Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Intermittent (Diesel)
The P0255 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Intermittent (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 P0255?
- Check Engine Light on
- Engine surges or hunts at idle
- Intermittent power loss
- Fuel rail pressure fluctuates erratically
What Causes P0255? (Most Likely First)
- Loose connector at fuel metering valve Very High
- Intermittent wire break in metering valve circuit High
- Failing metering valve with intermittent coil Moderate
- Fuel contamination causing sticking valve Low
Can I Still Drive with P0255?
No — stop driving. P0255 is rated critical severity. Continuing to drive in this state risks further damage — get it looked at before your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the engine surge with P0255?
An intermittent metering valve connection causes fuel delivery to fluctuate, making the engine speed rise and fall as fuel pressure changes.
Can bad fuel cause P0255?
Yes, contaminated fuel with water or debris can cause the metering valve to stick intermittently, triggering this code.
Is P0255 an emergency?
Yes, intermittent fuel metering can cause dangerous pressure spikes. Have the vehicle towed for repair.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose P0255?
-
Monitor fuel rail pressure and metering valve duty cycle on scan tool. Look for erratic fluctuations.
-
Wiggle test on metering valve connector while monitoring. Signal dropout confirms connector fault.
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Check wiring at vibration and heat stress points.
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Inspect fuel quality and filter condition.
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
Which Vehicles Commonly Get P0255?
- 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 Nissan Titan XD (5.0L Diesel)
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