What Does P1253 Mean?
The fuel consumption signal circuit has a short to ground, preventing the ECM from accurately monitoring fuel usage data. This manufacturer-specific code indicates a wiring fault in the fuel consumption sensor circuit, which can cause erroneous fuel economy readings and potentially affect fuel metering strategies. The ECM may default to calculated fuel consumption values rather than measured ones.
Common Causes
35%
Damaged or chafed wiring in fuel consumption sensor harness shorting to chassis ground
30%
Faulty fuel consumption sensor with internal short circuit
20%
Corroded or water-damaged connector at fuel consumption sensor
15%
ECM internal circuit failure on fuel consumption input
Diagnostic Steps
1
Read freeze frame data to determine conditions when the fault was set and note any related codes.
2
Locate the fuel consumption sensor and inspect the wiring harness for visible damage, chafing, or exposure to heat sources.
3
Disconnect the fuel consumption sensor connector and check for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture intrusion.
4
Using a multimeter, measure resistance between the signal wire and chassis ground at the sensor connector — should read open (OL). A low resistance reading confirms the short to ground.
5
If the wiring tests good, replace the fuel consumption sensor and clear codes to verify repair.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $400
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The fuel consumption signal circuit has a short to ground, preventing the ECM from accurately monitoring fuel usage data. This manufacturer-specific code indicates a wiring fault in the fuel consumption sensor circuit, which can cause erroneous fuel economy readings and potentially affect fuel meter...
The most common cause of P1253 (Fuel consumption signal Short to ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring in fuel consumption sensor harness shorting to chassis ground
Typical repair costs for P1253 range from $100 to $400, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Minimal direct safety impact. The vehicle will continue to operate normally, but fuel consumption data may be inaccurate, which could mask other developing fuel system issues.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1253 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
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