P0253 code meaning
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0253 means
These codes cover the electrically controlled fuel metering actuator on a diesel injection pump – on common rail usually an inlet metering valve on the high-pressure pump that sets how much fuel is compressed. P0253 means the actuator A circuit reads low. Saab's 2011 9-5 diesel uses it for a control wire shorted to ground for more than 1 s, with the warning light at once. Saab's 3.0 V6 diesel, whose pump has two metering valves, also includes an open circuit (over 2.1 s) and goes into limp mode: limited pedal response and injection quantity, rail pressure capped at 60 MPa, warning light if the fault recurs on the next trip. Ford's equivalent is P0003, GM's P0091.
P0253 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0253
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode with limited power and speed
- Hard starting possible
Common causes of P0253
- Most likelyControl wire to the metering actuator chafed to ground
- PossibleConnector or wire open (where makers include it under low)
- PossibleMetering actuator faulty internally
- Less likelyEngine module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel metering actuator aHigh pressure fuel pumpActuator wiring
What each part of P0253 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 53 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0253 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 P0253
What does P0253 mean?
P0253 means "Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)". These codes cover the electrically controlled fuel metering actuator on a diesel injection pump – on common rail usually an inlet metering valve on the high-pressure pump that sets how much fuel is compressed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0253?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0253 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0253 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0253 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 P0253 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0253 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.