P008D Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit Low
What does that mean?
This generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) typically applies to diesel engine OBD-II vehicles. That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford / Powerstroke, BMW, Dodge / Ram / Cummins, Chevrolet, GMC, etc. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
Trouble code P008D is one of several possible codes associated to diesel powered vehicles that indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a malfunction and with the operation of the Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit that is incorporated to facilitate the proper operation of a diesel engine.
The codes that are commonly associated to Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit malfunctions are P008C, P008D and P008E.
The purpose of the Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit is to control the operation of the fuel cooler pump. This feature is specific to diesel powered vehicles to cool the excess fuel prior to returning the fuel back to the fuel supply system. The fuel is cooled by the fuel cooler that operates in a similar manner to a radiator using coolant to remove heat from the fuel.
The pump is temperature controlled by the Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit that turns the pump on to route fuel through the fuel cooler assembly prior to returning the fuel back to the fuel tank. This process will vary based on the specific diesel powered vehicle and the fuel system configuration. The end result is the same providing optimum performance and protecting fuel system components.
Based of the specific diesel powered vehicle involved, various other codes may be activated by the PCM and illuminate the Check Engine Light as well.
Code P008D is set by the PCM when the Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit has a low voltage condition.
In this photo, you can see the fuel cooler, the lines, and the fuel cooler pump (center) connected to the lines:
What is the severity of this DTC?
The severity of this code starts as moderate based on the specific malfunction and the severity level will progress. Hot fuel temperatures are not desirable and can cause excessive wear on fuel system components and excessive wear to internal engine components as well if not corrected in a timely manner.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P008D engine code may include:
Decreased engine performance Acceleration and idle surging Check Engine Light illuminated Increased fuel consumption Noise coming from the fuel cooler pumpWhat are some of the possible causes of the code?
Causes for this code may include:
Defective fuel cooler pump Corroded or damaged connector Faulty or damaged wiring Faulty PCMWhat are some P008D troubleshooting steps?
Locate all of the components associated with the Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit. This will include the fuel cooler pump, the fuel cooler, the fuel cooler reservoir and the PCM on a simplex system. Once these components are located a thorough visual inspection should be performed to check all of the associated wiring and connectors for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires or burn spots. Signs of coolant leaks, level and condition of the fluid should also be included in this process.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multi meter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. Voltage requirements will very based of the specific year, model and diesel engine in the vehicle.
It is also help to check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your particular vehicle, as there may be a known issue and fix that can save you
Read: 50
