P0260 code meaning
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0260 means
P0260 reports brief dropouts or jumps in the circuit of fuel metering actuator B on a diesel injection pump that do not last long enough for the low or high code (P0258/P0259) – typically a loose contact or a wire breaking under vibration. No manufacturer using P0260 was found; the description follows CARB's continuous circuit monitoring requirement and Saab's diagnosis of the same two-valve pump, which recommends a wiggle test with the valves activated.
P0260 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 P0260
- Check engine light on
- Occasional jerking or brief loss of power
- Limp mode possible
Common causes of P0260
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the metering valve B connector
- PossibleBroken or chafed wire in the harness to the pump (vibration, heat)
- PossibleMetering valve B with internal dropouts
- Less likelyUnstable supply or ground
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 P0260 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). |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0260 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 P0260
What does P0260 mean?
P0260 means "Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)". P0260 reports brief dropouts or jumps in the circuit of fuel metering actuator B on a diesel injection pump that do not last long enough for the low or high code (P0258/P0259) – typically a loose contact or a wire breaking under vibration. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0260?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0260 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0260 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0260 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 P0260 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0260 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.