P228C Fuel pressure regulator 1 cannot bring rail pressure up to target

Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Exceeded Control Limits – Pressure Too Low

P228C in short

P228C means rail fuel pressure stays well below what the engine computer is commanding on a direct-injection engine. On GM engines, loose engine computer terminals, a high-pressure pump or its inlet line, and contaminated fuel are common. Expect reduced power. Get it checked soon, and stop if the engine stalls or you smell fuel.

On a direct-injection engine, a camshaft-driven high-pressure pump feeds the fuel rail and a solenoid valve on the pump (regulator 1) sets the pressure. The engine computer compares the rail pressure sensor reading with its target.

In GM service information for the 3.0L and 3.6L V6, P228C sets when actual pressure stays 3 MPa (about 435 psi) below target for more than 10 seconds with good supply pressure from the tank. It is a Type A code: the check engine light comes on at once and the driver gets a "Reduced Engine Power" message.

GM bulletins show the fault is not always the pump. Extra resistance at the engine computer terminals (as little as 2 ohms) can set it, as can a restricted check valve in the pump inlet hose, contaminated fuel, or factory-loose pump or rail fasteners that leak fuel. Land Rover traced it to the metering valve inside the pump.

Most likely causes

  1. Poor terminal contact at the engine computer (GM 3.0L/3.6L)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletins for 2010–2015 ATS, Camaro, CTS, Equinox, Impala, LaCrosse, SRX, Terrain and XTS tell technicians to recheck engine computer terminals for the rail pressure sensor and pump when service information finds nothing, noting the code can set with 2 ohms of resistance. GM service information also lists circuit resistance.
    What would change this
    Rises if terminals are loose or crimps are poor, or the code returns when the harness is moved. Falls if terminal tension and circuit resistance are good.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  2. High-pressure fuel pump or restricted pump inlet line

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM tells technicians to replace the high-pressure pump and its inlet line for P228C on 2011–2018 V6 models, and to check the inlet hose check valve for restriction. Land Rover blames the metering valve inside the pump on 2012–2014 Evoque and LR2. KBB and GM service information list the pump.
    What would change this
    Rises if actual pressure lags desired under load while low-side pressure is good, or the inlet line check valve is restricted. Falls if pressure tracks desired.
    How to test the fuel pump

  3. Contaminated fuel (including E85 use)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletins ask for a fuel sample and a full flush if contamination is found, and one links repeat P228C to E85 use after a pump replacement.
    What would change this
    Rises if a fuel sample shows water, debris or separation. Falls if the fuel is clean.

  4. Loose pump or rail fasteners leaking fuel (2016–2017 GM)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM service update 16029 says the pump or rail fasteners on 2016 Camaro, CTS, XT5 and 2017 ATS may not have been tightened at the factory, so fuel can leak and set P228C, P228D or P00C6.
    What would change this
    Rises if there is a fuel smell or wetness at the pump or rail on these models. Falls if the dealer confirms the update is done.

  5. Fuel rail pressure sensor reading low

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    On 2014–2016 GM V8 trucks, SUVs, Corvette and CTS, GM says to replace the rail pressure sensor if service information does not find the cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor reading does not match a known pressure or jumps around. Falls if it reads sensibly.
    How to test the fuel rail pressure sensor

  6. Worn camshaft lobe or camshaft problem driving the pump

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    GM service information lists camshaft sensor faults and worn cam lobes, and KBB lists worn camshaft or timing problems. No bulletin names it for this code.
    What would change this
    Rises if camshaft codes are also stored or the pump-drive lobe is worn. Falls if timing and lobes check good.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data. Note whether P228C is current or only in history, and whether P00C6, P0089, P228D or misfire codes are stored too.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP228C is only in history and the car drives normally

      It meansGM suggests checking the fuel and comparing actual and desired pressure before replacing parts.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP228C is current

      It meansCheck bulletins before testing.

      Go to step 2

  2. Ask a dealer to check the VIN for open service updates and fuel system bulletins, and check for a fuel smell around the engine.

    Low riskTool: VIN lookup at a dealer

  3. Have a shop compare actual and desired rail pressure and low-side pressure under load, take a fuel sample, and check the engine computer terminals for the pump and sensor circuits.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with live data, fuel sample jar, terminal test kit

    Warning:Run the engine outdoors and keep clear of belts and the fan. Never loosen a fuel fitting: the high-pressure side can hold pressure after shutdown and a fuel spray can cause injury or fire.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • "Reduced Engine Power" message or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Hard starting, rough idle or misfires
  • Fuel smell under the hood Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer to check the VIN for open service updates and fuel system bulletins before buying parts.

  2. If you have been using E85 or filled up just before the problem began, tell the shop so they test the fuel first.

Parts and cost context

  • Fuel pump:The high-pressure pump is a common fix, but GM bulletins also repair engine computer terminals or the pump inlet line. Test first. Labour varies; get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2010–2018 · Equinox · 3.0L V6, 3.6L V6

    Supported by vehicle data

    Recheck engine computer terminals; if the code persists, GM replaces the high-pressure pump and inlet line and checks the fuel (also Terrain, Impala, LaCrosse, SRX, ATS, CTS). Bulletin status not verified.

  • 2016 · Camaro

    Supported by vehicle data

    Service update 16029 for factory-loose pump or rail fasteners that can leak fuel (also 2016 CTS, XT5 and 2017 ATS). Bulletin status not verified.

  • 2014–2016 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    If service information finds nothing, GM replaces the rail pressure sensor (also Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Corvette). Bulletin status not verified.

  • PIP5209CStatus unverified

    P00C6 and/or P228C: recheck engine computer terminals

    2010–2015equinox, camaro, impala · issued · NHTSA 10114546

    Check terminal fit, tension and crimps for the rail pressure sensor and pump circuits.

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

  • PIP5385DStatus unverified

    P228C setting

    2011–2018impala, equinox, captiva-sport · issued · NHTSA 10129104

    Inspect the fuel; replace the high-pressure pump and its inlet line; flush if contaminated.

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

  • GCUS-3-729Status unverified

    Service update 16029: pump or rail fasteners

    2016–2017camaro · issued · NHTSA 10130675

    Fasteners may be loose from the factory; fuel can leak and set P228C, P228D or P00C6.

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

  • PIP5279AStatus unverified

    Service engine soon light with fuel pressure codes

    2014–2016silverado-1500, tahoe, suburban, corvette · issued · NHTSA 10114645

    If service information finds nothing, replace the rail pressure sensor.

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

GMC

  • PIP5209CStatus unverified

    P00C6 and/or P228C: recheck engine computer terminals

    2010–2015equinox, camaro, impala · issued · NHTSA 10114546

    Check terminal fit, tension and crimps for the rail pressure sensor and pump circuits.

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

  • PIP5385DStatus unverified

    P228C setting

    2011–2018impala, equinox, captiva-sport · issued · NHTSA 10129104

    Inspect the fuel; replace the high-pressure pump and its inlet line; flush if contaminated.

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

Buick

  • 2011–2016 · LaCrosse

    Supported by vehicle data

    Repeat P228C after a pump replacement with E85 use: check the fuel and the pump inlet hose check valve. Bulletin status not verified.

  • PIP5385Status unverified

    P228C in history after pump replacement and E85 use

    2011–2016lacrosse · issued · NHTSA 10113954

    Check fuel for contamination and the pump inlet hose check valve for restriction.

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

Land Rover

  • 2012–2014 · Range Rover Evoque

    Supported by vehicle data

    Rough running, hard starting or misfires with P228C-77 from the pump metering valve (also 2013–2014 LR2). Bulletin status not verified.

  • LTB00730NAS1Status unverified

    MIL with P00C6 and P228D-00 or P228C-77

    2012–2014range-rover-evoque, lr2 · issued · NHTSA 10105424

    Possible internal fault in the high-pressure pump metering valve.

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

  • P00C6Fuel rail pressure too low while the engine is cranking

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P00C6 is low rail pressure while cranking. GM bulletins cover P00C6 and P228C together for terminal faults and leaking pump or rail fasteners.

  • P0089Fuel pressure regulator not holding the pressure the computer asks for

    Same system Common general cause

    P0089 is the same regulator not following its target in general; P228C is the specific case where pressure stays too low.

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

    Same system Common general cause

    P0087 also means rail pressure too low. Both point to the high-pressure pump side on direct-injection engines.

  • P0192Fuel rail pressure sensor signal reads too low

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM lists P0192 and P228C together on 2014–2016 V8 trucks and SUVs, where the fix can be the rail pressure sensor.

All Turbocharging, fuel pressure and EGR codes

P228C questions

Is it safe to drive with P228C?

Not for long. GM engines go into reduced power and KBB advises against driving with it. Get it checked soon, and stop if the engine stalls or you smell fuel.

Does P228C always mean a new high-pressure fuel pump?

No. GM bulletins also fix it by repairing engine computer terminals, replacing the pump inlet line, cleaning out bad fuel or replacing the rail pressure sensor.

Sources and review

  1. DTC P0089, P00C6, P228C, or P228D (LF1, LFW), 2011 Saab 9-4X service information — Saab Automobile (GM-based service information, Saab WIS Online)
  2. P228C code: fuel pressure regulator 1 exceeded control limits, pressure too low — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor, reviewed by Gary Hardesty)
  3. Service update 16029: high-pressure pump or fuel rail fasteners (GCUS-3-729) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  4. P00C6 code: fuel rail pressure too low during engine cranking — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor, reviewed by Gary Hardesty)
  5. P00C6 and/or P228C: recheck engine computer terminals (bulletin PIP5209C) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  6. P228C setting: inspect fuel, replace high-pressure pump and inlet line (bulletin PIP5385D) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. P228C in history after pump replacement with E85 use (bulletin PIP5385) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. MIL with P00C6 and P228D-00 or P228C-77 (bulletin LTB00730NAS1) — Jaguar Land Rover / NHTSA ,
  9. Service engine soon light with fuel pressure codes (bulletin PIP5279A) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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