P0259Powertrain · Fuel & airGeneric (SAE) code

P0259: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)

Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B High (Cam/Rotor/Injector): the control module has detected this fault condition. This affects fueling of the associated cylinders.

Typical labor cost
$190–$1,250 est.
1.5 h–10 h at an assumed $125/hr · parts extra · use your rate
Most common fix
Wiring shorted to battery
DIY difficulty: Hard · usually a shop job
01 —What it means

What P0259 means

P0259 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the fuel & air group.

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE)
2
Subsystem group
59
Specific fault
How to read P0259. We group it under Fuel & air.
Check engine light
Usually on
Emissions-related
Yes — can fail inspection
Limp mode possible
Yes
Drive cycle to clear
Not required
Code data: OBDex (CC0)

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02 —Causes

Common causes

Ranked from most to least likely
  1. 01Wiring shorted to batteryMost likely
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
03 —Severity

Can I drive with P0259?

Urgent

Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.

This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.

Why we rate it urgent

  • Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
  • Turns on the check engine light
  • Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection

Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
04 —Diagnosis

How to diagnose P0259

General procedure — follow the service manual for your vehicle
  1. 1

    Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data

    Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0259. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.

  2. 2

    Check for related codes first

    Look for P0254, P2A15, P2A19, P2A1D. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.

  3. 3

    Test the circuit

    Inspect the wiring and connector at the metering actuator b and actuator wiring for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.

  4. 4

    Test the likely causes in order

    Start with the most likely cause and work down: Wiring shorted to battery. Test before replacing parts.

  5. 5

    Check for recalls and service bulletins

    Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.

  6. 6

    Clear the code and verify the repair

    After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
05 —Cost

P0259 repair cost estimate

Labor only — set your local shop rate
Labor estimate for P0259
$190–$1,250
1.5 h–10 h of labor × $125/hr (assumed rate) · parts extra

Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.

DIY difficulty
Hard
Good DIY job?
Usually a shop job

Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)
06 —Components

Parts and systems involved

  • Metering actuator B
  • Actuator wiring
Code data: OBDex (CC0)
08 —FAQ

P0259 FAQ

What does P0259 mean?

P0259 means “Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)”. Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B High (Cam/Rotor/Injector): the control module has detected this fault condition. This affects fueling of the associated cylinders.

Is P0259 serious? Can I keep driving?

We rate P0259 as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.

What causes P0259?

The most common causes, from most to least likely: Wiring shorted to battery. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.

How much does it cost to fix P0259?

Typical labor is about $190–$1,250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.

Can I fix P0259 myself?

DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.

Will P0259 clear itself?

If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.

Code data: OBDex (CC0)