Faulty fuel metering control solenoid or actuator on the injection pump; Damaged or chafed wiring in the fuel metering control circuit; Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the pump or ECM; Internal mechanical binding or wear in the injection pump cam ring or rotor; Failed engine control module driver for the metering circuit; Contaminated fuel or debris causing the metering valve to stick

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P0254

P0254Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control 'A' High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)

P0254 indicates that the engine control module has detected an abnormally high voltage or current on the fuel metering control circuit for injection pump control 'A', which is often associated with the cam ring, rotor, or injector timing components. The computer expects a specific electrical response from the actuator that adjusts fuel quantity, and a signal outside the expected range triggers this code.

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 engine misfire due to incorrect fuel delivery
Reduced engine power or limp mode when the ECM limits injection quantity
Hard starting or stalling, especially when the engine is cold
Excessive black smoke from the exhaust due to over-fueling
Poor fuel economy or increased fuel consumption

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty fuel metering control solenoid or actuator on the injection pump
Damaged or chafed wiring in the fuel metering control circuit
Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the pump or ECM
Internal mechanical binding or wear in the injection pump cam ring or rotor
Failed engine control module driver for the metering circuit
Contaminated fuel or debris causing the metering valve to stick

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the fuel metering control solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure the resistance of the fuel metering control solenoid and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Check for short circuits to voltage or ground in the control circuit between the pump and ECM
Verify fuel quality and inspect for contamination or restricted fuel flow that could affect metering
Perform an actuator test or bidirectional control test of the fuel metering solenoid with a scan tool
If electrical checks pass, remove and inspect the injection pump for mechanical binding or wear
Replace the faulty fuel metering control solenoid or injection pump assembly as needed, then clear codes and verify repair

What the fuel metering code hides

A sticking fuel metering valve due to contaminated fuel is a frequent cause that many technicians overlook while chasing electrical faults.
The code can set intermittently from a poor ground connection at the injection pump, which is easy to miss during a visual inspection.
Some vehicles use a fuel metering control unit that is separate from the ECM, and a failure there can mimic a pump solenoid fault.
High resistance in the circuit from corroded terminals often causes a high-voltage code without any driveability complaint until the fault worsens.
Replacing the injection pump without first verifying the control circuit can lead to a repeat failure if the wiring or ECM driver is the real problem.

Can I keep driving with P0254?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a repair shop if the engine runs smoothly and the check engine light is steady, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing. If the engine runs rough, stalls, or enters limp mode, stop driving and have it towed to prevent damage to the injection pump or catalytic converter.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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