Fault code P0004 – fuel volume regulator control circuit high

Fault code P0004 is called “Fuel Volume Regulator (FVR) Control Circuit High” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.

Technical description and explained code P0004

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code. Error P0004 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly from model to model.

Fault code P0004 – fuel volume regulator control circuit high

This fault code is most commonly encountered on vehicles with Common Rail Diesel engines (CRD) and Direct Injection Gasoline engines (GDI). The error relates to the electrical system, which is part of the fuel volume regulator system.

Automotive fuel systems consist of many components such as fuel tank, fuel pump, filter, lines, injectors, etc.

One component of high-pressure fuel systems is the high-pressure fuel pump. Its job is to increase fuel pressure to the required level, which is needed to feed through the fuel rail to the injectors.

High-pressure fuel pumps have a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side, as well as a fuel volume regulator that controls the pressure.

If the electrical readings in the control circuit of the fuel volume regulator are out of normal parameters. The control module perceives this as an error and sets fault code P0004.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P0004 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

  1. Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a fault).
  2. Inability to start the car engine.
  3. Floating revolutions, as well as attempts to stall at idle.
  4. Loss of engine power.
  5. Increased fuel consumption.

The degree of severity of error P0004 is quite high, so it is recommended to eliminate the problem as soon as possible. The car will not be able to pass the toxicity test, and prolonged ignoring may damage the catalytic converter.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P0004 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

  • Faulty fuel volume regulator valve (FVR).
  • Corrosion on fuel regulator connector.
  • Problem with electrical wiring or harness.
  • Damaged fuel pump.
  • Sometimes the cause is a defective PCM module.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0004

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0004:

  1. Clear the error codes from the vehicle’s computer memory.
  2. Test-drive the vehicle to find out if code P0004 appears again.
  3. Perform visual inspection and repair or replace damaged electrical wiring if necessary.
  4. Diagnose and replace the fuel volume regulator valve (FVR) if necessary.
  5. If there is a problem with the ECM, reprogram or replace the engine control module.

Diagnose and repair of problems

The diagnosis of error P0004 must be started by retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data of the vehicle. Write this information down, as it may come in handy later. Then clear the codes and perform a test drive to see if the code has reset.

Visually inspect all system components, wiring and fuel lines. Make sure the fuel lines are not kinked or pinched, and make repairs if necessary.

Checking the fuel volume control valve

After a visual inspection, check the valve itself by connecting a multimeter to the power wire. With the engine running, the current draw should be between 35 and 80 milliamps depending on the manufacturer.

You should also check the internal resistance of the solenoid (FVR) by connecting a test lead to each terminal of the valve. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the allowable range. Any values exceeding the specifications mean that the solenoid (FVR) is defective and must be replaced.

Although the (FVR) test can be done with a multimeter, it is even better to check it with an oscilloscope.

Checking the electrical part

If the fuel volume regulation valve (FVR) appears to be working after checking, but the P0004 code is still present, you need to check the electrical circuit. There are two wires to the solenoid, power and ground, controlled by the PCM.

Disconnect the valve connector (FVR) and connect one test light wire to the plus terminal and the other to the negative of the battery, the test light should come on. If it does not, then the problem is in the power supply circuit and must be replaced.

Next, you need to check that the PCM is grounding the negative side of the circuit. To do this, connect one wire of the test lamp to the ground contact and the other to the battery positive.

Crank the engine and if the PCM is grounding the circuit, the check lamp should flash. If it does not, there is either a break in the ground circuit or a problem with the PCM.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P0004 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

  • Audi
  • BMW (335i)
  • Buick
  • Chevrolet (Cruze, Silverado)
  • Chrysler
  • Citroen
  • Dodge (Dakota, Journey, RAM)
  • Ford (Fiesta, Focus)
  • Jeep (Liberty)
  • Kia
  • Mazda
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Mitsubishi (Lancer, Outlander)
  • Nissan
  • Opel (Astra)
  • Peugeot (308)
  • Renault (Megane)
  • Volkswagen
  • UAZ (Patriot)

Fault code P0004 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0001, P0002, P0003, P0106, P0158, P0174, P0300, P0302, P0440, P0456, P2098.

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