How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

Truck runs great when engine is cold, upon reaching operating temperature, under full throttle acceleration, engine cuts off momentarily. After troubleshooting with my OBDII bluetooth scanning tool, fault P0088, indicating high rail fuel pressure. common causes are fuel pressure sensor or fuel pressure regulator or possibly kinked fuel lines . I have a spare fuel pressure sensor and thinking of replacing it. All fuel filters recently replaced. No fuel leaks present and no fuel lines appear to kinked. Since fuel pressure is pretty cheap at $40,00 and being a do it yourself, I was thinking
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
A professional mechanic would require roughly 5 hours. (If just the regulator is replaced that takes about 1 hour). Some parts, as noted below, cannot be re-used, you need a precision inch pound torque wrench, FSM instructions (and TSB updates if applicable; procedure was changed in 2007 for instance) and the system has to be bled when done.

Below is partial list of steps, copied and pasted directly from the service manual:

1. Disconnect battery and put protective material in front of the charge air cooler (CAC) or damage to the CAC may occur.

2. Remove air cleaner assembly.

3. Disconnect the oil drain tube from the crankcase vent oil separator.

4. Loosen the air cleaner outlet tube clamp and detach the air cleaner outlet tube from the turbocharger.

5. Remove the bolts, the crankcase vent oil separator and the air cleaner outlet pipe as an assembly.

6. Remove and discard the crankcase vent oil separator press-in-place gasket. (To re-install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

7. Disconnect the PCM electrical connector (BE SURE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FIRST!) and retainer. Disconnect the in-line electrical connector and position the engine wiring harness on the engine.

8. Remove the pushnuts and the glow plug module heat shield.

9. Disconnect the high-pressure fuel injection pump electrical connector and detach the retainer from the glow plug module bracket. Disconnect the glow plug module and the exhaust gas recirculation temperature (EGRT) sensor electrical connectors, detach the wiring retainer and position the wiring harnesses aside.

10. Remove the nut and position the ground strap aside. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

11. Remove the engine wiring harness bolt. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

12. Remove the heater supply tube nut. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

13. Remove the bolts and the glow plug module bracket. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

14. Remove the nut and position the transmission fluid indicator tube aside. To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

Warning: Do NOT disconnect the glow plug electrical connector before dislodging the seal from the valve cover or the wiring harness may be damaged.

15. Using an appropriate tool, dislodge the glow plug wiring harness seals from the valve cover.

16. Disconnect the glow plug electrical connectors by pulling on the glow plug wiring harness tee above the seal. Remove the glow plug wiring harness.

17. Remove the nut and position the crankcase ventilation drain tube aside.

18. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the valve cover stud.

19. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the generator bracket.

20. Disconnect the A/C pressure switch electrical connector. Position the harness aside.

Warning: Do not bend or flex the heater supply tube or damage to the tube may occur.

21. Remove the stud bolts, bolts and the valve cover. Remove and discard the valve cover gasket. To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

Warning: Contact with exposed fuel injector wiring, if energized, may result in electric shock.

Use care when working on or around energized fuel injector wiring. Fuel injector wiring supplies HIGH VOLTAGE to operate the fuel injectors of course, you disconnected the battery though.

22. Disconnect the fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor electrical connector.

Warning: Fuel injection equipment is manufactured to VERY precise tolerances and fine clearances (think space shuttle). To prevent fuel system damage, it is essential that absolute cleanliness is observed when working with these components. Always install fuel system caps on any open orifices or tubes.

23. Remove the FRP sensor. To install, tighten the FRP sensor in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Stage 2: Tighten an additional 40 degrees.

24. Bleed the high-pressure fuel system.

If you feel like this job may be too overwhelming or run into any issues, consider YourMechanic to get it done. One of our mobile technicians can come to your home and replace the fuel pressure sensor at your own convenience.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Normal operating high pressure to drive the injectors is about 5,500 psi, with pressure increasing depending on load. The high pressure pump delivers fuel to the fuel rails through two high pressure lines (one per bank).
The P0194 code issue is related to the fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor, which the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses to determine how much pressure is going to the fuel injectors.
From 6.4 l powerstroke high pressure oil pump to 6.4 l powerstroke high pressure fuel pump, no matter which pump you are using, here`s what you need to know: When the engine starts sputtering at higher speed at odd hours or suddenly, and then resumes. This one is the best indicator of a faulty fuel pump.
P0088 is a OBD2 trouble code that tells us there is high fuel pressure found in the fuel system. This high fuel pressure is detected by the fuel pressure sensor located on the fuel rail.
The fuel system on your diesel truck is the heart of the vehicle`s performance and reliability. This low pressure (10-12 psi) Powerstroke lift pump mounts to the inner frame rail using the supplied sandwich plate mounting system.
Locate the Fuel Pressure Sensor on the passenger side of the engine, near the flexible rubber boot of the intake tube going to the air filter.
The common rail pressure sensor is located on the fuel rail. Its function is to monitor the fuel pressure in the common rail. Sensor is used by the ECM as a part of the calculation for the % duty cycle applied to the Fuel Pressure Control Valve and Fuel Quantity Control Valve.
Q: Can you drive with a bad fuel pump? A: Because a bad fuel pump could cause unexpected drops in power or even completely shut the vehicle down, we do not recommend driving with the knowledge of a bad fuel pump.
The fuel tank pressure sensor is part of the fuel pump assembly and is mounted on top of the tank or inside the tank. It`s part of the evaporative emissions system (commonly referred to as “EVAP”) and reads pressure in the fuel system to detect evaporative leaks, such as a loose or faulty gas cap.
Fuel pressure for most vehicles should stay in a 5- to 10-psi range. But, techs should make sure to look at the service information for the specifications. Other data PIDs used to regulate the fuel pump include the engine position sensors.
The low-pressure, high-volume fuel is delivered to the high-pressure pump at approximately 55 to 70 psi.
Most carburetors recommend fuel pressure between 5 to 8 psi, but this may vary. Fuel injection systems often require much more pressure, potentially up to 100 psi. A fuel pressure tester can be used temporarily to check your fuel pressure. If your engine seems erratic, check the fuel pressure gauge.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?
ANSWER : A professional mechanic would require roughly 5 hours. (If just the regulator is replaced that takes about 1 hour). Some parts, as noted below, cannot be re-used, you need a precision inch pound torque wrench, FSM instructions (and TSB updates if applicable; procedure was changed in 2007 for instance) and the system has to be bled when done.

Below is partial list of steps, copied and pasted directly from the service manual:

1. Disconnect battery and put protective material in front of the charge air cooler (CAC) or damage to the CAC may occur.

2. Remove air cleaner assembly.

3. Disconnect the oil drain tube from the crankcase vent oil separator.

4. Loosen the air cleaner outlet tube clamp and detach the air cleaner outlet tube from the turbocharger.

5. Remove the bolts, the crankcase vent oil separator and the air cleaner outlet pipe as an assembly.

6. Remove and discard the crankcase vent oil separator press-in-place gasket. (To re-install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

7. Disconnect the PCM electrical connector (BE SURE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FIRST!) and retainer. Disconnect the in-line electrical connector and position the engine wiring harness on the engine.

8. Remove the pushnuts and the glow plug module heat shield.

9. Disconnect the high-pressure fuel injection pump electrical connector and detach the retainer from the glow plug module bracket. Disconnect the glow plug module and the exhaust gas recirculation temperature (EGRT) sensor electrical connectors, detach the wiring retainer and position the wiring harnesses aside.

10. Remove the nut and position the ground strap aside. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

11. Remove the engine wiring harness bolt. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

12. Remove the heater supply tube nut. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

13. Remove the bolts and the glow plug module bracket. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).

14. Remove the nut and position the transmission fluid indicator tube aside. To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

Warning: Do NOT disconnect the glow plug electrical connector before dislodging the seal from the valve cover or the wiring harness may be damaged.

15. Using an appropriate tool, dislodge the glow plug wiring harness seals from the valve cover.

16. Disconnect the glow plug electrical connectors by pulling on the glow plug wiring harness tee above the seal. Remove the glow plug wiring harness.

17. Remove the nut and position the crankcase ventilation drain tube aside.

18. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the valve cover stud.

19. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the generator bracket.

20. Disconnect the A/C pressure switch electrical connector. Position the harness aside.

Warning: Do not bend or flex the heater supply tube or damage to the tube may occur.

21. Remove the stud bolts, bolts and the valve cover. Remove and discard the valve cover gasket. To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

Warning: Contact with exposed fuel injector wiring, if energized, may result in electric shock.

Use care when working on or around energized fuel injector wiring. Fuel injector wiring supplies HIGH VOLTAGE to operate the fuel injectors of course, you disconnected the battery though.

22. Disconnect the fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor electrical connector.

Warning: Fuel injection equipment is manufactured to VERY precise tolerances and fine clearances (think space shuttle). To prevent fuel system damage, it is essential that absolute cleanliness is observed when working with these components. Always install fuel system caps on any open orifices or tubes.

23. Remove the FRP sensor. To install, tighten the FRP sensor in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Stage 2: Tighten an additional 40 degrees.

24. Bleed the high-pressure fuel system.

If you feel like this job may be too overwhelming or run into any issues, consider YourMechanic to get it done. One of our mobile technicians can come to your home and replace the fuel pressure sensor at your own convenience.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

I have a p0171 code on my ford ranger 2.5 and have replaced fuel filter maf sensor, iac sensor, fixed vacuum leaks, replaced fuel
ANSWER : Hello there. You might to read this article about the P0171 OBD-II trouble code; as it will give you ideas on causes and possible solutions.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

Low fuel pressure at the fuel rail (30psi) then drops to 10psi occasionally while idling. The fuel sending unit was just replaced. 2004 Dodge Dakota
ANSWER : Hi there – yes, you clearly have a fuel supply issue, mainly focused on getting enough pressure in the fuel rail to the injectors. Check problem codes first, even if the Check Engine light is not illuminated. I suspect your problem is related to either the fuel pressure regulator, or the fuel pump check valve. either of these could cause low fuel pressure. A clogged fuel filter or weak fuel pump could also be the source here. I recommend a loss of power inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

lost all oil pressure, replaced the oil pump, low oil sensor, oil pressure sensor, oil pan gasket,
ANSWER : The fuel pump will not stay on if you loose oil pressure. This is why it is shutting off. The loss of oil pressure may be from bad crankshaft bearings or camshaft bearings. The engine oil pan should be removed and the oil pump needs to be checked to ensure that you put in the pick up tube seal to the pump and connected the pump to the block. Then remove at least one main bearing cap and inspect the bearings for excessive wear and crankshaft damage. If you need some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help diagnose the issue with your oil pressure firsthand and help you fix it accordingly.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

Received a p0191 from scanner, have already replaced fuel pressure sensor, maf sensor and fuel pump. Difficult to start after warm
ANSWER : Hi there. Our resources center has a great article about the P0191 OBD-II trouble code, what causes it and common repairs. You might want to review this article to give you a good indication of how to resolve your problem.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

High fuel pressure. 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
ANSWER : Hi there – the fuel pressure regulator on your truck has a vacuum-controlled adjustment which accounts for engine load. It’s possible that the vacuum source to the fuel pressure regulator is not functioning correctly, allowing fuel pressure to exceed the normal operating pressure. Check also for kinked or blocked fuel return lines to the fuel tank. I would recommend a fuel system inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

Fuel pressure
ANSWER : Hello,
You may want to try checking the fuel pump relay. The relay wires should have ground on two wires, power on one wire and switched power on another wire. To activate the fuel pump your ECU actually connects one of the ground wires to complete the circuit and send power to the fuel pump. If the wires all have power running through them, then it is likely you have a faulty relay. The wire coming from the fuel pump is the other ground wire. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your wiring as this can be very difficult and time consuming without the proper wiring diagram.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

Installed new delphi fuel pump and fram fuel filter. still no pressure on fuel rail valve and wont start. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
ANSWER : Hi there – I suspect you have weak power getting to the fuel pump. I would first check the voltage coming out of the fuel pump relay. If the contacts in the relay are burned, you will not get reliable current flow to the pump. Check the fuel pump ground as well (voltage drop across the ground, not just continuity). I recommend a fuel system inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?

Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.