AutoCodes – Mercedes-Benz – P0290 Mercedes-Benz

P0290 Mercedes-Benz Code - Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance Fault

Quick Answer

Code P0290 is triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the acceleration rate of the crankshaft for Cylinder 10 was less than a calibrated amount. Common causes include Dirty Fuel Injector 10, Faulty Fuel Injector 10, Plugged Fuel Injector 10. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0290 Mercedes-Benz indicates Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Dirty Fuel Injector 10, Faulty Fuel Injector 10, Plugged Fuel Injector 10.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 3,433

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 15, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0290 Mercedes-Benz Description

Code P0290 is triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the acceleration rate of the crankshaft for Cylinder 10 was less than a calibrated amount. During normal conditions, the ECM turns the Fuel Injectors ON and OFF in the Fuel Injection System.

OBDII Code P0290 Mercedes-Benz - Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance Fault - AutoCodes.com — P0290 Mercedes-Benz Code - Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0290 Mercedes-Benz?

Dirty Fuel Injector 10
Faulty Fuel Injector 10
Plugged Fuel Injector 10
Fuel Injector #10 harness is open or shorted
Fuel Injector #10 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0290 Mercedes-Benz?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Clogged or partially clogged fuel injector can cause this code. Start by performing an injector flush before replacing the injector.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0290 Mercedes-Benz code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0290 Mercedes-Benz code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0290 Mercedes-Benz code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0290 Mercedes-Benz code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0290 Mercedes-Benz Code

What does the OBDII code P0290 mean on a Mercedes-Benz?

The code P0290 indicates a "Cylinder 10 Contribution/Balance Fault," meaning cylinder 10 is not performing as expected in terms of power contribution.

What are the common symptoms of the P0290 code on a Mercedes-Benz?

Symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and the Check Engine Light coming on.

What causes the P0290 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty fuel injector, ignition coil issues, spark plug wear, low compression in cylinder 10, or problems with the fuel delivery system.

Can a dirty fuel injector trigger the P0290 code?

Yes, a clogged or malfunctioning fuel injector in cylinder 10 can prevent proper fuel delivery and trigger this code.

How is the P0290 code diagnosed?

Technicians typically use a scan tool to confirm the code, perform a cylinder balance test, inspect the ignition system, and check fuel injector operation and compression levels.

Can driving with the P0290 code damage the engine?

Driving with this code can cause further engine damage over time, including increased wear on other components due to misfires or imbalances.

How can I fix the P0290 code on my Mercedes-Benz?

Repairs may include replacing faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors, as well as addressing compression issues or cleaning the fuel system.

Is the P0290 code specific to Mercedes-Benz?

No, the P0290 code is a generic OBDII code, but the diagnostic and repair process may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Can low-quality fuel cause the P0290 code?

Yes, using low-quality or contaminated fuel can lead to improper combustion in cylinder 10 and trigger this code.

How much does it cost to repair the P0290 code on a Mercedes-Benz?

The cost depends on the root cause, ranging from $100 for spark plug replacement to several hundred dollars for fuel injector or compression-related repairs.