P0253 Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Signal Low
🟠 Moderate severity · drivable
Drivable short-term, but the engine may lose power or stall. Avoid driving if it runs poorly.
What P0253 means
The engine computer controls a fuel metering valve inside the diesel injection pump. This code means the signal from that valve is reading lower than expected, so the pump may not be delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine.
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Hard starting or long cranking
- Rough idle or stalling
- Loss of power, especially under load
- Poor fuel economy
Common causes
- most common: Faulty fuel quantity adjuster inside the injection pump
- common: Damaged wiring or a loose connector at the injection pump
- common: Short to ground in the metering control wiring
- less common: Worn or failing injection pump
- rare: Engine computer fault
How to fix it
| Fix | DIY? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect and clean the injection pump connector | Yes | $0–20 |
| Repair damaged or shorted wiring | Mechanic | $50–200 |
| Replace the fuel quantity adjuster or injection pump | Mechanic | $1500–4000 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0253 code?
Yes for short trips, but the engine may lose power, run rough, or stall. If it won't stay running, don't drive it.
What is the most common cause of P0253?
A faulty fuel quantity adjuster inside the injection pump, or a wiring problem at the pump connector.
Does P0253 mean I need a new injection pump?
Not always. Sometimes a wiring or connector repair fixes it. A pump replacement is only needed if testing shows the pump itself is bad.
Related codes
P0254
P0254 Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Signal High
P0252P0252 Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Out of Range
P0216P0216 Code: Injection Timing Control Circuit Malfunction
Updated 2026-08. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis.