Bristol 402 P273D Engine Trouble Code
What is Bristol 402 P273D?
The Bristol 402 P273D check-engine light can indicate issues ranging from minor (loose gas cap) to serious (catalytic converter failure). Professional diagnostic scanning at a dealer or shop will identify the exact cause and required repairs.
P273D on the Bristol 402
The Bristol 402 features a sequential multi-port fuel injection (SMFI) system where injector timing is tightly synchronised with the crankshaft signal. Wear on the crankshaft reluctor ring teeth produces signal dropout events that accumulate and eventually trigger P273D.
Code Information
| Code Type: | OBD-II Powertrain (P) Trouble Code |
| System: | Powertrain |
| Vehicle: | Bristol 402 |
| Brand: | Bristol |
| Model: | 402 |
| Code: | P273D |
P273D Bristol 402 Symptoms
Check Engine Light
Illuminated Bristol 402 dashboard warning
Engine Stalling
Engine stops unexpectedly or misfires
Performance Issues
Reduced power or acceleration on the Bristol 402
Starting Problems
Difficulty starting the engine
Poor Fuel Economy
Increased fuel consumption on the Bristol 402
Increased Emissions
Failed emissions test due to P273D
P273D Code Structure
Understanding what each digit means in the P273D powertrain trouble code:
| P | 2 | 7 | 3 | d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain Code | Fuel And Air Metering (Injector Circuit Malfunctions Only) | Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction | Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control 'A' High | System Malfunction |
How to Fix Bristol 402 P273D
Diagnostic Steps:
Check if fuel pump primes when key is turned to ON. Measure fuel pressure and verify bright white-blue spark at all plugs. Also verify mechanical timing alignment.
Repair Solution:
VSS concerns may stem from noisy input signals caused by RFI/EMI from ignition wires, charging circuits, or aftermarket equipment. Verify VSS reads 0 mph when transmission is in Park.
Technical Notes:
P273D DTC specifically relates to camshaft timing. When cam timing is over-retarded, the check-engine light illuminates and this code sets. Verify VCT solenoid operation and check for contamination.
Bristol 402 P273D Repair Cost
VVT actuator replacement on the Bristol 402 for P273D is a more significant investment: $400–$700 including the oil flush required before fitting the new actuator. Using the correct low-SAPS engine oil after the repair is critical to prevent premature re-failure.
P273D Description
P273D engine trouble code is related to System Malfunction.
Main Cause
The primary reason for P273D OBD-II Engine Trouble Code is: Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
Common P273D Misdiagnosis on the Bristol 402
The Bristol 402 is frequently taken to workshops for a P273D fault where the technician replaces the throttle position sensor (TPS). In a significant proportion of cases, the root cause is a loose or cracked vacuum hose downstream of the throttle body that should have been found in a basic visual inspection.
DIY Repair Guide: P273D on Bristol 402
After any repair that involved disconnecting the battery on the Bristol 402, the power window, steering angle sensor, and transmission adaptive values all require a reset drive cycle. Skipping this can cause false fault codes — including P273D — for the first two to three start cycles.
Preventing P273D on the Bristol 402
The Bristol 402 benefits from an intake manifold decarbonisation at 50,000-mile intervals when direct injection is fitted. Carbon build-up on intake valve stems restricts airflow and creates the lean conditions that trigger P273D.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bristol 402 P273D
A: Yes. Some fault conditions, particularly those involving EVAP system leaks or marginal sensor readings, store codes without producing noticeable drivability symptoms. These are called memory faults and still need to be addressed because they will eventually cause performance issues.