Code
P0255
Generic
P — Powertrain
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Views:
UK: 26
EN: 32
RU: 24
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or corroded connector at the injection pump fuel metering/actuator
- Broken, shorted or intermittent wiring (open, short to ground, short to battery) in the control circuit
- Faulty injection pump metering valve/actuator or internal pump electronics
- Poor or intermittent ground or battery supply to pump or PCM
- PCM/ECM software or internal fault
- Intermittent connection at body harness clips or contact points
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination
- Hard starting or extended cranking
- Rough idle, stalling or misfire-like symptoms
- Reduced engine power or limp-home mode
- Increased smoke or abnormal exhaust
- Poor fuel economy or surging under load
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame data and stored related codes with a scan tool
- Check for additional fuel-related codes (fuel rail pressure, injectors, pump control)
- Visually inspect wiring and connectors at the injection pump and PCM for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
- Backprobe the pump control connector and observe voltage and signal while commanding the actuator with a scan tool
- Wiggle the harness and connector while monitoring live data to reproduce intermittent behavior
- Check battery voltage and engine grounds for proper connections and continuity
Signal parameters
- Control type: typically a PWM (pulse-width modulated) command from PCM to pump metering actuator
- Expected command: variable duty cycle (0–100%) depending on engine load/conditions
- Connector voltage when commanded ON: near battery voltage; when commanded OFF: low (close to 0 V) or PWM switching
- Coil/actuator resistance: design-specific — consult vehicle service data; large deviations indicate fault
- PWM frequency: design-specific (commonly tens to several hundred Hz) — irregular or missing waveform indicates problem
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve freeze frame and all stored codes. Note conditions when code set (engine temp, RPM, load).
- Visually inspect the pump connector and harness for corrosion, bent pins, chafing, or repairs. Repair any obvious damage before further testing.
- Check battery voltage and main engine grounds. Clean and tighten ground points and battery connections as needed.
- Backprobe the pump control 'A' connector. With ignition ON and engine OFF, measure voltage at the supply pin and resistance of the actuator if accessible; compare to specs.
- With a scan tool, command the fuel metering actuator while monitoring the actual signal. Look for proper response and stable duty cycle. Observe for intermittent loss or erratic duty.
- Wiggle/shift harness and connectors while monitoring the live signal to reproduce intermittent behavior. Inspect any cover grommets or flex points for damage.
- Use an oscilloscope to inspect waveform for correct PWM frequency and clean edges. Look for noise, dropouts, or voltage spikes.
- If wiring and connector check good but signal still intermittent, substitute or bench-test the pump actuator (if serviceable) or replace injection pump assembly per manufacturer procedure.
- If actuator and harness test good, consider PCM output test or reflashing as last resort — confirm with manufacturer diagnostics before replacing PCM.
- After repairs, clear codes and road test under conditions similar to freeze frame. Re-scan to confirm code does not return.
Likely causes
- Corroded/loose connector at fuel metering actuator (most common)
- Damaged wiring harness where it flexes or routes near moving parts
- Failing injection pump solenoid/actuator
- Intermittent ground or low battery voltage during cranking
- PCM/ECM intermittent output (less common)
Fault status
Status
Intermittent fault detected in Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A circuit. Irregular or missing control signal to the pump metering actuator was observed by the PCM.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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