P0266 on SEAT: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault
1 SEAT model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $400-$4,000 repair
P0266 on SEAT by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The BKD 2.0 TDI Pump-Düse engine in Leon Mk2 (and Golf Mk5, Passat B6, Audi A3 8P) suffers PD injector failure, particularly on long-life servicing. Failure modes: misfire on one cylinder, hard starting, white smoke, sooty exhaust. Often accompanied by cracked cylinder head between #2 and #3 due to local overheating.
Common Symptoms
- misfire cold
- hard start
- white smoke
- rough idle
How to Fix
Single injector replacement €400-€700 incl. coding. Full set (4) €1,400-€2,000. If head crack present, head rebuild adds €1,200-€2,000 more. Use VW 507.00 oil at 10,000 km max, NOT long-life intervals.
P0266 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0266 mean on a SEAT?
P0266 stands for "Cylinder 2 Contribution/Balance Fault." P0266 is a generic powertrain code indicating the engine computer detected that cylinder 2 is not contributing its expected share of power, meaning its output is unbalanced compared to the other cylinders. The PCM monitors crankshaft acceleration and fuel/injector behavior per cylinder, and an imbalance here often signals a misfire, fuel-delivery, or mechanical problem specific to cylinder 2. Left unaddressed, this can cause rough running, poor performance, and possible catalytic converter damage. On SEAT it is documented across 1 model: Leon.
What are the most common causes of P0266?
The most common causes of P0266 are: Faulty or clogged fuel injector on cylinder 2, Injector wiring or connector fault, Ignition fault (coil, plug) causing a cylinder-2 misfire, Low compression / mechanical issue (valve, ring) on cylinder 2, Vacuum or intake leak affecting that cylinder, Contaminated or restricted fuel supply, PCM driver circuit fault for that injector. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0266 on a SEAT?
Published repair estimates on SEAT range from $400 to $4,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0266 on a different make?
View P0266 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.