Weak or failing in-tank low pressure fuel pump; Blocked fuel filter or pump inlet strainer; Faulty fuel pump control module, relay, fuse or wiring/connector problem giving low pump voltage; Faulty low pressure fuel pressure sensor giving a false low reading; Fuel leak or air ingress in the supply line, or a faulty pressure regulator where fitted; Contaminated, poor quality or wrong fuel, or very low fuel level; Restricted or kinked fuel line, or collapsed tank vent affecting pump supply.

P008A

Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
High severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
8A: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P008A is the generic code for low pressure fuel system pressure being too low. The engine control unit compares the actual pressure in the low pressure (supply) side of the fuel system, normally the feed from the in-tank pump to the high pressure pump on a direct injection engine, with the target pressure. When the measured pressure stays below the target for longer than the allowed time, the code is set and the fault lamp may come on.

Symptoms

Engine cranks for longer than normal before starting
Hesitation, stumbling or loss of power under load
Engine cuts out or stalls, particularly at low fuel levels or on hills
Rough running or misfires when accelerating
Engine management light on, sometimes with limp mode
Whining or buzzing noise from the fuel pump

Possible causes

Weak or failing in-tank low pressure fuel pumplikely
Blocked fuel filter or pump inlet strainerlikely
Faulty fuel pump control module, relay, fuse or wiring/connector problem giving low pump voltagepossible
Faulty low pressure fuel pressure sensor giving a false low readingpossible
Fuel leak or air ingress in the supply line, or a faulty pressure regulator where fittedpossible
Contaminated, poor quality or wrong fuel, or very low fuel levelrare
Restricted or kinked fuel line, or collapsed tank vent affecting pump supplyrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine speed, load, fuel level and temperature when the fault was set, and check for related fuel pressure or pump control codes
Check the fuel level and ask about recent refuelling, as poor or wrong fuel can cause low pressure
Inspect the fuel pump fuse, relay, wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion or heat marks, and check for fuel leaks along the supply line
Check live data for commanded versus actual low side pressure at idle and under load, and compare with the manufacturer's specification for that engine
Check the supply voltage and ground at the fuel pump and pump control module while the pump is running
Fit a suitable gauge and measure actual low side pressure to confirm whether the sensor reading is correct
Check pump delivery volume and look for air or bubbles in the supply line
Check the fuel filter service history, as location and replacement procedure depend on the model and engine

How to fix

Replace the low pressure fuel pump or pump assembly if pressure or flow is below specification
Replace the fuel filter or tank inlet strainer if it is blocked, and clean out contamination in the tank if found
Repair wiring, connector, fuse or relay faults, or replace a faulty pump control module
Replace the low pressure fuel pressure sensor if it is confirmed faulty
Repair leaks, air ingress or restricted lines, and replace a faulty pressure regulator where fitted
Drain and replace contaminated fuel, then clear the code and road test to confirm the fault does not return

Can I keep driving?

High severity

Avoid driving unless it is essential. Low fuel supply pressure can cause stalling in traffic and may damage the high pressure fuel pump on direct injection engines through poor lubrication.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.