P0260 critical

Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Circuit Range/Performance

The P0260 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Circuit Range/Performance. This is a critical severity code.

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Keep driving?
No -- stop driving
DIY difficulty
hard
Estimated cost
$200 - $1,000 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Engine runs rough or lacks power
  • Fuel rail pressure deviates from commanded value
  • Black or white smoke from exhaust

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Worn fuel metering control B valve Very High
  • Contaminated fuel causing valve sticking High
  • Fuel filter restriction affecting pump supply Moderate
  • Injection pump internal wear Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Compare commanded vs. actual fuel rail pressure on scan tool. Deviation greater than 15% indicates a problem.

  2. Replace fuel filter and retest.

  3. Check fuel quality for water contamination.

  4. If fuel is clean and filter is new, replace the metering control B valve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does range/performance mean for P0260?

The metering valve is operating but not achieving the commanded fuel pressure. The valve works but not accurately enough.

Can a fuel filter fix P0260?

Sometimes yes. A restricted fuel filter can starve the injection pump, preventing it from achieving the commanded rail pressure.

Is P0260 always the metering valve?

Not always. Internal injection pump wear can also prevent proper fuel pressure regulation, but the metering valve is the most common cause.

Sources

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

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