P0253
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Fuel injection (diesel)
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0253 is a diesel code meaning the 'A' fuel-metering control in the injection pump is reading low. This control sets how much fuel the pump delivers, so a fault can cause rough running, poor power, hard starting, and stalling until the wiring, control valve, or pump is repaired.
High
Can I keep driving? Marginal — a diesel injection-pump metering fault can cause stalling, hard starting, and poor power, so repair it promptly.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Poor engine performance and reduced power
- Rough idle
- Hard starting or stalling
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty injection-pump fuel-metering control valve/actuatorLikely
- Damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the metering controlCommon
- Failing injection pumpCommon
- Low fuel supply — clogged filter or a restricted supply lineLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the metering-control wiring and connector.
- Check fuel supply: filter condition, supply-line restriction, and low-side pressure.
- Test the metering control valve/actuator against the pump's spec.
- If the pump itself is faulty, replace or rebuild it. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0253?+
Not reliably. Fuel metering directly affects how the engine runs, so you may face stalling or hard starts. Get it diagnosed soon.
Can I just clear P0253?+
It returns until the metering-control fault is repaired. It reflects a real fueling problem, not a random trip.
Related codes
Often seen with P0253
Read & clear P0253 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