P0252: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Range/Performance (Cam/Rotor/Injector)

These codes cover the electrically controlled fuel metering actuator on a diesel injection pump. On older distributor pumps it was a solenoid that set the injected quantity; on common rail it is usually an inlet metering valve on the high-pressure pump that lets only as much fuel into the pumping elements as the rail needs, instead of spilling the excess through a pressure valve. Manufacturers use different codes for this part: Ford P0001–P0004, GM Duramax P0090–P0092. P0252 is the range or performance fault of actuator A, and the meaning depends on the maker. Saab's 2011 9-5 diesel sets it when the driver stage of the pump pressure regulator overheats – a sign of a shorted turn or excessive current – with the warning light at once; Ford checks the same under P0002 at a driver temperature above 170 °C. Generally the code can also mean the actuator does not achieve the expected effect.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive as little as possible and go to a repair shop. If you smell fuel or the engine is shaking badly, do not keep driving.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Loss of power, limp mode
Fluctuating rail pressure, hunting idle

Most likely causes

Metering actuator with shorted turns, too low resistance (driver overheats)
Actuator mechanically sticking or dirty (fuel quality, wear debris)
Wiring with contact resistance
Driver stage in the engine module faulty

What to check, in order

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

Check the connector and wiring of the injector indicated
Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
Measure the resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification
Check the control signal with an oscilloscope; on direct injection or diesel engines, leave this to a repair shop because of the high voltages
On diesels, check the per-cylinder injection corrections

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P0252 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
2: Fuel injection
52: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0252?

Drive as little as possible and go to a repair shop. If you smell fuel or the engine is shaking badly, do not keep driving.

What causes code P0252?

The most common causes are: metering actuator with shorted turns, too low resistance (driver overheats); actuator mechanically sticking or dirty (fuel quality, wear debris); wiring with contact resistance.

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.