OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0260 — Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent
P0260 means the ECM detected an intermittent fault in the injection pump fuel metering control B circuit. Control B is a second metering, timing or pressure control device on the pump and its exact function varies by OEM. The fault came and went rather than staying present, which most often points to wiring or connector problems.
Severity 3/5
Truck-relevant
Service this week
Severity
Service this week
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent
Code
P0260
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Fuel
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
Service within a few days on a Cummins X15, Detroit DD15, PACCAR MX-13. Performance is likely degraded. Continuing to drive without service risks additional component damage.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P0260 on the Fuel system is most often loose or corroded terminals at the control b connector or ecm — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Intermittent rough running, hesitation, brief power loss or surging, sometimes a momentary derate or stall. The check-engine light may appear and go out, often related to vibration, temperature or road conditions.
Common causes
- CommonLoose or corroded terminals at the control B connector or ECM ($100–$400)
- CommonChafed harness making intermittent contact with ground or another circuit ($150–$600)
- OccasionalControl B solenoid with an intermittent internal open ($400–$1500)
- RareECM power or ground supply issue ($100–$500)
How to fix
Wiggle test the control B harness and connectors while monitoring the circuit on a scan tool.
When to use: First diagnostic step for any intermittent circuit code.
Repair terminals, add proper loom and clip the harness securely.
When to use: When a loose or chafed section is found.
Measure solenoid resistance cold and hot.
When to use: When the fault appears mostly after the engine warms up.
Replace the control B component if it fails the hot/cold test.
When to use: After wiring has been proven good.
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P0200 — Injector Circuit Malfunction
- → P0201 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1
- → P0202 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2
- → P0203 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 3
- → P0204 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0260?
P0260 is severity 3 — plan service within a few days. Performance is likely degraded already (you may feel reduced power, harsher shifts, or slightly worse fuel economy). Continuing to drive risks additional damage to adjacent components.
How much does it cost to fix P0260 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $100–$1500 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Loose or corroded terminals at the control B connector or ECM — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will P0260 fail a DOT inspection?
P0260 itself doesn't automatically fail an inspection, but if the truck is in reduced-power mode (limp mode) at the time of inspection, it WILL be flagged. Most inspectors will note the check engine light but pass the truck if it's running and performance is normal. Fix it before a Level 1 inspection regardless.
What's the difference between P0260 and related codes?
P0260 is closely related to: P0200 (Injector Circuit Malfunction), P0201 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1), P0202 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2), P0203 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 3). These codes share the same subsystem (fuel) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only P0260 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P0260 from coming back after a repair?
For P0260 (Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control B Intermittent), prevention centers on the fuel system. Replace fuel filters at the OEM interval — don't stretch them. Use only diesel from high-volume fuel stops (avoid bottom-of-tank fuel at low-traffic stations). Add a water separator if you don't have one. After repair, prime the fuel system per the engine manual.