What does it mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, meaning it applies to vehicles equipped with OBD-II. Although generic, specific repair steps may vary by make/model.
Essentially, it means the diesel fuel injection pump has a timing failure. This could be because the injection pump timing needs adjustment OR the failure is internal to the injection pump and thus not adjustable.
NOTE: If your vehicle is a Dodge Ram with a Cummins engine, be aware that fuel delivery issues frequently cause this code. Prolonged fuel delivery problems can lead to injection pump failure!
Symptoms
Symptoms of a DTC P0216 may include:
Weak battery
Cranks but no start
Hard starting
Displays a failure or intermittent failure
Engine may start then stall
Engine may seem to run fine but idle rough
Causes
The most common cause of this code is a faulty injection pump due to poor fuel supply. Fuel delivery issues could be:
A clogged diesel fuel filter
A blockage in the tank
Air in the fuel due to a fuel leak in the tank above the fuel level
Faulty transfer (lift) pump
Injection pump out of time
Possible Solutions
First, simply check if your injection pump timing is adjustable. If it is, check the timing and adjust if necessary.
If you suspect a fuel delivery problem, check the operation of the lift pump. On a Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine, the lift pump should produce about 45 ounces of diesel in 25 seconds of operation. This can be done by disconnecting the fuel line from the injection pump and pumping fuel into an approved container. Crank the engine but do not start it. Then, the lift pump will operate for 25 seconds. If the fuel is aerated, check/repair the fuel line and recheck.
With the fuel line connected, fuel pressure should be 10 psi. If fuel supply tests fail, replace the diesel fuel filter and recheck.
If it still fails, check for restrictions in the fuel tank.
Then replace the lift (transfer) pump. IT SHOULD BE NOTED that if this code appeared after a routine fuel filter replacement or if you have any of the above symptoms after a routine fuel filter replacement, then suspect the fuel transfer pump. This happens because even a weak transfer pump can still supply enough fuel for the engine to run. But when the fuel system priming is lost due to the fuel filter replacement, it may not restart without addressing the fuel delivery issue.
If you have found your injection pump to be faulty, the lift pump must be checked for operation to protect the new injection pump. This is because low or weak flow from the lift pump is a common cause of injection pump failure. There are aftermarket kits available that can warn the operator when fuel pressure/volume drops to a level that could damage the injection pump.