Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Diesel)
The P0253 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Diesel). This is a critical severity code.
- Keep driving?
- No — stop driving
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $200 - $800 (parts and labor)
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What Are the Symptoms of P0253?
- Check Engine Light on
- Engine may not start
- Severe loss of power
- White or black smoke from exhaust
What Causes P0253? (Most Likely First)
- Faulty fuel metering control valve on injection pump Very High
- Short to ground in metering valve wiring High
- Fuel contamination affecting metering valve Moderate
- PCM driver circuit fault Low
Can I Still Drive with P0253?
No — stop driving. P0253 is rated critical severity. Continuing to drive in this state risks further damage — get it looked at before your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the injection pump fuel metering control?
It is a solenoid valve on the diesel injection pump that controls how much fuel enters the high-pressure pump, directly controlling rail pressure and engine power.
Can I drive with P0253?
No, this code indicates the engine cannot properly meter fuel. Driving may cause engine damage from incorrect fuel delivery.
Is P0253 a diesel-only code?
Yes, P0253 relates to diesel injection pump fuel metering, which is specific to diesel engines.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose P0253?
-
Read fuel metering valve commanded duty cycle vs. actual rail pressure on scan tool.
-
Measure metering valve resistance and compare to spec (varies by manufacturer).
-
Check wiring for shorts to ground between PCM and metering valve.
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Inspect fuel for contamination (water, debris) that could affect the metering valve.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
P0253 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Which Vehicles Commonly Get P0253?
- 2010-2020 Ford F-250 (6.7L Diesel)
- 2012-2019 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins)
- 2008-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (6.6L Duramax)
- 2011-2020 GMC Sierra 2500 (6.6L Duramax)
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