
Circuit Description
When the ignition switch is turned “ON", the powertrain
control module (PCM) will turn “ON" the in-tank fuel
pump. The in-tank fuel pump will remain “ON" as long
as the engine is cranking or running and the PCM is
receiving 58X cra nksh aft position pulses. If there a re no
58X crankshaft position pulses, the PCM will turn the
in-tank fuel pump “OFF" 2 seconds after the ignition
switch is turned “ON" or 2 seconds after the engine
stops running.
The in-tank fuel pump is an electric pump within an
integral reservoir. The in-tank fuel pump supplies fuel
through an in-line fuel fi lter to the fuel rail assembly. The
fuel pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure
above the pressure needed by the fuel injectors. A fuel
pressure regulator, attached to the fuel rail, keeps the
fuel available to the fuel injectors at a regulated
pressure. Unused fuel is returned to the fuel tank by a
separate fuel return line.
Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the
Diagnostic Chart.
2. Conne ct th e fuel pressure gauge to the fuel feed line
as shown in the fuel system illustration. Wr ap a shop
towel around the fuel pressure connection in order to
absorb any fuel leakage that may occur when
installing the fuel pressure gauge. With the ignition
switch “ON" and the fuel pump running, the fuel
pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge
should be 333-376kPa (48-55 psi). This pressure is
controlled by the amount of pressure the spring
inside the fuel pressure regulator can provide.
3. A fuel system that cannot maintain a constant fuel
pressure has a leak in one or more of the following
areas:
• The fuel pump check va lve.
• The fuel pump flex line.
• The valve or valve seat within the fuel pressure
regulator.
• The fuel injec tor(s).
4. Fuel pressure that drops off during accelerator,
cruise, or ha rd cornering may case a lean condition.
A lean condi ti on can cause a loss of power, surging,
or misfire. A lean condition can be diagnosed using a
Tech 2. If an extremely lean condition occurs, the
oxygen sensor(s) will stop toggling. The oxygen
sensor output voltage(s) will drop below 500 mV.
Also, the fuel injector pulse width will increase.
Important: Make sure the fuel system is not operating
in the “Fuel Cut-Off Mode".
When the engine is at idle, the manifold pressure is
low (hig h vacuum ). This low pressure (hig h v acuum )
is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm.
The low pressure (high vacuum) will offset the
pressure be ing ap plied to the fuel p ressure reg ulator
diaphragm by the spring inside the fuel pressure
regulator. When this happens, the result is lower fuel
pressure. The fuel pressure at idle will vary slightly
as the barometric pressure changes, but the fuel
pressure at idle should always be less than the fuel
pressure noted in step 2 with the engine “OFF".
16. Check the spark plug associated with a particular
fuel injector for fouling or saturation in order to
determine if that particular fuel injector is leaking. If
checking the spark plug associated w ith a particular
fuel injector for fouling or saturation does not
determine that a particular fuel injector is leaking,
use the following procedure:
• Remove the fuel rail, but leave the fuel lines and
injectors connect ed to the fuel rail. Ref er to
Fuel Rail Assemb ly in On-Vehicle Service.
• Lift the fuel rail just enough to leave the fuel
injector nozzles in the fuel injector ports.
CAUTION: In order to reduce the risk of fire and
personal injury that may result from fuel spraying
on the engine, verify that the fuel rail is positioned
over the fuel injector ports and verify that the fuel
injector retaining clips are intact.
• Pressurize the fuel system by connecting a 10
am p fu sed jumper b etwee n B+ and the fuel p ump
relay connector .
• Visually and physically inspect the fuel injector
nozzles for leaks.
17. A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure
being above 376kPa (55psi). A rich condition may
cause a DTC P0132 or a DTC P0172 to set.
Derivability conditions associated with rich
conditions can include hard starting (followed by
black smoke) and a strong sulfur smell in the
exhaust.
20. T his test determines if the high fuel pressure is du e
to a restricted fuel return line or if the high fuel
pressure is due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator.
21. A lean condition may result from fuel pressure below
333kPa (48 psi). A lean condition may cause a DTC
P0131 or a DTC P0171 to set. Derivability conditions
associated with lean conditions can include hard
starting (when the engine is cold ), hesitation, poor
derivability, lack of power , surging , and misfiring.
22. Restricting the fuel return line causes the fuel
pressure to rise above the regulated fuel pressure.
Command the fuel pum p “ON" with the Tech 2. The
fuel pressure should rise above 376kPa (55psi) as
the fuel return line becomes partiall y closed.
NOTE: Do not allow the fuel pressure to exceed
414kPa (60psi). Fuel pressure in excess of 414kPa
(60psi) may damage the fuel pressure regulator.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire and personal
injury:
• It is necessary to relieve fuel system pressure
before connecting a fuel pressure gauge. Refer to
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure, below.