P00CA code meaning
Fuel Pressure Regulator A Solenoid Supply Voltage Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P00CA means
Some engine control modules switch the solenoid of fuel pressure regulator A on both sides: the ground side is monitored by P0090 to P0092, the supply side (high-side driver) by P00C8 to P00CA. On gasoline direct injection the regulator is typically the control valve on the high-pressure pump; on some diesels it is the regulator designated as regulator 1. P00CA reports a short to battery voltage on the supply side, so the driver can no longer switch the supply off. Rail pressure can then not be controlled, causing starting problems, stalling or reduced power; documented systems turn on the warning light in the first drive cycle.
P00CA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P00CA
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting or stalling
- Loss of power or limp mode
Common causes of P00CA
- Most likelySupply wire shorted to battery voltage
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the connector
- PossibleInternal fault in the solenoid
- Less likelyHigh-side driver in the engine control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel pressure regulatorFuel pressure regulator wiringHigh pressure fuel pumpEngine control module
What each part of P00CA 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. |
| CA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P00CA 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 P00CA
What does P00CA mean?
P00CA means "Fuel Pressure Regulator A Solenoid Supply Voltage Control Circuit High". Some engine control modules switch the solenoid of fuel pressure regulator A on both sides: the ground side is monitored by P0090 to P0092, the supply side (high-side driver) by P00C8 to P00CA. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P00CA?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P00CA the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P00CA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P00CA 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 P00CA 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 P00CA clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.