Symptoms and Severity
Since excessive fuel pressure can lead to various driving issues and damage internal engine components and the catalytic converter, a P2295 code should be considered serious.
Symptoms of a P2295 code may include:
- Delayed starting when the engine is cold
- Black smoke from the exhaust system
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Engine misfire codes and idle control codes may also accompany a P2295
Causes
Potential causes for this code setting are as follows:
- Shorted or open wiring or connectors in the fuel pressure regulator control circuit
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator
- Defective fuel rail pressure sensor
- Incorrect PCM or PCM programming error
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
To diagnose a P2295 code, a diagnostic scanner, digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), appropriate fuel pressure gauge, and a reliable source of vehicle information (such as All Data DIY) will be required.
NOTE: Extreme caution must be exercised when using a fuel pressure gauge. High-pressure fuel coming into contact with hot surfaces or an open spark could ignite and cause a fire.
I prefer to start with a visual inspection of the system’s wiring and connectors; focusing my attention on the harnesses and connectors on top of the engine. The warm area of the upper engine makes it popular with pests in cold climates. These pests often chew on system wiring and connectors.
Connect the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieve stored codes and freeze frame data. Note this information as it will prove useful if the diagnostic process becomes prolonged. Clear the codes and test the vehicle if possible.
If the code immediately resets, check for proper voltage level and battery ground at the fuel pressure regulator. If no voltage is found, test the power relays and fuses following the wiring diagram derived from the vehicle information source. If there is no ground, the wiring diagram can help locate the ground locations of the fuel pressure regulator control system and ensure they are secure.
The presence of voltage and ground at the fuel pressure regulator control would prompt me to obtain fuel pressure specifications from the vehicle information source, then test the fuel system pressure using the fuel pressure gauge. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for using the fuel pressure gauge. Use the scanner to observe fuel system data while visually monitoring manual fuel pressure with the fuel gauge.
Suspect a faulty fuel pressure sensor if the fuel pressure level reflected on the scanner does not match the actual fuel pressure. Variations in the fuel pressure regulator control voltage should reflect fluctuations in actual fuel pressure. If this does not occur, suspect that the fuel pressure regulator is faulty, there is an open or short circuit in one of the fuel pressure regulator control circuits, or the PCM is defective.
Use the DVOM and follow manufacturer recommendations to test the electronic fuel pressure regulator and individual fuel pressure regulator control circuits. To avoid damaging control modules, disconnect controllers from the circuit before testing circuit resistance and continuity with the DVOM.
Additional Diagnostic Notes:
The fuel rail and associated components may be under 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