How severe is this DTC?
Since insufficient/excessive fuel pressure can damage the internal engine and catalytic converter and lead to various driving issues, a P228F code should be classified as severe.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P228F fault code may include:
- No start condition
- Engine misfire codes and idle control codes may also accompany a P228F
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Delayed starting when the engine is cold
- Black smoke from the exhaust system
What are some common causes of the code?
Causes
of this code may include:
- The engine is not timed correctly
- Low engine oil level/pressure
- Faulty fuel pressure sensor
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator
- Shorted or open wiring or connectors in the fuel pressure regulator control circuit
- Incorrect PCM or PCM programming error
What are the troubleshooting steps for P228F?
You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable source of vehicle information to accurately diagnose a P228F code.
You can save time by looking for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that match the recorded code, the vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and the symptoms presented. This information can be found in your vehicle information source. If you find the right TSB, it might provide a quick solution to your diagnosis.
After connecting the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieving all stored codes and relevant freeze frame data, note the information (in case the code turns out to be intermittent). After that, clear the codes and test the vehicle until one of two things happens; the code is restored or the PCM enters readiness mode.
The code may be more difficult to diagnose if the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, as the code is intermittent. The condition that caused the P228F to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code is restored, proceed with the diagnosis.
You can obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component location diagrams, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts (related to the code and the specific vehicle) using your vehicle information source.
Perform a visual inspection of the associated wiring and connectors. Repair or replace any wiring that is cut, burned, or damaged.
Use the DVOM to test the voltage and ground circuits at the electronic fuel regulator (1) and fuel pressure sensors. If no voltage is detected, check the system fuses. Replace any blown or faulty fuses as needed and retest.
If voltage is detected, test the corresponding circuit at the PCM connector. If no voltage is detected there, suspect an open circuit between the sensor in question and the PCM. If voltage is found there, suspect a PCM programming error or faulty PCM.
Test the fuel pressure regulator and fuel pressure sensor with the DVOM. If either does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, consider it faulty.
If the fuel regulator (1) and sensor(s) appear to be functioning correctly, use a manual pressure gauge to test the actual fuel pressure on the rail to reproduce the failure condition.
- The fuel rail and associated components may be under (extremely) high pressure
- Be cautious when removing the fuel pressure sensor or fuel pressure regulator
- Fuel pressure tests should be performed with the ignition switch in the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) position