P0258 code meaning
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0258 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. P0258 means the actuator B circuit reads low. The only manufacturer found, Saab with its 3.0 V6 diesel of the early 2000s, uses it not for a second valve but for the shared supply of both metering valves: a short to ground or open for more than about 1 s triggers limp mode with limited pedal response and injection quantity, rail pressure capped at 60 MPa and idle raised to 1,000 rpm; the warning light comes on if it recurs on the next trip.
P0258 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 P0258
- Check engine light on (after the second trip)
- Loss of power, limp mode
- Raised idle speed in limp mode
Common causes of P0258
- Most likelySupply wire, fuse or relay of the metering valves open or shorted to ground
- PossibleConnector at the pump corroded or loose
- PossibleMetering valve shorted to ground internally
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel metering actuator bHigh pressure fuel pumpActuator wiringMetering valve supply
What each part of P0258 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). |
| 58 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0258 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 P0258
What does P0258 mean?
P0258 means "Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B 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 P0258?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0258 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0258 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0258 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 P0258 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0258 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.