VOLVO
ECM-281C - Text message. Pressure too high
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
8 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (16)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008Engine B5254T3, B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2009–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2008–2009Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2007Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2007–2012Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2013–2014Engine B5254T9 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module controls the fuel pressure through the fuel pump control module. The fault is stored when the measured fuel pressure stays too high compared with the pressure the control module has requested for a certain time, and it can affect how the engine runs.
Possible causes
- Damaged fuel pump control module
- Damaged fuel pump unit
- Supply wire to the fuel pump shorted to supply voltage
- Damaged fuel pressure sensor
What you can do
- 1Start the engine and let it idle. Look for fuel system leaks, such as damp areas, a smell of fuel or visible drips
- 2If there are stored codes for the fuel pressure sensor or the atmospheric pressure sensor, deal with them first, as the relative pressure is calculated from them
- 3If you have a diagnostic tool: read the relative fuel pressure in live data with the engine warm and idling and see whether it stays steady
- 4Check the connectors linking the pump control unit to the fuel pump for high resistance and oxide
- 5Check that the connector at the fuel pressure sensor is secure and free from oxide
- 6If no fault is found, have a workshop try a new fuel pump control module and, if the fault remains, a new fuel pressure sensor
Symptoms you may notice4
- Message in the information display
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) lit
- Reduced engine performance
- Engine may stall
What the fault can affect1
- The control module uses a predefined value instead of the measured pressure
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.