P213F: Fuel Pump System Fault - Forced Engine Shutdown

What it means

A safety-critical fuel-pump fault has been detected and the engine has been shut down. Typical for HPFP runaway or low-pressure pump that loses control authority.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light
• Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
• The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode

How it works

This code means a fuel-pump system fault led the control module to shut down the engine. The module monitors fuel supply and pressure control for unsafe or uncontrollable pump operation; the cause may be the pump, its controls, or pressure feedback, and the exact shutdown logic varies by vehicle.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Fuel pump or its control system has failed
2. Fuel pressure sensor or regulator fault
3. Damaged wiring or poor connector contact
4. High-pressure pump fault

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Hard start, no start, or stalling under load
• Power loss especially at high load or rpm
• Possible long cranking time

How to diagnose it

1. Record all codes and freeze-frame data, including commanded and measured fuel pressure, before clearing codes or attempting repeated starts.
2. Check for fuel leaks and inspect pump, pressure sensor, regulator, and control-module connectors and wiring for damage or poor contact.
3. Use scan data to compare low-side and high-side pressure readings, where available, with the manufacturer's expected behavior during cranking or operation.
4. Test the pump control circuit, pressure sensor, and regulator with the manufacturer's procedures to determine whether the pump is being miscontrolled or pressure is being reported incorrectly.
5. Test the pump itself, including the high-pressure pump where fitted, only after checking its supply, control, and pressure feedback.

Common fixes

• Repair damaged wiring or poor connector contact at the pump or pressure-control circuit.
• Replace a faulty fuel-pressure sensor or regulator confirmed by testing.
• Repair or replace the failed pump control component identified by the manufacturer's checks.
• Replace a failed low-pressure or high-pressure pump when tests confirm it cannot deliver or regulate fuel correctly.

Can I keep driving?

Do not drive if the engine has shut down, stalls, or has uncontrolled fuel pressure; arrange a tow. A pump fault can cause sudden loss of power, and continued cranking may worsen damage.