What does it mean?
P1250 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Fuel Pressure Regulator Control Circuit Malfunction (Fuel Level too Low) .
Symptoms
- The MIL is on, sometimes with lean or fuel trim codes stored alongside
- Hesitation, stumble and misfire under load or when climbing a hill
- Hard starting, long cranking or a stall shortly after starting
- Fuel gauge reading inaccurately or dropping to empty with fuel in the tank
- Loss of power at higher engine loads while idle remains acceptable
Likely causes
- Fuel level genuinely too low, so the pump draws air and pressure control cannot be maintained
- Faulty fuel level sender giving a false empty reading to the module
- Open circuit, short or high resistance in the fuel pressure regulator control wiring
- Corroded connector or damaged terminal at the regulator control solenoid
- Failed regulator control solenoid winding or a sticking regulator
- Blown fuse or a failed relay supplying the regulator circuit
- Weak fuel pump or a restricted filter that prevents the commanded pressure being reached
How to fix it
- Add fuel to at least a quarter tank, clear the code and retest before condemning any part
- Compare the indicated fuel level on live data with the actual amount in the tank to judge the level sender
- Check fuel pressure with a gauge and compare it with the commanded value on the scan tool
- Inspect the regulator control connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing and loose terminals
- Check the supply fuse and relay for the circuit, then measure control voltage while commanding the regulator with the scan tool
- Measure the solenoid winding resistance and its insulation to ground
- Replace the fuel level sender, the regulator control solenoid or repair the wiring as the tests indicate, then confirm pressure follows the command