P0002: Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
Quick Answer
Not safe to drive
P0002 means the engine computer found that the fuel volume regulator, the valve that controls how much fuel reaches the high-pressure pump, is not working within its expected range. The circuit is not necessarily broken: the valve or its signal does not do what the computer commanded. It is mostly discussed for common-rail diesels, where the valve is often called the fuel control actuator, metering valve or suction control valve, and sits on the high-pressure pump. Related codes P0001, P0003 and P0004 cover open, low and high circuit conditions of the same valve.
- Severity
- High · Fuel System
- Estimated repair cost
- From €45 to €2500+, varies by vehicle
€45 or €2500, depending on your car.
- Clean and reseat the valve connector, repair a corroded pin€45–€150
- Replace diesel high-pressure pump (where the valve is not sold separately)€900–€2500
A scan shows whether P0002 is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is. You can do this parked, with the ignition on.
A scan needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), about €25-60; the built-in demo runs without one. See which adapter to buy
What does P0002 mean?
P0002 is a fuel system-related diagnostic trouble code classified as high severity.
What are the symptoms of P0002?
- Check engine light on, sometimes with a reduced power message
- Long cranking or hard starting
- Rough idle or surging at steady speed
- Loss of power or limp mode
- Engine stalling when you lift off or at idle
- Fuel pressure codes stored with it, such as P0087 or P0191
What causes P0002?
Fuel volume regulator (fuel control actuator or metering valve) worn or sticking
: high
Damaged, corroded or loose connector or wiring at the valve
: high
Restricted fuel supply to the high-pressure pump, such as a clogged fuel filter
: medium
Fuel pressure sensor or another pressure fault shown alongside it
: medium
Worn high-pressure pump that cannot deliver what the valve asks for
: low
Engine computer output fault or software problem (rare)
: low
Is it safe to drive with P0002?
No - address this immediately. Do not rely on the car. If the valve that sets fuel pressure does not follow its commands, the engine can lose power, run in limp mode, stall or refuse to restart. If it runs, drive gently to a workshop and avoid motorways and overtaking. If it has stalled once, have it towed.
How do you diagnose P0002?
- Read all stored codes and the freeze frame. A rail pressure sensor code, P0087 or P0088 stored with P0002 changes where to look first.
- Check the basics: fuel level, the fuel filter's service history and any recent fuelling with the wrong or contaminated fuel.
- Find where the regulator sits on this engine. On a common-rail diesel it is usually on the high-pressure pump, and access varies a lot between engines.
- With the ignition off, unplug the valve and look at the connector pins for green corrosion, bent or pushed-back pins, oil and heat damage, then reseat it firmly. Wiggle the plug gently while watching for the code to return.
- Measure the valve's resistance and compare it with the workshop specification for that engine, then check the wires back to the engine computer for continuity and for a short. Specifications differ by engine, so use the workshop value.
- Compare commanded and actual rail pressure. Some cars show rail pressure in standard data, but commanded versus actual usually needs manufacturer-level software, and a generic OBD2 reader cannot command the valve or run its tests.
- If the valve, wiring and fuel supply all pass, suspect the high-pressure pump or, last, the engine computer. Confirm before ordering a pump, because it is the costly part.
How much does P0002 cost to fix?
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean and reseat the valve connector, repair a corroded pin | €5–€30 | €40–€120 | €45–€150 | Moderate |
| Repair wiring between the valve and the engine computer | €10–€40 | €60–€180 | €70–€220 | Moderate |
| Replace diesel fuel filter | €15–€60 | €45–€100 | €60–€160 | Moderate |
| Replace fuel volume regulator or diesel fuel metering valve | €40–€180 | €60–€200 | €100–€380 | Professional |
| Replace diesel high-pressure pump (where the valve is not sold separately) | €600–€1900 | €300–€600 | €900–€2500 | Professional |
| Extended diagnosis with live data and tests, per hour | €0–€0 | €60–€130 | €60–€130 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related diagnostic codes
Common questions about P0002
- What does P0002 mean?
- P0002 means the fuel volume regulator control circuit is outside its expected range or performance. On a common-rail diesel that is the valve on the high-pressure pump that decides how much fuel enters it, which in turn sets rail pressure.
- What is the difference between P0002 and P0090?
- Both involve the valve that sets fuel pressure. P0002 describes a range or performance problem, meaning the valve or its signal does not do what was commanded. P0090 describes a fault in the control circuit of fuel pressure regulator 1. Which one a car stores depends on the maker's software, and both are checked in the same order: connector, wiring, valve.
- Is P0002 a diesel code?
- It is a generic code, but it is mostly discussed for common-rail diesels. Some direct-injection petrol engines with an electrically controlled pressure valve can also use it.
- Can I drive with P0002?
- Treat it as unreliable. The car can lose power, stall or not restart, and stalling in traffic is a safety risk. If it runs normally, drive gently to a workshop without a long trip.
- Do I need a new high-pressure pump for P0002?
- Not usually. The valve or its connector is checked first, and on many engines the valve can be replaced on its own. On some designs it is part of the pump, which is why quotes vary so much. Ask which part is being replaced and what test showed it was faulty.
- Can a clogged fuel filter cause P0002?
- It can contribute. A restricted supply makes the high-pressure pump struggle, and a clogged filter is a commonly listed cause. Check the filter's service history before replacing parts.