What are the common causes of P0296?

A weak or clogged cylinder 12 fuel injector. Low compression in cylinder 12. A worn or fouled spark plug or coil on cylinder 12. A vacuum leak at the cylinder 12 intake runner. Low fuel pressure affecting all cylinders.

Run an injector balance test and compare cylinder 12 to the others. Do a compression and leak down test on cylinder 12. Inspect the cylinder 12 plug and coil for wear. Check fuel pressure at the rail. Replace injector 12 if it is weak or clogged. Clear the code and retest.

P0296

Cylinder 12 Contribution/Balance

System: Injector circuits (P code)
Lamp: Check Engine Light
Category: Powertrain - Fuel/Air Metering

What it means

P0296 means Cylinder 12 Contribution/Balance.

Check these first

A weak or clogged cylinder 12 fuel injector
Low compression in cylinder 12
A worn or fouled spark plug or coil on cylinder 12
A vacuum leak at the cylinder 12 intake runner
Low fuel pressure affecting all cylinders

What to do next

Run an injector balance test and compare cylinder 12 to the others
Do a compression and leak down test on cylinder 12
Inspect the cylinder 12 plug and coil for wear
Check fuel pressure at the rail
Replace injector 12 if it is weak or clogged
Clear the code and retest

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Updated

Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.