P0252
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Range/Performance (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Diesel fuel injection
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0252 is a diesel code meaning the "A" fuel-metering control in the injection pump isn't delivering fuel within its expected range. Because it governs how much fuel the pump meters out, a fault shows up as low power, hard starting, rough running, and sometimes stalling. Look first at the metering-control valve and its wiring, then fuel supply and the pump itself.
High
Can I keep driving? Limited — fuel metering is off, so expect low power and possible hard starting or stalling; get it diagnosed before relying on the vehicle.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Hard starting or extended cranking
- Reduced power and poor acceleration
- Rough running or stalling
- Poor fuel economy or excess smoke
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty injection-pump fuel-metering control valve/solenoid ('A')Likely
- Open, shorted, or corroded wiring and connectors in the metering-control circuitCommon
- Low fuel supply or a restricted fuel filter feeding the pumpCommon
- Worn or failing injection pump internals (cam/rotor)Less often
- Failed ECM (rare — verify the circuit and pump first)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan and read freeze-frame data to capture the conditions when the code set.
- Inspect the metering-control valve connector and wiring for opens, shorts, and corrosion.
- Check fuel supply and filter condition, and verify supply pressure to the pump.
- Test the metering control valve/solenoid resistance and operation against spec.
- If the circuit and supply are good, have the injection pump inspected. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0252?+
Not for regular use — fuel delivery is unreliable and the engine may stall or refuse to restart. Have it diagnosed first.
Can I just clear P0252?+
It will return until the metering-control fault is fixed. Clearing only shows whether the problem is still active.
Related codes
Often seen with P0252
Read & clear P0252 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX