P208C code meaning
Reductant Pump A Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P208C means
P208C sets when the drive of DEF pump A is pulled low, either by a ground fault or by current far beyond normal. Ford's 2023 diesels look for pump current over 5 A or pump controller current over 15 A with the driver off, the same 8 s window as for the open fault P208A. In GM's 2018 diesel table the DEF control module itself reports the phase shorted to ground; 20 out of 25 samples, Type A. The 2014 VW Touareg TDI trips once the control line falls under 2.74 V, and Deutz EMR5 files it as P208C-11, too little voltage or a path to ground. Jaguar Land Rover found P208C-11 together with P208A-13 on 2018–2019 Range Rover Velar 2.0 diesels and fixed it with a PCM update. Real shorts are often chafed wires near the tank or a seized pump, which may also blow the fuse. Dosing stops.
P208C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P208C
- MIL and DEF dosing malfunction warning
- Pump fuse found blown
- Countdown to no-restart
Common causes of P208C
- Most likelyPump drive wire shorted to ground near the tank
- PossibleSeized or crystallised pump drawing excessive current
- PossibleSoftware error in the controlling module (JLR Velar)
- Less likelyWater in the pump connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Reductant pump
What each part of P208C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 8C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P208C 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 P208C
What does P208C mean?
P208C means "Reductant Pump A Control Circuit Low". P208C sets when the drive of DEF pump A is pulled low, either by a ground fault or by current far beyond normal. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P208C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P208C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P208C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P208C 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 P208C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P208C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.