P008A code meaning
Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P008A means
Some engines, mainly gasoline direct injection with a demand-controlled in-tank pump, have their own pressure sensor in the low-pressure line between the tank pump and the high-pressure pump. The engine control module compares this supply pressure with its target. P008A is set when the supply pressure stays too low. Besides a weak tank pump or its control unit, a clogged filter or a faulty sensor, simply running the tank empty can set this code.
P008A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P008A
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting
- Jerking under load
- High-pressure codes may follow
Common causes of P008A
- Most likelyTank run empty or very low fuel level
- Most likelyIn-tank pump or its control unit faulty
- PossibleFilter or line restricted
- PossibleLow-pressure sensor faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Low pressure fuel pumpFuel pump control moduleLow pressure fuel sensorFuel filter
What each part of P008A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 8A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P008A and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P008A
What does P008A mean?
P008A means "Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low". Some engines, mainly gasoline direct injection with a demand-controlled in-tank pump, have their own pressure sensor in the low-pressure line between the tank pump and the high-pressure pump. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P008A?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P008A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P008A is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P008A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P008A clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.