What Does P0255 Mean?
The injection pump fuel metering control signal is exhibiting intermittent behavior, meaning the ECM is detecting erratic or inconsistent readings from the cam, rotor, or injector metering system. This typically manifests as sporadic fuel delivery issues on diesel engines. The driver may notice intermittent surging, hesitation, stalling, or rough idle that comes and goes unpredictably.
Common Causes
35%
Loose or corroded connector at the fuel metering control valve causing intermittent contact
30%
Damaged or chafed wiring causing intermittent open or short circuit
20%
Fuel metering control solenoid with internal intermittent fault
10%
Intermittent injection pump mechanical binding
5%
Intermittent ECM driver circuit fault
Diagnostic Steps
1
Wiggle-test the wiring harness and connectors at the fuel metering control valve while monitoring live data — watch for signal dropouts or voltage spikes that correlate with the intermittent fault.
2
Inspect the fuel metering valve connector for corroded, backed-out, or spread terminal pins — clean or replace terminals as needed and apply dielectric grease.
3
Perform a thorough visual inspection of the entire wiring run from ECM to metering valve, looking for chafing against engine brackets, heat damage near the exhaust, or rodent damage.
4
Monitor fuel metering duty cycle and fuel rail pressure simultaneously over an extended drive cycle to capture the intermittent condition — freeze frame data may indicate specific operating conditions when the fault occurs.
5
If no wiring fault is found, swap the fuel metering solenoid and monitor for recurrence to confirm component failure.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $1,000
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The injection pump fuel metering control signal is exhibiting intermittent behavior, meaning the ECM is detecting erratic or inconsistent readings from the cam, rotor, or injector metering system. This typically manifests as sporadic fuel delivery issues on diesel engines. The driver may notice inte...
The most common cause of P0255 (Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)) is: Loose or corroded connector at the fuel metering control valve causing intermittent contact
Typical repair costs for P0255 range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Intermittent fuel metering issues can cause unexpected surging or stalling, which poses a safety risk in traffic. The vehicle can be driven cautiously for short distances, but unexpected power loss is possible. Diagnose promptly.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0255 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Diesel Fuel Injection System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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