Faulty fuel metering control solenoid or actuator on the injection pump; Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the fuel metering control circuit; Loose or dirty electrical connector at the injection pump; Failed injection pump control module or internal pump wear; Restricted fuel supply causing low actuator response; PCM software issue or internal driver fault (less common)

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P0253

P0253Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control 'A' Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)

P0253 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low voltage or low duty-cycle signal on the fuel metering control circuit for injection pump control 'A', which is often associated with the cam ring, rotor, or injector timing advance mechanism. The computer compares the commanded fuel metering position with the actual feedback signal and sets this code when the circuit remains below the expected threshold for a calibrated time.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or unstable engine speed, especially when cold
Reduced engine power or limp-home mode
Excessive black smoke from the exhaust due to over-fueling
Poor fuel economy or increased fuel consumption
Hard starting or extended cranking before the engine fires

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty fuel metering control solenoid or actuator on the injection pump
Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the fuel metering control circuit
Loose or dirty electrical connector at the injection pump
Failed injection pump control module or internal pump wear
Restricted fuel supply causing low actuator response
PCM software issue or internal driver fault (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and record freeze-frame data and any related codes before clearing anything
Inspect the fuel metering control solenoid connector and harness for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
Measure resistance and voltage on the control circuit according to the manufacturer's specification
Check fuel supply pressure and filter restriction to rule out low fuel delivery
Perform an actuator sweep test with a bidirectional scan tool to confirm solenoid response
If the circuit and actuator test good, check for PCM software updates or internal driver faults
Replace the fuel metering control solenoid or injection pump assembly only after electrical and fuel supply checks pass

Before you replace the injection pump

A low fuel level or restricted filter can cause the metering actuator to report low feedback, so always verify fuel supply pressure first.
Corroded pins in the pump connector often mimic a failed solenoid and are frequently overlooked during diagnosis.
The code can be set by a momentary voltage drop during cranking, so check for intermittent harness rubs near the pump.
Some vehicles require a relearn or adaptation reset after replacing the metering actuator, otherwise the code may return.
Do not assume the pump is mechanically failed; electrical circuit faults account for a large share of P0253 occurrences.

Can I keep driving with P0253?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing because the engine may enter limp mode or over-fuel. If the engine runs roughly or stalls, stop driving and have it towed to prevent damage to the injection pump or catalytic converter.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.