P0192 code meaning
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0192 means
The rail pressure sensor A measures the pressure in the high-pressure fuel rail of common-rail diesels and gasoline direct-injection engines; it is either a three-wire sensor (5 V reference, ground, signal rising with pressure, about 0.5 V at 0 bar) or a digital SENT sensor with two measuring channels. The engine module uses it as the feedback signal for rail pressure control. P0192 means the signal is below the physically possible range – typically a signal wire shorted to ground or an open 5 V reference. Limits: Ford diesel below 0.13 V for 0.5 s, Ford gasoline direct injection below 0.20 V for 5 s, GM diesel below 4.3 % of supply, GM 6.6 litre below 0.19 V, Saab/GM 2.0 diesel below 0.25 V. Monitored continuously; GM one trip, Saab two. If several sensors report low voltage at once, the shared 5 V reference is the likely cause. On a fault the module uses a substitute value and usually limits power.
P0192 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0192
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode or 'Reduced Engine Power'
- Hard starting, stalling
- Rough running
Common causes of P0192
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground, harness chafed
- Possible5 V reference open or shorted
- PossibleConnector corroded or loose
- PossibleRail pressure sensor faulty internally
- Less likelyEngine control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel rail pressure sensorSensor wiringSensor reference voltage
What each part of P0192 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. |
| 92 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0192 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 P0192
What does P0192 mean?
P0192 means "Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low". The rail pressure sensor A measures the pressure in the high-pressure fuel rail of common-rail diesels and gasoline direct-injection engines; it is either a three-wire sensor (5 V reference, ground, signal rising with pressure, about 0.5 V at 0 bar) or a digital SENT sensor with two measuring channels. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0192?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0192 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0192 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0192 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 P0192 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0192 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.