P2A20 code meaning
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control F Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Powertrain system Generic code P2Axx codes Check engine light
What P2A20 means
P2A20 is the low-signal fault of metering element F: the module measures a voltage or current on that drive line that is lower than the switching state allows. Shorts to ground, broken conductors on low-side switched circuits and connectors pushed out of their housing are the usual suspects. Element F is the sixth individually controlled metering element, so the code only concerns engines with six such units. No manufacturer describes P2A20 publicly; even Volvo, which uses the letter F, lists it only for range/performance. As an analogy, Saab's 2011 9-5 diesel sets P0253 for its regulator line shorted to ground and P0251 for an open line, each after one second, both as Type A faults. The high-signal counterpart of P2A20 is P2A21.
P2A20 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 P2A20
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power
- Rough idle
Common causes of P2A20
- Most likelyDrive line of element F shorted to ground
- PossibleTerminal pushed out of the connector housing or broken conductor
- Less likelyOpen coil in metering element F
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Injection pump metering fInjection pumpWiring harness
What each part of P2A20 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| A | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2A20 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 P2A20
What does P2A20 mean?
P2A20 means "Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control F Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)". P2A20 is the low-signal fault of metering element F: the module measures a voltage or current on that drive line that is lower than the switching state allows. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2A20?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2A20 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2A20 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2A20 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 P2A20 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2A20 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.