P008A: Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure

Some engines, mainly gasoline direct injection with a demand-controlled in-tank pump, have their own pressure sensor in the low-pressure line between the tank pump and the high-pressure pump. The engine control module compares this supply pressure with its target. P008A is set when the supply pressure stays too low. Besides a weak tank pump or its control unit, a clogged filter or a faulty sensor, simply running the tank empty can set this code.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?You can drive in moderation for a short time. A very lean or very rich mixture can damage the engine or the catalytic converter.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Hard starting
Jerking under load
High-pressure codes may follow

Most likely causes

Tank run empty or very low fuel level
In-tank pump or its control unit faulty
Filter or line restricted
Low-pressure sensor faulty

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check short-term and long-term fuel trims in live data
With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
Look for air leaks at hoses and gaskets
Check the mass air flow sensor (MAF) and, if appropriate, clean it with a dedicated cleaner
Measure the fuel pressure
Check the injectors and the oxygen sensor

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It affects emissions.

What each character of P008A means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
0: Subsystem depends on the code range
8A: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P008A?

You can drive in moderation for a short time. A very lean or very rich mixture can damage the engine or the catalytic converter.

What causes code P008A?

The most common causes are: tank run empty or very low fuel level; in-tank pump or its control unit faulty; filter or line restricted.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.

P008A: Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low