internal engine
• Software update required for PCM
• Wiring issue