P008A Pressure in the low-pressure fuel system (lift pump side) is too low

Low-pressure fuel system pressure too low

P008A in short

P008A means fuel pressure on the low-pressure side, from the in-tank pump to the high-pressure pump, is too low. Common causes are a weak fuel pump, a clogged filter, a faulty low-pressure sensor or a software fault. The engine can stall or lose power, so get it checked promptly and stop driving if it stalls.

Direct-injection gasoline and modern diesel engines have two fuel pumps. An in-tank pump sends fuel at low pressure to a high-pressure pump on the engine, which feeds the injectors.

A sensor on the supply line reports the low-side pressure to the engine computer. When that pressure stays below target, the computer sets P008A. Audi bulletins describe it as "low pressure fuel system pressure too low" and list it with P0087, rail pressure too low.

If the high-pressure pump does not get enough fuel, rail pressure drops too. That is why P008A often appears with P0087 and why drivers notice hesitation, lost power or stalling.

Not every P008A is a failed pump. Ford has a bulletin for a biased low-pressure sensor, Land Rover and others have issued software updates, and Nissan warns that a badly fitted diesel fuel filter can set it.

Most likely causes

  1. Weak or failing in-tank fuel pump

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Owners with dealer-confirmed pump failures report P008A just before stalling, and KBB lists the pump as a leading cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if pressure is low on a manual gauge as well as on the scan tool, or if the car stalls under load. Falls if gauge pressure is normal.
    How to test the fuel pump

  2. Clogged or badly fitted fuel filter

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    KBB names a clogged filter, and Nissan warns that damaged filter seals during replacement on the Titan XD diesel can set P008A.
    What would change this
    Rises on diesels, after recent filter service, or if fuel quality is suspect. Falls if the filter is new and correctly fitted.

  3. Biased or failed low-pressure fuel sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford SSM 48397 says a biased fuel low pressure sensor can set P008A on 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines, and tells technicians to compare it with a gauge.
    What would change this
    Rises if the scan tool shows low pressure but a manual gauge reads normal. Falls if both agree.
    How to test the fuel rail pressure sensor

  4. Engine computer calibration

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Land Rover SSM72531 blames P008A on LR2, Evoque and Discovery Sport on sub-optimal engine software.
    What would change this
    Rises if a software bulletin covers your VIN and pressure tests are normal. Falls if a pump or filter fault is found.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  5. Low fuel level, restricted lines or wiring faults

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    KBB lists running very low on fuel, restricted lines and pump wiring as further causes. They are less often the answer than the pump itself.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared with a near-empty tank or a pump circuit code. Falls if the tank is full and the wiring checks out.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open recall or bulletin for the fuel pump, low-pressure sensor or engine software.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Connect a manual fuel pressure gauge to the low-pressure supply and compare its reading with the low-pressure sensor value on the scan tool, as Ford's SSM 48397 describes.

    Best left to a shopTool: fuel pressure gauge

    Warning:Fuel lines are under pressure. Relieve pressure first, wear eye protection and keep sparks away.

  3. Check when the fuel filter was last changed, and on diesels inspect the filter seals and O-rings for damage.

    Use cautionTool: hand tools

    Warning:Fuel is flammable. Work with the engine cool and away from sparks.

  4. Check voltage and ground at the fuel pump connector while it runs, and look for pump circuit codes.

    Low riskTool: multimeter

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Hard starting or a no-start
  • Hesitation or reduced power when accelerating Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine stalls or shuts off while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Keep the fuel tank well above a quarter full until the car is checked.

  2. Ask a dealer to check your VIN for open fuel pump recalls or software bulletins.

Parts and cost context

  • Fuel pump:A common repair when pressure is confirmed low on a gauge. Check for an open recall first. Labor varies; get a quote.
  • Fuel rail pressure sensor:The low-pressure sensor is a separate part on some engines; Ford sells it on its own for EcoBoost engines under SSM 48397.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2013–2015 · Fusion · 1.5L GTDI, 1.6L GTDI, 2.0L GTDI

    Supported by vehicle data

    On EcoBoost Fusions, Ford's SSM 48397 says check the low-pressure sensor against a gauge before replacing the pump. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2014–2015 · Escape · 1.6L GTDI, 2.0L GTDI

    Supported by vehicle data

    The same Ford SSM 48397 covers EcoBoost Escapes.

  • 2021 · F-150

    Possible — needs testing

    An owner reports a dealer-confirmed fuel pump failure with P008A and the engine shutting off while driving. Check open recall status.

  • SSM 48397Status unverified

    Fuel low pressure sensor for P00C6, P0087, P008A and related codes

    2013–2015fusion, escape · 1.5L GTDI, 1.6L GTDI, 2.0L GTDI · issued · NHTSA 10169940

    Ford says a biased or failed low-pressure fuel sensor can cause lack of power or stalling with P008A; compare the sensor reading with a manual gauge.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Land Rover

  • 2012–2015 · Range Rover Evoque

    Supported by vehicle data

    Land Rover SSM72531 points to an engine software update for P008A with rough idle or hesitation.

  • SSM72531Status unverified

    Rough idle, hesitation or loss of power with P008A

    2008–2015lr2, range-rover-evoque, discovery-sport · issued · NHTSA 10105985

    Land Rover blames P008A, P008B and P2542 on sub-optimal engine software.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0087Fuel pressure in the rail or supply system is lower than the engine computer requested

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Audi and Volkswagen bulletins list P008A with P0087; low supply pressure starves the high-pressure pump and drops rail pressure.

  • P00C6Fuel rail pressure too low while the engine is cranking

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 48397 lists P00C6 and P008A together when a biased low-pressure sensor upsets fuel control on EcoBoost engines.

All Fuel pump and injectors codes

P008A questions

Is it safe to drive with P008A?

Not for long. Low supply pressure can lead to lost power or stalling, which several owners have reported. Get it checked promptly, and stop driving if the engine stalls or loses power.

What is the difference between P008A and P0087?

P008A is low pressure on the supply side, before the high-pressure pump. P0087 is low pressure in the fuel rail feeding the injectors. Low supply pressure often causes both.

Sources and review

  1. P008A code: low-pressure fuel system pressure too low — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor, reviewed by Gary Hardesty)
  2. 2013–2015 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC GTDI with P00C6, P0087, P008A, P008B, P018C or P018D: fuel low pressure sensor available (SSM 48397) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11767742: 2021 Ford F-150, dealer confirms failed fuel pump with P008A — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (complaints flat file) ,
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11752109: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia, shop confirms P008A and low fuel pressure — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (complaints flat file) ,
  5. Alfa Romeo recall 25V-586 (FCA 93C): fuel delivery module, 2017–2019 Giulia and 2018–2019 Stelvio — MotorVerso (summary of NHTSA campaign 25V586000) ,
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11192447: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250, fuel pump failure with P008A — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (complaints flat file) ,
  7. 2016–2018 Titan XD stage 1 and stage 2 fuel filter replacement (NTB18-024) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  8. MIL, rough idle, hesitation or loss of power with P008A, P008B or P2542 (SSM72531) — Jaguar Land Rover North America / NHTSA ,
  9. No start, lack of power or rough running with P008A-84 (LTB01096NAS1) — Jaguar Land Rover North America / NHTSA ,
  10. MIL on with low-pressure fuel system DTCs including P008A (bulletin TSB-24-09-28) — Audi of America / NHTSA ,
  11. MIL on with DTCs P310B, P129F, P008B, P129E, P008A, P2540 or P0087 (bulletin V-011220) — Volkswagen of America / NHTSA ,
  12. MIL on with low-pressure fuel system DTCs including P008A (bulletin TSB-24-10-02) — Audi of America / NHTSA ,
  13. NHTSA complaint ODI 11636058: 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia shuts off at about 40 mph with P008A — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (complaints flat file) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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