
psi). This pressure is controlled by the amount of
pressure the spring inside the fuel pressure
regulator can provide.
3. A f uel system that cannot m aintain a c onstant f uel
pressure has a leak in one or more of the
following areas:
•The fuel pump check valve.
•The fuel pump flex line.
•The valve or valve seat within the f uel pressure
regulator.
•The fuel injector(s).
4. Fuel pressure that drops off during acceleration,
cruise, or hard cornering may case a lean
condition. A lean condition can cause a loss of
power, surging, or m is fire. A lean c ondition c an be
diagnosed using a Tech 2 Scan Tool.
Following are applicable to the vehicle with
closed Loop System:
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."
W hen the engine is at idle, the manifold pressure
is low (high vacuum). This low pressure (high
vacuum) is applied to the fuel pressure regulator
diaphragm. The low pressure (high vacuum) will
offset the pressure being applied to the fuel
pressure regulator diaphragm by the spring inside
the fuel pressure regulator. When this happens,
the result is lower f uel press ure. T he fuel pr essur e
at idle will vary slightly as the barom etric 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 with a
particular fuel injector for fouling or saturation
does not determine that a particular f uel injector is
leaking, use the following procedure:
•Remove the fuel rail, but leave the fuel lines
and injectors c onnected to the fuel rail. Ref er to
Fuel Rail Assembly 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 an d
personal injury that may result from fuel
spraying on the engi ne, verify that the fu el 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
20 amp fused jumper between B+ and the
fuel pump relay connector.
•
••
•Visually and physically inspect the fuel
injector nozzles for leaks.
17.A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure
being above 376 kPa (55 psi). A rich condition
may cause a 45 to set. Driveability conditions
associated with rich conditions can include hard
starting (followed by black smoke) and a strong
sulfur smell in the exhaust.
20.This test determines if the high fuel pressure is
due to a restricted fuel r eturn line or if the high f uel
pressure is due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator.
21.A lean condition may result from fuel pressure
below 333 kPa (48 psi). A lean condition may
cause a 44 to set. Driveability conditions
associated with lean conditions can include hard
starting (when the engine is c old), hesitation, poor
driveability, 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 pump ON with the scan tool.
The fuel pressure should rise above 376 kPa (55
psi) as the fuel return line becomes partially
closed.
Notice: Do not allow the fuel pressure to exceed 414
kPa (60 psi). Fuel pressure in excess of 414 kPa (60
psi) 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.
•A small amount of fuel may be released
when disconnecting the fuel lines. Cover
fuel line fittings with a shop towel before
disconnecting, to catch any fuel that may
leak out. Place the towel in an approved
container when the disconnect is
completed.