Installing a Fuel Pressure Regulator

The pressure in the system of your vehicle's fuel system is maintained by a fuel pressure regulator. If a bad pressure regulator is not replaced, it will have an impact on your vehicle's ability to run properly. The attachment method of the vehicle’s fuel regulator can solely depend on the make and model of your vehicle.

A good indication that your fuel pressure regulator needs to be changed is if you see excessive smoke or oil coming from your vehicle engine, or if your fuel mileage drops. There are basic instructions to guide you along when installing a fuel regulator. You may need to contact a professional or check the repair guide for more intimate details on your particular vehicle model. The tools needed and step-by-step guide for the job is listed below.

Step 1 – Releasing the Vehicle's Pressure

Relieve the pressure from the fuel system by opening the fuel cap and removing the vehicle’s fuel pump relay from the fuse box in the engine compartment. Turn on the vehicle engine and let it run until it begins to stall, which should only take a few seconds. When car stalls, unplug the negative battery cable.

Step 2 – Disconnecting the Pressure Regulator

Clean all of the dirt and debris from any lines and connectors that are hooked up to the pressure regulator and disconnect them all. This may include a vacuum line that will be connected to the fuel regulator depending on the make and model of your car. Disconnect any electrical connectors and fuel supply or return lines.

Step 3 – Removing the Bolts and the Pressure Regulator

Remove any bolts that are mounting the pressure regulator to the engine. Next, remove the fuel regulator itself. If your vehicle is one of the ones that include the pressure regulator as a part of the fuel pump module, you will need to remove the module's upper and lower sections. You will then be able to remove the section containing the fuel pump regulator.

Step 4 – Installing the New Pressure Regulator

If the replacement fuel regulator requires an O ring, use a new one. You will need to use engine oil to lubricate the new O ring. Position the new pressure fuel regulator in place and tighten any bolts that connect it. All of the lines and connectors that attach to the fuel pump regulator can now be connected.

Step 5 – Testing the New Pressure Regulator

The last step is to put pressure back into the fuel system. Do this by reconnecting the battery cable and the fuel pump relay. Next, you will turn your ignition switch to ON for a few seconds and turn it back off. You will repeat turning the ignition switch to the ON position a few more times.