Fault code P213F is called “Fuel Pump System Fault – Forced Engine Shutdown” 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 P213F
OBD-2 code P213F is most commonly defined as “forced engine shutdown due to fuel pump system malfunction”. It is set when the PCM has detected a problem in the fuel system and the engine has undergone a forced shutdown.
The PCM relies on input signals from the fuel pressure and volume sensors and the electronic fuel pressure regulator. To effectively control the fuel supply to the engine.
If the PCM detects a deviation between fuel pressure sensors “A” and “B” that exceeds the maximum threshold for more than the specified time period. The voltage to the fuel pump will be interrupted and the engine will stop.
The systems of vehicles with diesel engines are configured slightly differently. There is no comparison between the fuel supply pressure sensor and the fuel injection pressure sensor. Instead, the PCM monitors each fuel supply sector independently and shuts down the engine if a malfunction is detected.
In either case, if the control module detects a degree of fuel injection pressure deviation that requires the engine to stop. Then code P213F will be stored and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate.
Also, gasoline and diesel systems can monitor the voltage of fuel components. These components typically include the fuel pump and injectors. Each component is expected to draw a certain amount of voltage under a certain load.
If the fuel component in question consumes excessive voltage under a certain percentage of maximum load, the engine may be shut down. Code P213F will be stored, and an additional error may appear indicating an overloaded component or circuit.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P213F has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be memorized as a fault).
- Other related fault codes may also be present.
- The engine may fail to start or may start and then stall.
- Fuel leaks.
- Fuel odor may be present.
- There may be no symptoms other than a stored fault code.
Trouble code P213F is related to the fuel system, it should be considered serious and corrected immediately. Since it is a fuel cutoff error, you will likely have no choice.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P213F can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Fuel leakage near fuel injectors or fuel rail.
- Fuel injector is defective.
- Faulty fuel pressure sensor.
- Bad fuel pressure or volume regulator.
- Loose or damaged connectors.
- A small impact may have tripped the inertia switch which opens the fuel pump circuit.
- Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P213F
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P213F:
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scan tool. To find out when and under what circumstances error P213F appears.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory and test-drive the vehicle to find out if the fault appears again.
- Perform a fuel injector test.
- Check the fuel line for leaks.
- Check the operation of the fuel pump.
- Test the fuel pump relay.
- Visually inspect electrical wires and connections for looseness and damage.
- Check the inertia switch, turn it on if necessary.
- Replace fuse if necessary.
- Clear the error code from the computer memory again, test drive the vehicle to see if the problem is resolved.
Diagnose and repair of problems
In order to diagnose the fuel pump circuits and clear the P213F fault code, it is necessary to have a wiring diagram for your vehicle. After that you can proceed with further actions.
If the car starts and moves, no complaints on controllability, most likely there is a break in the feedback circuit between the PCM and the fuel pump supply voltage circuit. Repair if necessary.
When the car won’t start or starts and shuts down because of low fuel pressure, check the fuel pump fuse. If it is blown, check the fuel pump supply circuit for a ground fault.
Remove the fuel pump relay (FP), and then check the resistance between the fuel pump connector voltage circuit and the ground. If there is a small resistance indicating a ground fault, disconnect the fuel pump and check it again.
If the fuel pump shows high or infinite resistance after disconnecting it, replace the shorted fuel pump. If the resistance is low after disconnecting the fuel pump, repair the short in the FP supply circuit.
After checking the electrical circuits, there will likely be several scenarios. Either the P213F error will go away because the wiring problem has been corrected. Or the problem is a faulty relay, module, or fuel pump itself.
Leak finder and pressure checker
If possible, have someone turn the ignition key while you look for fuel leaks near the distribution ramp and fuel injectors. If you find a fuel leak and fix it, the problem will most likely go away.
If no leaks are found in the fuel system, use a manual fuel pressure gauge.
If there is insufficient pressure, the fuel filter or fuel pump is most likely the problem. When fuel pressure is excessive, you should look at the fuel pressure regulator.
If the fuel pressure is within specifications and there are no leaks, but the error P213F does not disappear. It is necessary to proceed to check fuel pressure sensors, pressure regulator and fuel volume.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P213F can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chevrolet
- Land Rover
Fault code P213F can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P025A, P025B, P025C, P025D, P213E.
