P0254 Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Signal High
🟠 Moderate severity · drivable
Drivable short-term, but the engine may run rough, lose power, or stall. Avoid long trips.
What P0254 means
The engine computer monitors a fuel metering valve inside the diesel injection pump. This code means the signal from that valve is reading higher than expected, so the pump may be delivering too much or too little fuel at the wrong times.
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Hard starting or long cranking
- Rough idle or stalling
- Loss of power while driving
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
Common causes
- most common: Faulty fuel quantity adjuster inside the injection pump
- common: Short to power in the metering control wiring
- common: Damaged wiring or a loose connector at the injection pump
- 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 or rebuild the injection pump | Mechanic | $1500–4000 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0254 code?
Yes for short trips, but the engine may run rough, lose power, or stall. If it stalls and won't restart, have it towed.
What is the most common cause of P0254?
A faulty fuel quantity adjuster inside the injection pump. Wiring that is shorted to power can also cause it.
Is P0254 the same as P0253?
They are related, but not the same. P0253 means the metering signal reads too low, and P0254 means it reads too high. Both point to the same pump and wiring areas.
Related codes
P0253
P0253 Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Signal Low
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.