P0260: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0260 means
On diesel engines with an injection pump, the fuel metering control 'B' sits 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. P0260 is the 'intermittent' version: OBD-Codes.com says it sets if that signal doesn't match normal operating conditions stored in the PCM, even for a second, and that the PCM also checks the signal at initial key on. RepairPal explains it in terms of pump pressure: the fuel pump control actuator controls the injection pump's output pressure, and the PCM sets P0260 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. It is the 'B' counterpart of P0255, and which part of the circuit counts as 'B' 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 says severity depends on the failure, severe if it is mechanical but less so if it is electrical because the engine computer can compensate, while RepairPal rates P0260 'Urgent' and says the engine may lose performance or stall. Because an intermittent fault can cause a stall 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.
- Failed fuel rack position sensor (OBD-Codes.com, rated likely)
- Open, short to voltage or short to ground in the sensor signal circuit (OBD-Codes.com, rated possible)
- Open in the power or ground 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. With an intermittent code, a loose or chafed wire is a prime suspect.
- 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, loose or damaged connectors at the pump sensor
- Repair an open or shorted signal, power or ground 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 P0260 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 stresses that both mechanical and electrical causes have to be considered with this intermittent code.
- The sources disagree on severity and focus: OBD-Codes.com calls it severe only for a mechanical failure and rates the FRP sensor the likely cause, while RepairPal rates P0260 '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 P0260?
Maybe for a short time if the fault is electrical, since OBD-Codes.com says the PCM can compensate. But RepairPal rates P0260 'Urgent' and says the engine may stall, so get it diagnosed soon.
What is the difference between P0259 and P0260?
Both point to the injection pump fuel metering control 'B'. P0259 means the signal stays too high (OBD-Codes.com says usually over 4.8 V). P0260 means the signal is intermittent: it briefly doesn't match what the PCM expects, which often points to a loose, chafed or corroded connection or a failing sensor.
Is P0260 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 P0260 always mean a new injection pump?
No. OBD-Codes.com recommends checking service bulletins, connectors and wiring first, then testing the sensor circuit. RepairPal does list fuel pump replacement as the common repair, so get the circuit tested before buying parts.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.