Guide To P0296 OBD Error Code Solutions

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Is your vehicle’s Check Engine Light illuminated? Are you experiencing sudden decrease in engine power and acceleration? Is there a drop in the fuel economy with increased level of emissions? All these indicate problem with the cylinder 12 and the Powertrain Control Module, thus flashing OBD Code P0296 error.

The engine control module (ECM) continuously monitors and modifies engine operation to deliver the most efficient power. Using sensors, such as the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), and actuators, such as the fuel injectors, the ECM can also determine if something is so far out of specification that it can’t compensate. In this case, diagnosis and repair would be necessary to bring the engine back into specification.

Using the CKP, the ECM can detect slight variations in engine rpm, that is, the acceleration of each power stroke, and can determine how much each cylinder is contributing to the engine, that is, the balance between each cylinder. If one or more cylinders doesn’t give as much impulse to the crankshaft, the ECM determines a fault, sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in memory, and illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). In case the ECM is finding fault with cylinder 12, DTC P0296 is defined as “Cylinder 12 Contribution/Balance Fault.”

What causes the problem of Cylinder 12 Contribution/Balance?

• Leaky/damaged in the fuel injector
• Poor fuel pump
• Leakage in the engine vacuum
• Some fault in the oxygen sensor
• Mass air flow or manifold air pressure sensor failure
• PCM failure

1. Engine Control Module - Faulty ECM may flash and store wrong OBD error and cause engine stalling and hard idles. Thus, replace faulty ECM immediately.
2. Powertrain Control Module - P0296 error code also relates to problems with the PCM. This can cause improper engine and throttle response. Replace faulty PCM now.
3. Diagnostic Tool - Use professional scanning and diagnostic tools to detect the OBD error code. Buy from us now!
4. Fuel Injector - Checked for damaged or faulty fuel injector and replace or repair it as necessary. Buy new fuel injector form us.
5. Engine Wiring Harness - If the P0296 error is set, it ca be due to faulty wiring harness. Replace them immediately.
6. Fuel Sender Connector - Buy quality connectors form us and replace the old ones now!

Some of the prime symptoms of this problem are mentioned below;

Common Symptoms

• Low engine power and limited output
• Abnormal throttle response and hard cold starting
• Declined fuel economy
• Sluggish Engine and lot of noise
• Engine smoking on start-up with increased emissions

Some of the parts that are directly affected and can be immediately replaced are as follows;

• Fuel pump replacement
• Fuel pressure regulator replacement
• Repair/replace any broken, frayed, or shorted wires that lead to the fuel pressure sensor
• Repair or replace corroded connector to the fuel pressure sensor
• Fuel pressure sensor replacement
• Check and repair any vacuum leakages in the engine

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Locate your fuel injector which usually is pretty simple to find and do a proper visual inspection. Make sure to ensure that there is no fuel leakage in the fittings and connectors. Also, the injector itself (O-ring) is a common leak. Inspect for any signs of physical damage or anything that would cause fuel flow to be reduced (i.e. kinked line at injector). Clogging of particles within the fuel is a real possibility given the openings being very small. Ensure proper fuel system maintenance (e.g. fuel filters, EVAP, etc.)

Follow the diagnostic steps as follows;

• Make sure if P0296 is active, the temperature is reasonable out. If it is extremely cold out, you may want to let the car warm up adequately first, then clear codes and drive vehicle to see if it comes active again. Sometimes, the elements around us are extreme enough to make even the most reliable make and model malfunction somehow.
• Make sure if there are any leaks, to address them immediately. Make use of automobile stethoscope to listen to the problem properly. This can and will cause lower than desired fuel pressures in any closed system so ensure the system is properly sealed and not actively leaking anywhere. Rusted lines, fuel filter gaskets, deteriorated O-rings, etc. all cause fuel leaks.
• Check your low fuel pressure system's filter. These may be located on the frame rail or close to the fuel tank. It should be fairly evident if the fuel filter has been replaced recently or if it looks like it has never been changed (or not for a while). Replace accordingly. Keep in mind, introducing air into a diesel fuel system can be a tricky problem to rectify so make sure you follow proper bleeding and filter replacement procedures. Refer to service manual for specifications and procedures.
• Locate your fuel injector. These usually are pretty simple to find but that said, sometimes plastic covers and other brackets may be in the way of proper visual inspection. Make sure to ensure no fittings or connectors are leaking fuel. Also, around the injector itself (O-ring) is a common leak. Visually inspect for any signs of physical damage or for that matter anything that would cause fuel flow to be reduced (i.e. kinked line at injector). Particles within the fuel is a real possibility given the openings being so small. Ensure proper fuel system maintenance (e.g. fuel filters, EVAP, etc.)

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0296 Code

Most of the time we tend to diagnose the problem without completely identifying the real cause of it. It is important to follow all the diagnostic steps and examine each component carefully before correcting. Some of the components to be focused on are listed below;

• Clogged fuel filter
• Fuel pressure regulator failure
• Fuel pump failure
• Leaking fuel lines
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
• Wiring/harness issue