Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering

P0148 Fuel Delivery Error

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P0148 is an early, rather unspecific OBD II code: the control module finds that the fuel delivered does not match what was requested. Saab's 3.0 V6 diesel (Isuzu) uses it for leak detection: from the balance of quantity and rail pressure it recognises a leak of 90 mm³ per crankshaft revolution, monitored continuously up to 6,400 rpm, and then shuts the engine off – a restart is only possible in the next drive cycle. Ford lists P0148 in the fuel monitor of its 2020–2023 petrol engines, alongside P0171/P0172, without describing the logic. Newer systems usually report such faults more precisely as P0087/P0088 (rail pressure) or P0093 (large leak).

Likely causes

Fuel leak in the high-pressure or return section (line, rail, injector leakage)
Fuel filter clogged or lift pump weak
High-pressure or injection pump worn
Pressure or volume control valve faulty
Air in the fuel system (tank run dry)

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Engine stalls or will not restart (Saab: shut-off until next drive cycle)
  • Loss of power, stumbling
  • Fuel smell with an external leak

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–2,500
Time0.5–6 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

fuel systemhigh pressure fuel pumpfuel railfuel injectors

Related codes

P0149P0087P0088P0093P0191P0171

References: law.cornell.edu, saabwisonline.com, fordservicecontent.com.