Intermittent wiring fault between the engine control unit and the pump metering control (chafed, broken or rubbed-through wires); Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the injection pump or control unit, giving poor contact; Fault in the pump's metering valve, solenoid or actuator that fails when hot or vibrating; Pump-mounted control module or position sensor feedback dropping out intermittently (on pumps that have one); Low or unstable supply voltage or poor earth caused by a weak battery or bad charging; Internal wear or contamination in the injection pump affecting metering; Fault inside the engine control unit driver circuit.

P0260

Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector).

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
2: AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuit)
60: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0260 is the generic code for an intermittent fault in the fuel metering control circuit 'B' of a diesel injection pump (cam, rotor or injector type). The engine control unit saw the commanded metering signal or its feedback drop out, flicker or go out of range from time to time, rather than fail permanently. Which part of the pump is 'B' depends on the engine and pump design, so check the manufacturer's information for the vehicle.

Symptoms

Intermittent loss of power or hesitation
Engine cuts out or stalls at random, then restarts
Hard starting or extended cranking, sometimes only when hot or cold
Rough or surging idle
Engine warning light on, possibly with limp mode
Increased smoke from the exhaust

Possible causes

Intermittent wiring fault between the engine control unit and the pump metering control (chafed, broken or rubbed-through wires)likely
Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the injection pump or control unit, giving poor contactlikely
Fault in the pump's metering valve, solenoid or actuator that fails when hot or vibratingpossible
Pump-mounted control module or position sensor feedback dropping out intermittently (on pumps that have one)possible
Low or unstable supply voltage or poor earth caused by a weak battery or bad chargingpossible
Internal wear or contamination in the injection pump affecting meteringrare
Fault inside the engine control unit driver circuitrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze frame data (engine speed, temperature, load) to see when the fault occurs
Check for other related codes, such as pump speed, fuel temperature or supply voltage faults, and follow the manufacturer's test plan for the engine
Inspect the pump wiring harness and connectors for chafing, heat damage, oil contamination, corrosion and bent or pushed-back pins
Wiggle-test the harness and connector with the engine running while watching live data for dropouts or code reset
Check battery condition, charging voltage and the main earth and supply connections to the control unit and pump
Measure the metering circuit supply, earth and signal wiring for continuity, resistance and shorts, using the manufacturer's specifications
Test the metering valve or actuator resistance and operation against the manufacturer's values
Check fuel supply and filter condition to rule out a fuel problem that could mimic a metering fault

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring and secure the harness away from heat and rubbing points
Clean or replace corroded or damaged connectors and terminals
Replace the faulty metering valve, actuator or pump-mounted sensor or module where the manufacturer allows it
Restore correct battery, charging and earth condition
Repair or replace the injection pump if internal wear or failure is confirmed, with any required adaptation or coding done afterwards
Replace the engine control unit only if testing confirms a fault in its driver circuit

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

It may be driven cautiously for a short time, but the engine could cut out or lose power without warning, which is unsafe in traffic. Get it diagnosed soon, as a failing pump or wiring fault can leave you stranded.

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