6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution/Balance Fault: Fixed

If your OBD-II equipped car or vehicle runs into an issue internally, it will display a particular code set by the manufacturer. Such an issue could be the fault in the cylinder 1 of your 6.0 powerstroke, for which you will be notified with a five symbolic code p0263. 

The 6.0 powerstroke cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault indicates that Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected the cylinder number 1 contributing way less than usual for running the engine properly. This cylinder balance fault results in the code p0263 as well.

It is normal to worry about your beloved vehicle after getting this diagnosis. But we will help you know the exact causes and solutions to this problem in this guide in detail.

6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution/Balance Fault

What Causes 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution or Balance Fault?

6.0 powerstroke cylinder 1 contribution or balance fault has a handful of reasons to occur depending on the model and the year of making. But the main reason behind this issue is issues with fuel injectors. 

Apart from that, some improper replacements or mechanical problems also lead to the low power contribution of cylinder 1. Potential causes for 6.0 powerstroke cylinder 1 contribution/balance fault are:

  • Cylinder injector 1 not spraying enough fuel
  • Cylinder injector 1 is shorted electrically or is open.
  • Clogged fuel filter 
  • Defective fuel pump
  • Low compression in cylinder 1 because of burnt rockers, lifters, worn rings, cam, or leaking cylinder head gasket.

4 Solutions For 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution/Balance Fault 

Now that we are aware of the possible causes behind this cylinder 1 issue, we can focus on the solutions for it. Just like any other problems, the first step should be diagnosing exactly where and in which part the problem is. 

The solutions to fix the cylinder problems will vary depending on what part caused it. Here are the solutions for the different cause of 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution or Balance Fault:

1. Cylinder injector 1 not spraying enough fuel: Replace the Injector 

Most of the time, the 6.0 powerstroke fuel injector does not supply enough fuel to the cylinder to work at its best. Sometimes, there is no fuel sprayed by the fuel injector at all. 

In these cases, the best and surest way of fixing the contribution fault is to replace the fuel injectors with new ones. Follow these steps in order to replace the fuel injectors:

  • Firstly, ensure your safety by wearing safety goggles and gloves. 
  • Open the hood to disconnect the battery from the engine. Make sure that the engine is cold enough to touch before starting the procedure.
  • Disconnect the fuel line from the fuel rail.
  • Remove the metal rod over the injectors which is called fuel rail. Use a ratchet and socket in order to remove the bolts and screws holding down the fuel rail.
  • Insert a flat screwdriver inside and remove the wiring harness from the fuel injector.
  • Use a fuel injector puller to remove the injector from its place safely.
  • Install the new fuel injector in the right place.
  • Tighten the bolts and screws of the retainer bracket.
  • Install new wiring harness, O-rings and fuel rail on top of the injector.
  • Connect the fuel rail and fuel injector together.

The price of a new fuel injector will of course vary depending on the model and number of cylinders. But the average cost for replacing one fuel injector for cylinder 1 is $100 to $300. 

If you resort to a repair shop for the replacement, it might take 1 or 2 hours. Most auto repairs labor rate per hour is $50-$75. 

2. Clogged Fuel Filter: Clean or Replace The Fuel Filter

A clogged fuel filter can easily cause malfunctions in your entire fuel system of 6.0 powerstroke engine. It can build the pressure inside the fuel system and eventually lead to the cylinder 1 having imbalance while working the engine. 

You can easily clean a clogged fuel filter by yourself following these simple steps:

  • Find the fuse of the fuel pump and remove it.
  • Start your engine for 1-2 minutes to relieve the pressure inside the filter.
  • Open the car hood and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  • Between the engine and the gas tank, locate the fuel filter along the fuel line.
  • Remove the clips from the filter that connect the fuel lines.
  • Loosen the bolts and slide the fuel filter off from the fuel lines.
  • Spray pressurized carburetor cleaner inside the fuel filter to unclog it.
  • Shake out any loose debris from the inside of the filter and let it dry for a few hours.
  • Reinstall the fuel filter by retracing the steps you followed to remove it again.

In case even cleaning out the fuel filter perfectly doesn’t work, you might need to replace it. Take it to a reliable auto repair shop to replace the fuel filter. 

It will cost you around $100-$200 just for the part. The labor charge for the replacement can be between $10 to $70 depending on the location.

3. Defective fuel pump: Replace The Fuel Pump

When a fuel pump fails to pump enough fuel into the cylinder, it creates an imbalance in providing fuel to the 6.0 powerstroke engine. 

If you have diagnosed surely that the fuel pump of your vehicle is faulty, it is time to replace it. You can follow the steps below or take assistance from a professional to do it.

  • Locate the fuel pump inside the fuel tank.
  • Firstly, check the fuel pump fuse.
    Replace the fuse if it is blown and check for response from the pump.
  • Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  • Relieve the fuel pressure from the pump.
  • Get rid of the electrical connections to the fuel pump and disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump.
  • Remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.
  • Install the new fuel tank at its place. 
  • Reconnect the fuel lines and the negative battery terminal once again.

Replacing the fuel pump is an expensive expenditure. It will require about $400 to $1070 in order to get a new fuel pump installed. Even the labor cost for this fix is a bit more comparatively. It can range between $124-$260.

4. Low compression in cylinder 1: Repair The Leaking And Defective Parts

6.0 powerstroke Cylinder 1 faces low compression due to the malfunctions of a few small parts. The reasons behind these are leaking head gaskets, crack in the wall, deteriorating piston or valve issues. 

You simply need to diagnose and find out 6.0 powerstroke’s faulty part and repair it accordingly.

Whether it’s the piston, piston ring, camshaft, head gasket or valves, the only solution is to repair the damaged part. 

If the particular part is beyond repair, you can also replace it with a new one. It won’t take you long once you have located the exact damaged part. 

Since this fix does not require much labor, it will cost you a total of $100-$200. This cost also includes the labor charge. The range can vary depending on which parts are affected for your car. 

FAQs About 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Fault

You might still have a lot of questions regarding this problem. In this section, we will answer some of the most asked questions regarding this issue.

What Does 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Balance Mean?

6.0 powerstroke Cylinder 1 contribution balance means that the cylinder 1 is not contributing sufficiently to run the engine. 
The Engine Control Module (ECM) detects this problem and sets off a code p02063. Meaning that the number one cylinder in the firing order has low power due to fuel issues.

How Serious Is The 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Fault?

The 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Fault can be pretty serious if left unfixed for a long time. 
Low compression in cylinder 1 will cause the engine to run black smoke which is bad for the environment. 
The engine will run lean on the misfiring cylinder which can cause serious damage to the engine eventually.

What Are The Symptoms Of The 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Fault?

The symptoms for 6.0 powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Fault are-
Engine will be low on power.
The Check Engine light will be on.
Misfire in the engine will cause sudden jerks.
Drop in the fuel economy.
Rough idle present.
Reduced acceleration. 

What Repairs Can Fix The 6.0 Powerstroke Cylinder 1 Contribution Fault?

Only specific parts replacement or repairs will suffice to fix the 6.0 powerstroke cylinder 1 balance fault. Replacing the fuel injector and injector seals is the primary fix. 
Cleaning and replacing the fuel filter and the fuel pump is also a necessary repair. Repairing damaged engine components can also fix this problem.

Conclusion

This guide will let you solve the problem in your 6.0 powerstroke cylinder 1 in order to keep the engine running smoothly. Once fixed, the cylinder 1 will work on full power and supply enough fuel to the engine for it to operate perfectly. 

Since the cylinder 1 is the first one running to supply the engine, it is crucial for this cylinder to function properly at all times. If you still have trouble executing any of the fixes mentioned in this guide, feel free to seek the help or opinion of a professional. 

You will be aware of the required labor cost for each segment after going through the fixes. So, it will help you decide which route will be best suitable for you.

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