P0259 code meaning
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0259 means
Fuel metering actuator B is a second electrically controlled metering valve on a diesel injection pump; A has the codes P0251–P0255. P0259 means its circuit reads high or draws too much current – a short to voltage or a shorted turn. Saab's 3.0 V6 diesel, whose pump has two metering valves, uses it for an internal short in one of the valves lasting over 2.1 s: limp mode with limited pedal response, injection quantity and rail pressure (60 MPa), and the warning light if it recurs on the next trip. GM and Ford use other codes for this part (P0090–P0092, P0001–P0004).
P0259 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0259
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode with limited power and speed
- Hard starting, engine may stall
Common causes of P0259
- Most likelyMetering valve B shorted internally
- PossibleControl wire to the valve shorted to voltage, chafing
- PossibleConnector at the valve corroded or wet
- Less likelyDriver stage in the engine 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 bHigh pressure fuel pumpActuator wiring
What each part of P0259 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). |
| 59 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0259 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 P0259
What does P0259 mean?
P0259 means "Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)". Fuel metering actuator B is a second electrically controlled metering valve on a diesel injection pump; A has the codes P0251–P0255. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0259?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0259 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0259 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0259 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 P0259 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0259 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.