P2291 Fuel pressure feeding the injectors is too low while the engine cranks

Injector control pressure too low, engine cranking

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Complaints describe stalling with a loss-of-power message and crank-no-start, but no source grades P2291, so the class is not verified.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine stalls, shows a loss of engine power message or will not start. A 2012 F-350 owner reports a 65 mph stall with this code.

Source: how we rate severity

P2291 in short

P2291 means the diesel's high-pressure fuel system could not build enough injector pressure while cranking. A failing high-pressure fuel pump is the usual suspect, with filters, regulators and leaking injectors also possible. It can cause a no-start or stall, so get it diagnosed promptly.

Diesel engines need very high fuel pressure to open the injectors. During cranking the computer checks that pressure rises quickly; P2291 means it stayed too low.

Ford has a bulletin for 2015-2016 Transit 3.2L diesels where P2291 and/or P0087 come with a crank-no-start condition and a fuel injection pump issue. Other Ford owners of F-250, F-350 and F-550 Super Duty trucks report P2291 with fuel pump failures and a stall.

Owners of 2020-2021 Super Duty trucks also describe the code affecting whether a fuel-system recall remedy could be performed, a situation where the dealer should be asked directly.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed high-pressure fuel pump

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford TSB16-0099 ties P2291 to a fuel injection pump on 2015-2016 Transit; TroubleCodes.net lists the pump first; two Super Duty owners report a failed fuel pump with P2291.
    What would change this
    Rises if fuel pressure cannot build with a good supply and metal debris or a failed pump is found. Falls if the pump holds pressure.
    How to test the fuel pump

  2. Clogged filter, water separator or low supply pressure

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists clogged filters and the water separator. Restricted supply starves the high-pressure pump.
    What would change this
    Rises if filters are overdue or supply pressure is low. Falls if the lift pump pressure is normal.
    How to test the fuel pump

  3. Pressure sensor, regulator or injector leakage

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a defective pressure switch or regulator and excessive injector leakage.
    What would change this
    Rises if rail pressure sensor readings are implausible or return flow is high. Falls if both are normal.
    How to test the fuel rail pressure sensor

What to test first

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

  1. Read all codes, noting P0087, P2A00 and NOx or ignition codes. Check for open fuel-system recalls on the VIN with the dealer.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfP0087 or P2A00 stored too

      It meansLow rail pressure is confirmed; test the supply side.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOnly P2291 stored

      It meansTest the supply side.

      Go to step 2

  2. Check fuel filter and water separator service history, and have a shop measure supply and rail pressure while cranking and look for metal in the filter.

    Best left to a shopTool: pressure gauge and scan tool

    Warning:Diesel injection systems run at extremely high pressure; never loosen lines or fittings on a pressurized system, because a spray can penetrate skin.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Cranks but will not start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Loss of engine power message or stall Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Limp mode

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Fuel pump:High-pressure pump repairs can be extensive if debris reached the injectors; labor 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

Ford

  • 2015–2016 · Transit

    Supported by vehicle data

    3.2L diesel Transit built 5/11/2015 to 2/8/2016: Ford ties P2291/P0087 to a fuel injection pump.

  • 2020–2021 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report P2291 with fuel pump failure and recall 24V957000 handling.

  • TSB16-0099Status unverified

    3.2L diesel crank no start / MIL with P2291 and/or P0087

    2015–2016transit · NHTSA 10091221

    Points to a fuel injection pump and gives a service procedure. Summary read only.

    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

    Ford TSB16-0099 and a 2012 F-350 owner list P0087 with P2291 for the same low fuel pressure problem.

All Fuel pump and injectors codes

P2291 questions

Does P2291 affect a recall remedy?

Two owners say dealers declined recall 24V957000 work because of this code or because the code had been cleared. Ask the dealer directly.

Sources and review

  1. P2291 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. Ford TSB16-0099: 2015-2016 Transit 3.2L diesel crank no start / MIL with P2291 and/or P0087 — Ford Motor Company
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11689728: 2012 Ford F-350 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11761676: 2020 Ford F-250 SD — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11678590: 2021 Ford F-250 SD — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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