Have MIL on, code shows problem cylinder 4

[tkriesel]

I have a 2010 jetta tdi with 40980 miles. The mil indicator is on and I scanned with code reader and it shows po272 which says "Cylinder 4 contribution balance fault" , the dealer did charge 115.00 to tell me that this code was what they got as well. I have a hard time believing that this is all they know. They said they could install new injectors but can't say for sure if this is the problem. It's so expensive that i'd like to see if anyone might have had this same issue. I may take to a second dealer to see what they say but, of course, they charge 105.00 to hook their VAS to the car. I am looking into getting a VCDS. This is a great site , I have learned a lot. - Thanks for any help.

[chittychittybangbang]

Are you familiar with HPFP problems? There's been a few cases of the high pressure fuel pump failing, nobody knows the exact cause but so far the best guesses I've heard are a weak design and low quality fuel. I don't know what could cause that code but sounds like injectors or glow plugs (they sense pressure) or another sensor problem. Do you have metal flakes in the fuel filter? Just a thought. If you are having an engine problems you'd want to get it taken care of now.

[YMZ]

Originally Posted by tkriesel

I am looking into getting a VCDS.

While VCDS is an outstanding diagnostic tool, unless you're a serious automotive-mechanics affictionado, I'm afraid it won't help you all that much right now... the VW Common Rail engines are so new that there's still no large knowledge base "out there" that will help you figure out what needs to be done to your car... I would venture to say that most of the dealers are also in the dark about the more complex issues that may come up... (heck... some of them are still putting the wrong oil in 2004-vintage TDIs...)

The only thing I can offer is my sympathies and wishes that whatever diagnosis eventually comes around won't wind up costing you too much money!

Good luck!!! Please keep us posted...

Yuri

[tkriesel]

-I am trying some fuel injector cleaner now and will take to another dealer tomorrow. I just had thought that the dealer could diagnose the problem with more accuracy, instead of attempting fix after fix and not trying inexpensive stuff first. I have no problem with the injector replacement if it works(700.00) but it's a lot of money if it doesn't work.
-I just changed fuel filter and I saw no metal flakes anywhere. Thanks for the help

[Keithuk]

Welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by tkriesel

the dealer did charge 115.00 to tell me that this code was what they got as well. I may take to a second dealer to see what they say but, of course, they charge 105.00 to hook their VAS to the car. I am looking into getting a VCDS.

The dealer charged you to get this code? Change your dealer as it should be free while under warranty, or is it out of warranty now?

Yes get yourself VCDS.

EOBD II Error Code: P0272

Fault Location:
Cylinder 4 - Contribution/balance fault

Possible Cause:
Wiring.
Fuel system.
Engine control module (ECM).

As taken from my Free EOBD II Error Codes software

[tkriesel]

-First dealer charged 115.00 to scan and the second one will charge 105.00 to scan.
-The dealer stated that engine and drivetrain are under warranty and they say that the injectors are not included in the warranty. Does anyone know if that is true?

[Keithuk]

I would have thought that the injectors are covered under warranty though its hard to say when you read the VW Warranty UK

What mileage as it done?

[tkriesel]

I believe the warranty is up 36000 for anything and from 36000 to 100000 for engine and powertrain-

[Keithuk]

Well I've never heard of up to 100k for engine and powertrain.

[tkriesel]

Ok the warranty is 36000 and then to 60000 for engine, transmission and drivetrain - engine warranty covers cylinder block, internals, heads, valve train, spur belt, flywheel, oil and water pumps, manifolds and all related seals gaskets - but as an incentive to buy at this dealer they upped the warranty to 100000 miles. In any case I am at less than 41000 but I guess the injectors are not covered