P2285: Injector control pressure sensor circuit reading low (diesel)

Injector control pressure (ICP) sensor circuit low

Severity: Inspect soon

Kelley Blue Book calls the code serious, and owners of 6.0L Ford diesels report surging, stalling and runaway rpm with it.

Source: how we rate severity

P2285 in short

P2285 means the injector control pressure sensor circuit reads low. On the 6.0L Ford diesel it is usually the sensor, its connector or harness, or low or poor oil pressure. Owners report surging, stalling and rpm jumping, so have it inspected soon rather than driving it hard.

Diesels with hydraulic injectors use high-pressure engine oil to fire them, and a sensor reports that injector control pressure to the computer. P2285 sets when that sensor circuit reads lower than it should.

Complaints about 2003-2004 Ford Super Duty and Excursion trucks with the 6.0L Power Stroke describe the sensor leaking oil into its connector, damaged pigtail wiring, erratic idle, surging and stalling.

KBB lists low oil, a worn oil pump, the sensor, the pressure regulator and wiring as causes.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: ICP sensor leaking oil into its connector, or damaged pigtail
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
A 2003 Super Duty owner reports the sensor and pigtail harness replaced because the sensor leaks oil into the connector. KBB lists the sensor and wiring.
What would change this
Rises if oil is found in the connector or the pigtail is damaged. Falls if both are clean and dry.
Cause 2: Low engine oil or a weak oil pump
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
KBB lists low oil and a defective oil pump first among the causes, since the injection pressure comes from engine oil.
What would change this
Rises if the oil level is low or the oil is old or foamy. Falls if oil level and pressure are normal.
Cause 3: Injection pressure regulator fault
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
KBB lists the injection pressure regulator as a cause of low injector control pressure.
What would change this
Rises if commanded and actual pressure disagree on a scan tool. Falls if they track.

What to test first

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

Step 1: With the engine off, level and cool, check the engine oil level and condition.
Low risk
- IfOil is low
  It meansTop up and recheck the pressure.
  Points to: Low engine oil or a weak oil pump
- IfOil level is normal
  It meansLook at the sensor connector.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Inspect the ICP sensor connector and pigtail for oil, melted or broken wires.
Use caution
Warning:Do not work near the engine when it is hot.
- IfOil in the connector or damaged pigtail
  It meansSensor or harness at fault.
  Points to: ICP sensor leaking oil into its connector, or damaged pigtail
- IfConnector clean
  It meansHave the pressure tested.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Compare desired and actual injector control pressure on a scan tool and test the regulator.
Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with live data
Warning:High-pressure oil system. Leave this to a shop.
- IfActual pressure well below desired
  It meansThe regulator or oil supply is suspect.
  Points to: Injection pressure regulator fault
- IfPressure normal but sensor reading low
  It meansSensor circuit at fault.
  Points to: ICP sensor leaking oil into its connector, or damaged pigtail

Symptoms

Check engine light
Rpm jumps or the engine surges or runs erratically Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Stalling or hard starting Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

Step 1: With the engine off and cool, check the engine oil level and top it up if it is low.

On your vehicle

Ford

2003–2004 · F-250 Super Duty
Supported by vehicle data
Owners of 6.0L diesel trucks report the ICP sensor leaking oil into its connector and erratic running. Complaint signal only; no bulletin was found.
2003 · Excursion
Supported by vehicle data
One owner reports stalling and surging with diesel smell. Complaint signal only.

No curated relationships for P2285 yet.

All Fuel pump and injectors codes

P2285 questions

What is the ICP sensor?

It reports the pressure of the oil that fires the injectors on 6.0L Ford diesels. If its circuit reads low, the engine can surge or stall.

Sources and review

P2285 code: injector control pressure sensor circuit low — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
NHTSA complaint ODI 825140: 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty, P2285 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 806408: 2003 Ford Super Duty, injector control pressure sensor — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 701654: 2003 Ford Excursion, injector control pressure — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (owner complaint)

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: ICP sensor leaking oil into its connector, or damaged pigtail

Cause 2: Low engine oil or a weak oil pump

Cause 3: Injection pressure regulator fault

What to test first

Step 1: With the engine off, level and cool, check the engine oil level and condition.

Step 2: Inspect the ICP sensor connector and pigtail for oil, melted or broken wires.

Step 3: Compare desired and actual injector control pressure on a scan tool and test the regulator.