P0148 code meaning
Fuel Delivery Error
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0148 means
P0148 is an early, rather unspecific OBD II code: the control module finds that the fuel delivered does not match what was requested. Saab's 3.0 V6 diesel (Isuzu) uses it for leak detection: from the balance of quantity and rail pressure it recognises a leak of 90 mm³ per crankshaft revolution, monitored continuously up to 6,400 rpm, and then shuts the engine off – a restart is only possible in the next drive cycle. Ford lists P0148 in the fuel monitor of its 2020–2023 gasoline engines, alongside P0171/P0172, without describing the logic. Newer systems usually report such faults more precisely as P0087/P0088 (rail pressure) or P0093 (large leak).
P0148 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0148
- Check engine light on
- Engine stalls or will not restart (Saab: shut-off until next drive cycle)
- Loss of power, stumbling
- Fuel smell with an external leak
Common causes of P0148
- Most likelyFuel leak in the high-pressure or return section (line, rail, injector leakage)
- PossibleFuel filter clogged or lift pump weak
- PossibleHigh-pressure or injection pump worn
- Less likelyPressure or volume control valve faulty
- Less likelyAir in the fuel system (tank run dry)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel systemHigh pressure fuel pumpFuel railFuel injectors
What each part of P0148 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 48 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0148 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 P0148
What does P0148 mean?
P0148 means "Fuel Delivery Error". P0148 is an early, rather unspecific OBD II code: the control module finds that the fuel delivered does not match what was requested. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0148?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0148 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0148 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0148 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 P0148 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0148 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.