P228D: Fuel rail pressure higher than commanded
Fuel pressure regulator A exceeded control limits, pressure too high
Severity: Inspect soon
Rail pressure that stays above the limit can cause rough running, hard starts and misfires, and Jaguar's bulletin lists those with this code.
P228D in short
P228D means the engine computer asked the fuel pressure regulator to lower fuel pressure but the rail pressure stayed too high. A regulator or high-pressure pump fault, a bad pressure sensor or wiring are the usual causes. Rough running or hard starting means it should be checked soon.
Direct-injection engines hold fuel at high pressure in a rail. The computer controls that pressure with a regulator and reads it with a rail pressure sensor.
P228D sets when the computer commands pressure down but the measured rail pressure stays above the limit.
Because the computer relies on the sensor reading, a bad sensor or wiring can look the same as a bad regulator.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Regulator or high-pressure fuel pump fault
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TaT describes the regulator failing to lower pressure; PartsAvatar lists a defective regulator.
- What would change this
- Rises if rail pressure stays high when commanded down. Falls if pressure follows commands.
Cause 2: Faulty fuel rail pressure sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists the fuel pressure sensor; a false high reading gives the same code.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor reading disagrees with a mechanical gauge. Falls if they agree.
Cause 3: Wiring or connectors, or low engine oil pressure
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists loose wiring and low oil pressure or level (relevant to oil-driven pumps).
- What would change this
- Rises if wiring is damaged or oil level is low. Falls if oil level and wiring are fine.
Cause 4: Engine computer fault or programming
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists the PCM last.
- What would change this
- Rises only after every other cause is cleared.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read freeze-frame data and compare desired and actual rail pressure.
IfActual pressure stays above desired when commanded down
It meansThe regulator or pump is not controlling.
IfPressure follows commands
It meansSuspect the sensor or wiring.
Step 2: Have a shop check the rail pressure sensor and regulator wiring and voltage, and engine oil level.
Warning:Fuel rails hold very high pressure and fuel is flammable; leave this to a shop.
IfThe sensor reads wrong
It meansReplace the sensor.
IfWiring or oil level is wrong
It meansFix it.
IfSensor and wiring are good
It meansThe regulator or pump is suspect.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough running or misfires Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Hard starting or black smoke
How to fix
On your vehicle
JaguarYour car
2013–2014 · XF
Supported by vehicle dataJaguar JTB00410NAS1 lists P00C6 with P228D or P228C on the XF with rough running or misfires. Only the cached summary was read.
JTB00410NAS1Status unverified
MIL with P00C6 and P228D or P228C
2013–2014xf · NHTSA 10096573
Rough running, hard starting or misfires with these codes; the summary does not state the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P228D questions
Is P228D safe to drive with?
It can cause rough running and hard starts, so get it checked soon rather than ignoring it.
Sources and review
- Jaguar JTB00410NAS1 / Land Rover LTB00730NAS1: MIL with P00C6 and P228D or P228C
- P228D fault code entry
- P228D OBD code summary
- Last reviewed
- 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