P2291 Injector Control Pressure Too Low – Engine Start

📘 Code P2291 – Injector Control Pressure Too Low at Engine Start

How Severe Is This DTC Code?

Code P2291 is considered severe. It indicates that the pressure in the injector control circuit is insufficient, especially during startup. This situation can prevent the engine from starting properly or lead to serious damage, particularly in high-pressure diesel engines. It is therefore essential to address this issue immediately.


🔍 Symptoms Associated with Code P2291

Among the signs indicating the presence of this code, you may observe:

  • Inability to start the engine
  • Excessive exhaust smoke
  • Unusual sounds from the engine
  • Loss of power or irregular operation

🔧 Common Causes of Code P2291

This code can result from various mechanical or electrical issues. Here are the most common ones:

General Causes:

  • Faulty high-pressure fuel pressure sensor
  • Open, damaged, or short-circuited electrical circuit
  • Insufficient engine oil level
  • Low engine oil pressure

Specific Causes (e.g., Peugeot):

  • Air leak in the fuel circuit: loose fittings, damaged fuel filter, punctured line
  • Clogged fuel filter: restricts fuel supply to the pump
  • Running out of fuel: always check the fuel level
  • Faulty fuel pressure regulator: unable to maintain correct pressure
  • Failed high-pressure fuel pump: does not deliver the pressure required for injection
  • Leak in the high-pressure circuit: faulty injectors, rails, or lines
  • Electrical problem: damaged pressure sensor, wiring, or connectors

🛠️ Diagnostic and Repair Steps

  1. Check the engine oil level and ensure no oil pressure or level warning lights are on.
  2. Perform an oil pressure test if necessary. Low pressure can affect variable valve timing (VVT) and injection pressure.
  3. Use an OBD2 scanner and a digital multimeter (DVOM), along with a reliable technical information source (RTA, TSB, etc.).

🧰 Detailed Procedure:

  • Look for any technical service bulletins (TSB) related to your vehicle.
  • Connect the scanner, retrieve codes and freeze frame data, then clear the codes to see if they return.
  • If the code returns immediately, continue diagnostics. Otherwise, it may be intermittent and require monitoring over time.
  • Visually inspect wiring and connectors related to the injection system. Repair any damaged, burnt, or loose cables.
  • Test the power and ground circuits of the pressure sensor using the DVOM. Also check associated fuses.
  • If the power supply is correct, test continuity between the sensor and the PCM (engine control module).
  • If voltage is present at the PCM but the code persists, suspect a software issue or a faulty PCM.
  • Test the injection pressure sensor: compare the obtained values with manufacturer specifications.

💡 Practical Tips:

  • You can reset the code temporarily by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. Note that this only clears the code, not the problem.
  • If you are skilled in mechanics, you can perform the checks yourself. Otherwise, consult a qualified professional.
  • Do not drive for long with this code active: it could cause irreversible engine damage.

🔚 In Conclusion

Code P2291 is a clear indicator of a fuel pressure issue during startup, often encountered in modern diesel engines. When faced with this code, prompt and thorough diagnostics are essential to avoid costly repairs or even engine failure.

Irregular Injector Control Pressure

How severe is this DTC?

Conditions that contribute to a stored P2292 code could lead to catastrophic engine damage. This is why this code must be classified as severe.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2292 fault code may include:

  • No start condition
  • Excessive exhaust smoke
  • Unusual noises from the engine compartment

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this code may include:

  • Faulty high-pressure injection pressure sensor
  • Open or shorted control circuits
  • Low oil level
  • Low oil pressure

What are the troubleshooting steps for P2292?

Start by ensuring the engine is filled with oil to the proper level and that no oil pressure or oil level warning lights are illuminated. If this is the case, a manual oil pressure test may be necessary. Engine timing components are affected by engine oil pressure. High-pressure injection operation is driven using engine timing components. If engine oil pressure is low, injection timing can be negatively affected.

You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable source of vehicle information to accurately diagnose a P2292 code.

You can save time by searching for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that match the stored 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 P2292 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 vehicle in question) using your vehicle information source.

Perform a visual inspection of the associated wiring and connectors. Repair or replace wiring that is cut, burned, or damaged.

Use the DVOM to test voltage and ground circuits at the injection system pressure sensors. If no voltage is detected, check the system fuses. Replace blown or faulty fuses as needed.

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 injection pressure sensor with the DVOM. If it does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, consider it faulty.

Although this type of code is listed on some gasoline applications, I have seen it occur exclusively in diesel applications where an engine timing and/or lubrication issue had occurred.

P2293 Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Performance

Symptoms of a DTC P2293 may include:

  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor acceleration or hesitation
  • Other codes may be present, such as lean O2 sensors
  • The engine light is on (malfunction indicator)

Potential causes of a P2293 fault code may include:

  • Fuel pump output
  • Clogged or pinched fuel lines / clogged fuel filter
  • Faulty regulator
  • Faulty fuel pressure sensor or electrical wiring

Possible Solutions

Fuel Pressure – Fuel pressure can be checked using a mechanical gauge attached to the fuel rail. If the fuel pressure meets factory specifications, there may be an issue with the fuel pressure sensor giving false readings to the PCM/ECM. If no fuel pressure test port is available, fuel pressure can only be checked using an advanced scan tool or by splicing adapter fittings between the fuel lines and the fuel rail.

Fuel Pump – The fuel pump output is determined by the PCM/ECM and may be controlled by an external fuel management computer. The fuel pump can be commanded on the duty cycle on vehicles equipped with returnless fuel systems. An advanced scan tool may be needed to check the output on these types of fuel systems. Test the fuel pump for sufficient power by locating the fuel pump wiring harness. Some vehicles may not be easily accessible to test the fuel pump wiring connections. Check the battery voltage at the positive terminal of the fuel pump using a digital volt-ohmmeter set to the volts scale with the positive lead on the power wire and the negative lead on a known good ground with the key in the on or run position. The fuel pump power wire may only be powered during engine cranking or the vehicle’s running state. The displayed voltage should be close to the actual battery voltage.

If power is insufficient, suspect the fuel pump wiring and trace it back to determine if there is excessive resistance in the wiring, loose wires, or loose/dirty connections. On return-type fuel pumps, the ground can be checked using the DVOM set to the ohms scale with one lead on the ground wire and the other lead on a known good ground. The resistance should be very low. On returnless fuel systems, the trigger wire can be checked using a graphing multimeter or oscilloscope set to the duty cycle scale. Typically, the fuel pump computer’s duty cycle will be double the commanded duty cycle controlled by the PCM/ECM. Using the graphing multimeter or oscilloscope, the positive lead will be connected to the signal wire and the negative lead to a known good ground; it may be necessary to determine which wire is correct using a factory wiring diagram. The actual duty cycle should be about double what the PCM/ECM commands; if the displayed duty cycle is half the amount, the settings on the DVOM may need to be adjusted to match the type of duty cycle being tested.

Fuel Lines – Look for physical damage or bent fuel lines that could cause a restriction in the fuel supply or return lines from the fuel pump. It may be necessary to remove the fuel filter to determine if the fuel filter is clogged and needs to be replaced; it should flow freely in the direction of flow indicated by an arrow on the fuel filter. Some vehicles are not equipped with fuel filters, and the filter is located at the inlet of the fuel pump itself; it will be necessary to remove the fuel pump module to determine if there is a lot of debris in the tank or if the fuel filter has been crushed or pinched, which could also restrict the fuel supply to the pump.

Regulator – On vehicles with a return fuel system, the regulator is usually located on the fuel rail itself. The fuel pressure regulator typically has a vacuum line that will mechanically restrict fuel based on the amount of vacuum provided by the engine. Check for damaged or loose vacuum hoses from the regulator. If the vacuum hose contains fuel inside, the regulator may have an internal leak that would cause a loss of pressure. Using a non-damaging clamp, the hose can be pinched after the fuel pressure regulator – if the fuel pressure is higher with a restriction on the return side of the regulator, the regulator may be at fault. On returnless systems, the fuel pressure regulator may be located inside the gas tank on the fuel pump module, and it may be necessary to replace the fuel pump module as a complete assembly.

Fuel Pressure Sensor – Test the fuel pressure sensor by removing the connector and checking the resistance between the terminals using the DVOM set to the ohms scale with the positive and negative leads on one of the connectors. The resistance should meet factory specifications. Check the fuel pressure sensor’s reference voltage with a factory wiring diagram to determine which wire powers the sensor using the DVOM set to the volts scale with the positive lead on the power wire and the negative lead on a known good ground. The voltage should be about 5 volts, depending on the vehicle.

If the voltage is not within specifications, trace the wiring to determine if there is excessive resistance in the wire supplying the sensor. The signal wire can be checked using the DVOM set to the volts scale with the positive lead connected to the signal wire and the negative lead on a known good ground with the vehicle turned on and running. The displayed voltage should match factory specifications based on the outside temperature and the internal fuel temperature inside the lines. The PCM/ECM converts the voltage to temperature to determine the actual fuel pressure. It may be necessary to check the voltage at the PCM/ECM harness connector to determine if there is a voltage difference. If the voltage at the PCM/ECM is not the same as the voltage displayed at the fuel pressure sensor, there may be excessive resistance in the wiring.

Disconnect the PCM/ECM harness connector and the fuel pressure sensor connector to check for excessive resistance using the DVOM set to the ohms scale with one lead at each end of the harnesses. The resistance should be very low; any excessive resistance may be a fault in the wiring, or there may be a short to power or ground. Look for a short to power by removing the PCM/ECM harness connection with the DVOM set to the volts scale, with the positive lead on the pin for the fuel pressure signal and the negative lead on a known good ground. If the voltage is the same as the reference or higher, there may be a short to power, and the wiring will need to be traced to determine where there is a short. Check for no short to ground by setting the DVOM to the ohms scale with one lead on the signal wire at the PCM/ECM harness connector and the other lead on a known good ground. If there is resistance, there may be a short to ground, and the wiring will need to be traced to determine where there is a short to ground.

Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Control Circuit Open

Symptoms and Severity

Excessive fuel pressure can lead to various driving issues, as well as internal damage to the engine and catalytic converter. For this reason, a P2294 code should be classified as severe.

Symptoms of a P2294 code may include:

  • Delayed starting
  • Black smoke from the exhaust system
  • Reduced fuel efficiency
  • Engine driveability codes may also accompany a P2294

Causes

Potential causes for this code being set are as follows:

  • Shorted or open wiring or connectors in the fuel pressure regulator control circuit
  • Faulty fuel pressure regulator
  • Faulty fuel rail pressure sensor
  • Incorrect PCM or PCM programming error

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A diagnostic scanner, digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), appropriate fuel pressure gauge, and a reliable vehicle information source (such as All Data DIY) will be needed to diagnose a P2294 code.

NOTE: Be extremely careful when connecting a manual pressure gauge. High-pressure fuel coming into contact with hot surfaces or an open spark can ignite and cause a dangerous fire.

I normally 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 heat associated with this area makes it popular with pests in cold climates. These pests can damage (chew) the system’s wiring and connectors.

Connecting the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieving stored codes and freeze frame data would be my next task. I write down this information as it may be useful during the diagnostic process. Now, I would clear the codes and test the vehicle if possible.

If the code immediately resets, check the voltage and 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, follow the wiring diagram to locate the appropriate ground(s) for the fuel pressure regulator control system and ensure all are secure.

If there is voltage and ground at the fuel pressure regulator control, obtain the fuel pressure specifications from your vehicle information source and test the fuel system pressure using the fuel pressure gauge. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for connecting the fuel pressure gauge. Observe the fuel system data using the scanner while visually monitoring the manual fuel pressure with the fuel gauge. If the fuel pressure reflected on the scanner data display does not match the actual fuel pressure, suspect a faulty fuel pressure sensor.

Fluctuations in actual fuel pressure should occur with variations in the fuel pressure regulator control voltage. If not, 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 faulty.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for testing the electronic fuel pressure regulator and individual fuel pressure regulator control circuits with the DVOM. Disconnect controllers from the circuit before testing with the DVOM to avoid damaging control modules.

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
Turn the ignition switch to OFF to connect/disconnect the fuel pressure gauge

P2295 Low Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Control Circuit

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

P2296 Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Control Circuit High

Symptoms and Severity

Since excessive fuel pressure can damage the internal engine and catalytic converter and lead to various driving issues, a P2296 code should be classified as severe.

Symptoms of a P2296 code may include:

  • Engine misfire codes and idle control codes may also accompany a P2296
  • Reduced fuel efficiency
  • Delayed starting when the engine is cold
  • Black smoke from the exhaust system

Causes

Potential causes for this code definition include:

  • 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

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

Diagnosing a P2296 code will require access to a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), an appropriate fuel pressure gauge, and a reliable vehicle information source (such as All Data DIY).

NOTE: Extreme caution must be exercised when using a manual pressure gauge. High-pressure fuel coming into contact with hot surfaces or an open spark could ignite and cause a fire.

A visual inspection of the system’s wiring and connectors, focusing on the harnesses and connectors on top of the engine, has been successful for me in the past. It seems that the hot area of the upper engine is popular with pests, especially in cold climates. Unfortunately, pests often repeatedly chew on the system’s wiring and connectors.

Next, I would connect the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieve stored codes and freeze frame data. Writing down this information can be helpful if the diagnostic process becomes prolonged. Clear the codes and test the vehicle if the engine starts.

Check for proper voltage level and battery ground at the fuel pressure regulator if the code resets. If no voltage is detected at the fuel pressure regulator connector, test the power relays and fuses by following the appropriate wiring diagram from the vehicle information source. If there is no ground, the wiring diagram can help you locate the ground points of the fuel pressure regulator control system and ensure they are secure.

Proper voltage and ground circuits found at the fuel pressure regulator control connector would lead me to obtain fuel pressure specifications from the vehicle information source and test the fuel system pressure using the fuel pressure gauge. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for using the fuel pressure gauge.

Monitor the manual fuel pressure with the fuel gauge while using the scanner to observe the fuel system data. A faulty fuel pressure sensor may be the cause of your problems 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 the actual fuel rail pressure. Otherwise, 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 faulty.

To test the electronic fuel pressure regulator and individual fuel pressure regulator control circuits, use the DVOM and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Disconnect controllers from the circuit before testing circuit resistance and continuity with the DVOM.

Additional Diagnostic Notes:

The fuel rail and associated components are 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

P2297 – Oxygen Sensor Out of Range During Deceleration, Bank 1 Sensor 1

Possible Causes of P2297 Code

The error code P2297 is generally related to a problem with the rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S). Here are the most common causes:

  • Exhaust leak before or near the HO2S sensor

  • Faulty rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S)

  • Open or shorted HO2S sensor wiring

  • Poor electrical connection on the HO2S sensor circuit

What Does the P2297 Code Mean?

The P2297 code is related to a malfunction of the rear heated oxygen sensor. This sensor is essential for measuring the efficiency of the vehicle’s catalyst. During a deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) event, the powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the rate at which the oxygen sensor switches from rich to lean. If this transition occurs too slowly, compared to a calibrated threshold value, the PCM triggers the recording of the P2297 code.

How to Fix the P2297 Code?

Steps to Diagnose and Repair P2297:

  1. Inspect the possible causes mentioned above:

    • Check for any exhaust leaks near the rear heated oxygen sensor.

    • Examine the rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) for any signs of failure.

    • Check the wiring harness of the HO2S sensor for breaks, short circuits, or connection issues.

  2. Visual inspection of wiring and connectors:

    • Check the connector pins for any corrosion, physical damage, or disconnection.

    • Ensure the wiring harness is properly connected and free from any defects.

  3. Repair or replacement of faulty components:

    • If the HO2S sensor is faulty, replace it with a model compatible with your vehicle.

    • If the wiring harness or connectors are damaged, repair or replace them as needed.

Symptoms Associated with P2297 Code

Here are some common symptoms when the P2297 code is stored:

  • Check engine light on

  • Engine maintenance warning light (often with an upcoming service indication)

  • Engine performance issues: reduced fuel efficiency, driving irregularities.

Summary of P2297 Code

The P2297 code is associated with a performance issue of the rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S), affecting the catalyst’s efficiency. This may be due to an exhaust leak, a faulty sensor, or wiring problems. To correct this issue, first inspect the exhaust system, then the sensor and wiring, and perform the necessary repairs.

Related Articles:

P2298 – O2 Sensor Out of Range During Deceleration, Bank 2 Sensor 1

P2298 Possible Causes

  • Faulty O2 sensor
  • O2 sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in O2 sensor circuit

What Does It Mean?

How to Fix Code P2298

Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

P2298 Possible Symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

P2298 Meaning

O2 Sensor Out of Range During Deceleration, Bank 2 Sensor 1 is the generic description for P2298 code, but the manufacturer may have a different description. Currently, we don’t have more information about OBDII code P2298.

P2299 – Brake Pedal Position / Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible

Meaning of Code P2299

Code P2299 indicates a signal conflict between the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) and the Brake Pedal Position Sensor. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects that the accelerator remains partially open while the brake is applied, which is considered a hazardous situation (e.g., risk of engine runaway).

  • Normal Operation:
    When the brake is pressed, the PCM automatically reduces throttle opening to prevent engine overload.

  • Code Triggering:
    If the PCM detects a fixed or inconsistent position of the accelerator during braking, it activates limp mode (reduced power) and logs P2299.


Possible Causes

  1. Faulty APPS: Internal resistance out of specification.

  2. Failed Brake Pedal Position Sensor: Incorrect signal sent to the PCM.

  3. Wiring Issues:

    • Short circuit or open circuit in the APPS or brake harness.

    • Oxidized connectors, bent pins, or damaged wires.

  4. PCM Failure (rare).


Common Symptoms

  • 🚨 Check Engine Light On.

  • 🐌 Reduced Engine Power (Limp Home mode).

  • 🛑 Unstable Idle or stalling.

  • 🚗 Unresponsive Acceleration despite pressing the pedal.


Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

1. Visual Inspection

  • Locate the Sensors:

    • APPS: Usually near the accelerator pedal.

    • Brake Sensor: Under the dashboard, near the brake pedal.

  • Check Connectors:

    • Disconnect and inspect pins for corrosion, oxidation, or damage.

    • Clean with contact spray (e.g., CRC Electrical Cleaner).

2. APPS Sensor Test

  • Resistance Measurement:

    • Disconnect the APPS connector.

    • Using a multimeter in ohmmeter mode (Ω), measure the resistance between the sensor terminals.

    • Expected Values: Varies by model (e.g., 1,500–3,000 Ω with pedal released).

    • If out of range → Replace APPS.

  • Voltage Test:

    • Reconnect the connector, turn ignition on (without starting).

    • Measure voltage between the signal terminal and ground.

    • Voltage should gradually vary from 0.5 V to 4.5 V when pressing the pedal.

3. Brake Pedal Sensor Test

  • Use a Diagnostic Tool:

    • Read the live data from the brake sensor (should change from Released to Applied).

  • Manual Test:

    • Disconnect the connector and check continuity between terminals when pressing the pedal.

4. Electrical Circuit Check

  • Inspect APPS/Brake Harness:

    • Look for cut, pinched wires, or short circuits to ground.

    • Use a multimeter in continuity mode to check each wire between the sensor and PCM.

5. PCM Update

  • Check TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for vehicle-specific software updates.


Repair Solutions

  1. Replace APPS or Brake Sensor if faulty (prefer OEM parts).

  2. Repair Harness:

    • Waterproof soldering + heat shrink tubing for damaged wires.

  3. Clean Connectors: Use contact spray and an anti-static brush.

  4. Reset PCM:

    • Clear P2299 code with an OBD-II tool.

    • Perform an APPS learning procedure if needed (follow service manual).


Specific Cases by Brand

  • Volkswagen/Audi: Recurrent APPS connector corrosion issues under pedals.

  • Toyota/Lexus: Brake sensor failures related to moisture (check sealing).


Important Tips

  • ⚠️ Safety: Always test the vehicle in a safe environment after repair (risk of power loss).

  • 🔧 Recommended Tools:

    • Digital multimeter.

    • Advanced diagnostic tool (e.g., Autel MaxiCOM, Launch X431).

  • 📚 Refer to the service manual for exact resistance/voltage values.

Note: If the code reappears after repair, check the throttle body wiring (possible interference).

P229A Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Control Limit Exceeded – Pressure Too Low

How severe is this DTC?

Since insufficient/excessive fuel pressure can damage internal engine components and the catalytic converter, and lead to various driving issues, a P229A code should be classified as severe.

What are some symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P229A trouble code may include:

  • Engine misfire codes and idle control codes may also accompany a P229A
  • 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:

  • Engine timing is incorrect
  • Low engine oil 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 P229A?

You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable source of vehicle information to accurately diagnose a P229A code.

You can save time by searching for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that match the stored code, the vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and the symptoms present. 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-drive the vehicle until one of two things happens; the code returns 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 P229A to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code returns, proceed with the diagnosis.

You can obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component location diagrams, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts (related to the specific code and 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 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 a 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 and sensor(s) appear to be functioning correctly, use a manual pressure gauge to test the actual fuel pressure at 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