P2A71 code meaning
Alternative Fuel Hydraulic Fuel Pump Select Valve Control Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P2Axx codes Check engine light
What P2A71 means
P2A71 concerns the function of the hydraulic fuel pump select valve rather than its wiring: the circuit is intact, but the system does not respond as expected after a switch command. In Westport's design the controller links the hydraulic pressure it measures to whichever pump the selector valve should be feeding; if the pressure pattern does not match the commanded pump, or the empty-tank logic sees no change after switching, the valve is probably sticking or leaking internally. Contaminated hydraulic oil, a worn spool or a weak solenoid are typical. Caterpillar's patent describes a related directional valve whose actuator is shifted once pressure sensors detect the stroke end. No manufacturer publishes P2A71 or its limits.
P2A71 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2A71
- Check engine light on
- Tank changeover does not happen or happens late
- Uneven LNG levels between tanks
Common causes of P2A71
- Most likelyValve spool sticking due to contaminated hydraulic oil
- PossibleWorn valve leaking internally, flow reaches both pumps
- Less likelySolenoid force too low, for example from low supply voltage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Alt fuel hyd pump select valveWiring harnessAfcm
What each part of P2A71 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. |
| 71 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2A71 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 P2A71
What does P2A71 mean?
P2A71 means "Alternative Fuel Hydraulic Fuel Pump Select Valve Control Range/Performance". P2A71 concerns the function of the hydraulic fuel pump select valve rather than its wiring: the circuit is intact, but the system does not respond as expected after a switch command. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2A71?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2A71 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2A71 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2A71 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 P2A71 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2A71 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.