P2291 Injector Control Pressure Too Low – Engine Cranking

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P2291 Injector Control Pressure Too Low – Engine Cranking

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Injector Control Pressure Too Low – Engine Cranking

What does P2291 mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, Range Rover, BMW, Peugeot, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.

When a P2291 has been stored, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an insufficient degree of oil pressure needed to control the high-pressure fuel injection system, with the engine cranking.

While this code is utilized primarily in high-pressure diesel injection systems, it may also be used in vehicles with gasoline powered engines. The PCM monitors high-pressure injection using one or more fuel pressure sensors. Since the diesel high-pressure injection system is timed and driven using crucial engine timing components, excessive injector control pressure can indicate that a serious malfunction exists in the engine lubrication and/or timing mechanisms. Conditions resulting in a stored code P2291 may be attributed to either a mechanical condition or an electrical condition.

If the PCM detects an insufficient degree of injector oil pressure, a code P2291 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will be illuminated. Multiple ignition cycles (with a failure) may be required for MIL illumination.

A typical injection control pressure ICP sensor:

What is the severity of this DTC?

Conditions which contribute to a stored code P2291 could result in catastrophic engine damage. It is for this reason that this code should be categorized as severe.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2291 trouble code may include:

  • No start condition
  • Excessive smoke from the exhaust
  • Peculiar noises from engine compartment
  • What are some of the common causes of the code?

    Causes for this code may include:

  • Defective high-pressure injection pressure switch
  • Open or shorted control circuits
  • Low oil level
  • Low oil pressure
  • What are some P2291 troubleshooting steps?

    Begin by making sure that the engine is filled to the appropriate level with oil and that no oil pressure or oil level lamps are illuminated. If this is the case, a manual oil pressure test may be in order. Engine timing components are affected by engine oil pressure. High-pressure injection operation is actuated using engine timing components. If engine oil pressure is low, injection timing may be adversely affected.

    You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of reliable vehicle information in order to accurately diagnose a code P2291.

    You may save yourself time by searching for technical service bulletins (TSB) that replicate the code stored, vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and symptoms exhibited. This information may be found in your vehicle information source. If you find the right TSB, it could yield a speedy solution to your diagnosis.

    After you connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and pertinent freeze frame data, write the information down (in case the code proves to be an intermittent one). After that, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle until one of two things happens; the code is restored or the PCM enters readiness mode.

    The code may be more difficult to diagnose if the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, because the code is intermittent. The condition which caused the P2291 to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code is restored, continue with the diagnosis.

    You may obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component locator charts, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flow charts (pertaining to the code and vehicle in question) using your source of vehicle information.

    Perform a visual inspection of related wiring and connectors. Repair or replace wiring that has been cut, burned, or damaged.

    Use the DVOM to test voltage and ground circuits at the injection system pressure sensor/s. If no voltage is detected, check system fuses. Replace blown or otherwise defective fuses as required.

    If voltage is detected, test the corresponding circuit at the PCM connector. If no voltage is detected there, suspect an open circuit between the sensor in question and the PCM. If voltage is discovered there, suspect a defective PCM or PCM programming error.

    Test the injection pressure sensor with the DVOM. If it does not comply with manufacturer’s specifications, consider it defective.

  • Although this type of code is listed on some gasoline fueled applications, I have seen it exhibited exclusively in diesel applications where an engine timing and/or lubrication issue had occurred.
  • Need help?

    Let us fix your problem. You are most welcome our diagnosis experts have in most cases the knowledge and skills to find the cause of the error code p2291 and to solve the problems.

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    "Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p2291 in the ECU"

    In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p2291 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.

    Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p2291.

    Make an appointment for permanent removal of p2291