P0253: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0253 means
On diesel engines with an injection pump, the fuel metering control 'A' is mounted on or inside the pump. OBD-Codes.com describes it as a fuel rack position (FRP) sensor plus a fuel quantity actuator: the sensor turns the amount of fuel the actuator is delivering to the injectors into a voltage signal, and the powertrain control module (PCM) uses it to decide how much fuel to give the engine. P0253 is the 'low' version: OBD-Codes.com says it sets when the sensor voltage stays below a set level, usually under 0.3 V, for too long, and that it is usually an electrical circuit issue. RepairPal explains it in terms of pump pressure: the fuel pump control actuator controls the injection pump's output pressure, and the PCM sets P0253 when it detects an incorrect signal from that actuator. OBD-Codes.com says the code applies to diesel OBD-II engines generally but shows up more often on some Mercedes-Benz and VW vehicles, and searches for it center on Dodge Cummins. Which part of the circuit counts as 'A' depends on the vehicle, so check its service information.
Severity: can I keep driving?
Drive with caution, fix soon
Get it checked soon. The sources differ here: OBD-Codes.com calls P0253 not severe because it is an electrical fault the engine computer can usually compensate for, while RepairPal rates it 'Urgent' and says the engine may lose performance or stall. Since a stall can happen while driving, don't put off a diagnosis.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on (OBD-Codes.com)
- Decrease in fuel economy (OBD-Codes.com)
- Decreased engine performance (RepairPal)
- Engine may stall (RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Short to ground in the signal circuit to the fuel rack position sensor (OBD-Codes.com, rated possible)
- Short to ground or open in the power circuit at the sensor (OBD-Codes.com, rated possible)
- Wiring issue (RepairPal)
- Fuel injection pump actuator failure (RepairPal)
- Fuel injection pump failure (RepairPal)
- Failed PCM, rated unlikely by OBD-Codes.com (both sources)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Check for technical service bulletins for your year, make and model first, since the issue may be known with a known fix.
- Find the sensor connector on or beside the injection pump and look over the wiring and connector for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. A rubbed-through wire touching metal is a classic way to short a circuit to ground.
- Unplug the connector and check the terminals for burning or green corrosion. OBD-Codes.com suggests cleaning them with electrical contact cleaner and a plastic brush, letting them dry and applying electrical grease.
- Clear the code with a scan tool and drive. If it doesn't come back, OBD-Codes.com says the connection was most likely the problem.
- If the engine stalls or loses power, have it diagnosed promptly rather than continuing to drive it.
Typical fixes
- Clean or repair corroded or damaged connectors at the pump sensor
- Repair a shorted-to-ground signal wire, or a shorted or open power wire
- Replace the fuel rack position sensor / fuel quantity actuator if circuits test good
- Replace the fuel injection pump if it is at fault (RepairPal lists fuel pump replacement as the common repair)
- Replace and program the PCM only after the other parts are ruled out
Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.
🛠 When to call a pro
- OBD-Codes.com's test: key off, unplug the FRP sensor, then key on engine off and measure between the harness power and ground terminals; expect 12 V or 5 V depending on the manufacturer's spec, otherwise repair power or ground or suspect the PCM. Then measure the signal terminal, which should read 5 V; if not, repair the signal wire or suspect the PCM.
- If all circuit tests pass and P0253 keeps returning, OBD-Codes.com points to the FRP sensor / fuel quantity actuator, and says the PCM can't be ruled out until that part is replaced. A replacement PCM must be programmed to the vehicle.
- OBD-Codes.com gives the typical threshold as signal voltage under about 0.3 V for too long; check the vehicle's service information for the exact value.
- The sources disagree on severity and focus: OBD-Codes.com rates P0253 not severe and lists only wiring shorts or opens and an unlikely PCM failure, while RepairPal rates it 'Urgent', lists stalling, and names the pump actuator, the injection pump itself and fuel pump replacement as common repairs.
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0253?
Maybe for a short time, since OBD-Codes.com says the PCM can usually compensate for this electrical fault. But RepairPal rates P0253 'Urgent' and says the engine may stall, so get it diagnosed soon.
What is the difference between P0251, P0252 and P0253?
All three point to the same injection pump fuel metering control 'A'. P0251 is the general malfunction code, P0252 means the signal doesn't match what the PCM expects (range/performance), and P0253 means the signal voltage is too low, usually from a short to ground or an open in the wiring, according to OBD-Codes.com.
Is P0253 a diesel-only code?
Yes. Both sources describe the diesel fuel injection pump, and OBD-Codes.com says it applies to diesel fueled OBD-II engines.
Does P0253 always mean a new injection pump?
No. OBD-Codes.com treats it mainly as a wiring problem and recommends checking service bulletins, connectors and wiring first, then testing the sensor circuit. RepairPal does list fuel pump replacement as a common repair, so a proper diagnosis is worth it before buying an expensive pump.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.