Methods are provided for rapid zero flow lubrication of a high pressure fuel pump, wherein a fuel rail pressure rapidly responds to commanded duty cycles. A method is needed to control operation of the high pressure pump during times when no direct injection is requested by an engine system and when operation of the high pressure pump is continued to maintain pump lubrication. To lubricate the high pressure pump while gaining zero flow rate data, methods are proposed that involve both open and closed loop control of the high pressure pump.