P0190 to P0194, P0001 to P0007 and related codes: fuel rail pressure sensor and control

The sensor that reads pressure in the fuel rail has a circuit fault or an implausible reading, the fuel volume regulator or the fuel shutoff valve has a circuit fault, the computer has detected a fuel leak (P0093, P0094), or the fuel delivery or timing is wrong (P0148, P0149).

SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.

Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshop

What does P0190 mean?

Diesel common rail and petrol direct injection engines run their fuel at very high pressure in a rail feeding the injectors. A sensor on the rail reports that pressure, and a volume or pressure regulator on the high pressure pump controls it; some engines also have a shutoff valve. If the sensor is wrong, the computer cannot meter fuel and usually limits power. P0093 and P0094 mean pressure is falling in a way that suggests fuel escaping, which on a high pressure system is a fire risk.

What causes P0190?

  1. A failed rail pressure sensor or a damaged wire to it
  2. A failed volume or pressure regulator on the high pressure pump
  3. A leaking injector return, high pressure pipe or fitting, for the leak codes
  4. A clogged fuel filter or a weak supply pump
  5. Water or dirt in the fuel damaging the regulator

What to check first for P0190

  • Look and smell for fuel leaks around the pump, rail, pipes and injectors with the engine off
  • Compare desired and actual rail pressure on a scan tool
  • Check when the fuel filter was last changed
  • Have the injector return quantities tested on a diesel

Can you drive with P0190?

Drive only to a workshop, gently, since power is usually limited. If you smell fuel, see a leak or the code is P0093, stop, switch off and do not restart; have the car towed, because high pressure fuel near a hot engine can catch fire.

Clear a code only after the fault is fixed. A code that comes back means the cause is still there, and a warning light left on can hide a second fault behind the first.

Codes on this page

16
  • P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open
  • P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low
  • P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High
  • P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve "A" Control Circuit/Open
  • P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve "A" Control Circuit Low
  • P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve "A" Control Circuit High
  • P0093Fuel System Leak Detected - Large Leak
  • P0094Fuel System Leak Detected - Small Leak
  • P0148Fuel Delivery Error
  • P0149Fuel Timing Error
  • P0190Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit
  • P0191Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0192Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Low
  • P0193Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit High
  • P0194Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Checked on · Rafael Soares

These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.

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