Fault code P000E – fuel volume regulator control exceeded learning limit

Fault code P000E is called “Fuel Volume Regulator Control Exceeded Learning Limit” 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 P000E

Stored code P000E means that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a problem with the fuel volume regulator. The problem is related to the ability of the PCM to control the amount of fuel delivered to the engine. The learning limit is the programmed parameter to which the PCM can adapt.

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.

The fuel volume regulator consists of two parts that work together. An electronically controlled solenoid actuates a valve that limits the fuel volume. In some cases, the fuel volume regulator may have a built-in fuel volume sensor.

In other vehicles, the fuel volume sensor is installed in the fuel supply line or in the fuel injector rail. The fuel return line allows excess fuel to be safely diverted back into the fuel tank when volume needs to be reduced.

The fuel volume regulator is typically located in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the fuel rail. It is an electronically controlled valve that is fully open during normal operation.

When the PCM needs to limit the fuel volume, voltage is applied to the fuel volume regulator circuit. The valve opens or closes depending on the amount of voltage applied to the circuit.

The fuel volume sensor signal goes to the PCM, which takes the necessary action to adjust the fuel volume through the regulator.

If the fuel volume sensor input signal indicates that the actual fuel volume cannot be sufficiently controlled by the PCM. Code P000E will be stored and the malfunction indicator light may illuminate.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P000E has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

1. The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be stored as a fault).
2. Other related fault codes may also be present.
3. Inability to start the vehicle engine.
4. Floating revolutions, as well as attempts to stall at idle.
5. Loss of engine power.
6. Increased fuel consumption.

The degree of severity of error P000E is quite high, therefore it is recommended to eliminate the problem as soon as possible. There may be problems with starting the engine, and ignoring it for a long time may aggravate the problem.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P000E 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.
• Faulty fuel volume sensor.
• Damage to the fuel pump.
• Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM module.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P000E

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P000E:

1. Clear the error codes from the vehicle’s computer memory.
2. Test drive the vehicle to see if the P000E code appears again.
3. Perform visual inspection and repair or replace damaged electrical wiring and connectors if necessary.
4. Diagnose and replace the fuel volume regulator valve (FVR) if necessary.
5. Check the fuel volume sensor as well as the fuel pump.
6. If there is a problem with the PCM, reprogram or replace the engine control module.

Diagnose and repair of problems

You should start diagnosing the P000E error by retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data from 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 Regulator (FVR) valve is still functional after checking, but the P000E code remains, 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 P000E can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

• Alfa Romeo
• Ford
• Land Rover (Discovery, Range Rover)
• Mercedes-Benz
• Toyota
• Vauxhall
• Volkswagen

Fault code P000E can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0001, P0002, P0003, P0004.

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