P0002 – Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance (OBD2)
P0002 means "Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance". The fuel volume regulator / shutoff valve signal is electrically present but implausible: it does not match what the control unit expects for the current operating conditions or from other sensors. This is a performance fault, not a broken wire.
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P0002 quick summary
| Fault code | P0002 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance |
| System | Powertrain (Engine & Transmission) |
| Vehicles | Generic OBD2 |
| Severity | High |
| Can I drive? | Not recommended. The engine may go into limp mode, cut out or fail to restart. |
| Repair cost | €30 – €800 |
How the fuel volume regulator and shutoff valve work
The fuel volume regulator meters how much fuel enters the high-pressure pump, and the fuel shutoff valve stops the fuel supply; these codes cover their control circuits.
On common-rail diesels and many direct-injection engines, a solenoid valve on the high-pressure pump – called volume regulator, metering unit or inlet metering valve – controls how much fuel the pump compresses. The control unit drives it with a pulse-width signal. Some systems also have a fuel shutoff valve that cuts the supply when the engine is switched off or in an emergency.
Codes P0001–P0004 cover the volume regulator's control circuit (open, range/performance, low, high); P0005–P0007 cover the shutoff valve circuit. Electrical faults stop the control unit from controlling rail pressure, which usually results in limp mode or no start.
Besides wiring problems and failed solenoids, the metering valve can stick because of dirt or water in the fuel. Fuel quality and filter maintenance are therefore part of the diagnosis.
On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 16386 (P0002). Both numbers mean the same fault.
Symptoms of P0002
- Check Engine light on
- Limp mode, loss of power
- Hard starting or no start
- Engine cuts out or does not switch off properly (shutoff valve)
- Unstable idle
Most common causes of P0002 (most likely first)
Mechanic's Pro Tip
On many diesels the metering valve can be replaced separately from the high-pressure pump – much cheaper than a complete pump. Check parts availability for your engine before accepting a pump replacement quote.
1.Fuel volume regulator / shutoff valve worn, contaminated or out of calibration
Most likelyThe signal drifts slowly, so it is still within the electrical limits but wrong.
2.Mechanical problem in the system the fuel volume regulator / shutoff valve measures or controls
For example a leak, a sticking part or a restriction that really changes the measured value.
3.High resistance in a connector or ground
Corrosion causes a voltage drop that shifts the reading.
4.Failed volume regulator or shutoff solenoid
The coil burns out or the valve sticks.
5.Dirt or water in the fuel
Contamination makes the metering valve stick.
6.Blown fuse or missing supply
Check the supply to the valve.
7.Fault in the control unit's driver
Rare.
Step-by-step diagnostic guide
- 1
Read codes
Read all codes and look at rail pressure and regulator duty cycle in live data.
- 2
Compare live data with expected values
Read the fuel volume regulator / shutoff valve values in live data and compare them with related readings (engine speed, load, temperature or pressure) and with the specification. A value that is electrically fine but wrong for the conditions confirms a performance fault – then check the mechanical side before replacing the part.
- 3
Inspect connector and wiring
Inspect the connector on the pump and the harness for damage, fuel contamination and corrosion.
- 4
Measure the solenoid
Unplug the valve and measure its resistance; check the supply and control wires.
Multimeter: Many metering valves read about 2–6 Ω; check the specification.
- 5
Check fuel quality
Drain water from the filter and check the old filter and fuel for contamination.
- 6
Replace and adapt
Replace the valve or repair the wiring; on some engines a pump or rail pressure adaptation must be run afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with P0002?
Not recommended. The engine may go into limp mode, cut out or fail to restart.
How much does it cost to fix P0002?
Typical repair costs are 30 € – 800 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: fuel volume regulator / shutoff valve worn, contaminated or out of calibration; mechanical problem in the system the fuel volume regulator / shutoff valve measures or controls; high resistance in a connector or ground. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.
Is the volume regulator part of the high-pressure pump?
It is mounted on the pump, but on many engines it is available as a separate part.
Can bad fuel cause these codes?
Yes. Dirt and water can make the metering valve stick, which shows as range/performance codes or rail pressure faults.
What is the difference between P0002 and similar codes?
P0002 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0001 – Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit / Open; P0003 – Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low; P0004 – Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High; P0005 – Fuel Shutoff Valve Control Circuit / Open; P0006 – Fuel Shutoff Valve Control Circuit Low; P0007 – Fuel Shutoff Valve Control Circuit High. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.
Related fault codes
This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.