Eberspacher and Espar heaters are known for their reliability in vans, trucks, boats, and industrial machinery. But even with a brand-new installation, unexpected faults can occur. One of the most common early-stage issues is error code P000200, especially when the fuel pump is ticking but the heater fails to start.

Eberspacher and Espar heaters are known for their reliability in vans, trucks, boats, and industrial machinery. But even with a brand-new installation, unexpected faults can occur. One of the most common early-stage issues is error code P000200, especially when the fuel pump is ticking but the heater fails to start. Here’s how a recent customer resolved the issue - without replacing a single part.

A customer contacted us after installing a new Espar AS3 D2L heater. Although the fuel pump was making its usual ticking sound, the heater wouldn’t ignite. His controller displayed error code P000200, and he suspected the fuel pump was defective.

P000200 refers to fuel pump interruptions - a communication fault between the ECU and the pump. This code is most often seen in new installations where the fuel pump isn’t fully wired in. The cause? Wiring terminals not fully seated in the connector. Even if the plug visually looks secure, the internal pins may not be making proper contact. In previously working systems, this error can also point to pump wear or power supply problems.

We guided the customer through basic troubleshooting and had him disconnect and manually replug the fuel pump connector (2-pin FEP type plug), then double-check wire seating, even if it looked correct from the outside. Sure enough, that resolved the issue. The pump continued ticking - and this time, the heater ignited normally.

If you're unsure whether your Espar fuel pump is functional: A consistent ticking sound is a good sign. For testing, some pumps allow brief 12V impulses applied directly to the terminals - only if advised by a technician. If the pump ticks but the heater shows P000200, the wiring should be your first check.

While this issue occurred with an AS3 D2L, the same error and resolution apply to most second- and third-generation Espar/Eberspacher air and water heaters, including: Eberspacher Airtronic D2L, D4L, B4L, D4R, AS3 B2L, AM3 D4L, AM3 D4R, AM3 B4L, Eberspacher Hydronic D5E, B5E, S3 D6L, S3 D5L. This issue can also apply to other brands, like Webasto.

Always check all wiring connections manually after installation - don’t rely on visual inspection alone. If you’re seeing Eberspacher fuel pump errors during the first run, unplug and reseat all connectors before replacing parts. If the unit was previously working, try running it on a different battery to rule out voltage drop issues.

Some users are concerned when they hear the fuel pump ticking, but this sound is completely normal for Eberspacher fuel dosing pumps. The ticking noise can be slightly reduced by installing an Eberspacher fuel pump mounting bracket, which helps dampen vibration and sound transmission.

If you're installing or servicing an Espar heater and come across error code P000200, don’t assume the fuel pump is faulty. Check the wiring thoroughly - it might just save you a replacement.

Also, if it is already time for you to replace your fuel dosing pump, please check our Eberspacher fuel pump category