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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

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
2Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit).
58The 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.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 10 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P0258