P0253 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Is your Car’s Check Engine Light illuminating on the dashboard? Do you find sudden decrease in the fuel economy? And is the car engine running rough with increased emissions from the exhaust? This might be the indication of problems with the fuel delivery system of the car which in other words can be an OBD code P0253 error.

OBD II fault code P0253 is defined as “Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control “A” Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects a variation between the signal voltage delivered to the electronic fuel control actuator, and the signal voltage returned by the fuel metering control sensor. This code applies to diesel engines exclusively.

All common rail diesel injection systems use a device known as an “electronic fuel control actuator” to meter the amount of fuel that is allowed to enter the actual pumping chamber(s) of a high-pressure diesel fuel pump. This device therefore determines the amount and pressure of the fuel that is ultimately delivered to the fuel rail. However, the pressure in the fuel rail needs to be controlled within a very narrow range for which most applications use a variable resistance-type sensor to communicate the actual pressure to the PCM.

Thus, the signal voltages of the electronic fuel control actuator and the fuel metering control sensor must be in agreement for the PCM to be able to calculate an appropriate fuel delivery strategy to ensure efficient engine operation under all engine speeds and loads.

What causes the problem of Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)?

• Fuel contamination by bacteria, dissolved waxes, and corrosion caused by water in the fuel.
• Burnt, damaged, shorted, or corroded wiring and connectors. Open circuits caused by engine vibration are also common.
• Defective fuel pressure sensor.
• Defective fuel control actuator.
• Defective high-pressure pumps.
• Defective electric lift pumps (where fitted)
• Defective fuel shut-off solenoids (where fitted).
• Failed, or failing fuel control actuator driver circuit(s) in the PCM. Note that this is a relatively rare event, and the fault must be sought elsewhere before any controller is replaced.

1. Fuel Sender Connector - If the problem in not with the injector, check for the connector and replace or repair as needed. This will ensure steady flow of fuel in the engine.
2. Fuel Filter - Check for clogged or damaged fuel filters and replace them immediately.
3. Fuel Solenoid - If the fuel solenoid is faulty, replace it immediately for proper fuel delivery system functioning. Buy now!
4. Fuel Lift Pump - Check for fuel lift pump problems that may lead to insufficient fuel delivery. Replace old pumps now!
5. Fuel Control Actuator - If the actuator is faulty, it will affect the fuel pressure delivery and thus needs immediate replacement.
6. Fuel Pressure Sensor - Check for faulty pressure sensor and replace it now!
7. Diagnostic Tool - Find wide range of diagnostic tools to detect and correct the OBD code error.

Depending on the degree of variation between signal voltages, the symptoms of this code might be no worse than a stored code and an illuminated warning light. However, some symptoms may be severe, and could include the following

Common Symptoms

• Hard, or no starting conditions can develop in some cases
• Excessive smoke from the tail pipe may be present
• Rough idling or running may be present
• Poor acceleration and loss of power can occur
• Vehicle may show hesitation upon acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy

Following are the most common treatment to the problem related to OBD Code P0253:

• Damaged fuel lines replacement
• Fuel pump replacement
• Fuel pressure sensor replacement
• Fuel injector replacement
• Damaged wiring and connector replacement
• Fuel pressure regulator replacement

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A mechanic will need to do the following to diagnose the problems associated with the P0253 code:

• Use an OBD-II scanner to download the vehicle’s stored codes.
• Examine the circuitry and connectors between PCM and fuel control actuator.
• Next, look at the circuitry and connectors. If any of the more serious symptoms were reported by the customer, the mechanic will recreate them. Inspect for the faulty wiring and connectors that may be damaged, broken or corroded and replace them immediately.
• PCM used other input signals from various engine sensors to develop a fuel delivery strategy. As voltage from the PCM gets increased, the fuel pressure regulator actuator allows pressure from the fuel pump to build and as voltage from the PCM is decreased, fuel pressure gets restricted.
• Retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure that the OBD code doesn’t reappear. If all system wiring, connectors, and components appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data.
• Check for the faults in the fuel pump, and the fuel injection system for any possible leaks and the thus need replacement as required.
• Also check for damaged or clogged fuel filters and replace them if needed.
• Check for faults in the Powertrain Control Module and replace or repair as necessary.

Common mistakes when diagnosing P0253 Code

• Clogged or damaged air filter not checked
• Damaged or contaminated spark plug bot replaced
• Faulty fuel pressure sensor not examined