P008F code meaning
Engine Coolant Temperature/Fuel Temperature Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P008F means
After the engine has been switched off long enough, coolant and fuel should have approached the same temperature. The engine control module compares the coolant temperature sensor with the fuel temperature sensor at the next cold start and sets P008F if they differ too much. From this alone it cannot tell which sensor is wrong, so both have to be checked. Regulations require such plausibility checks for input sensors; the exact conditions are manufacturer-specific.
P008F at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P008F
- Check engine light on
- Usually no drivability symptoms
- Cold-start behaviour may be affected
Common causes of P008F
- Most likelyCoolant temperature sensor drifting
- Most likelyFuel temperature sensor drifting
- PossibleContact resistance at a connector
- Less likelyValues distorted, e.g. by an auxiliary heater
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Engine coolant temperature sensorFuel temperature sensorSensor wiring
What each part of P008F 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. |
| 8F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P008F 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 P008F
What does P008F mean?
P008F means "Engine Coolant Temperature/Fuel Temperature Correlation". After the engine has been switched off long enough, coolant and fuel should have approached the same temperature. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P008F?
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 P008F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P008F 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 P008F to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P008F 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.