Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator Symptoms and Replacement Cost

This fuel pressure regulator serves as an engine operation component that is accountable in controlling the engine’s fuel pressure by changing the pressure when needed. Although it stays in the entire inner combustion engines, the regulator differs from one engine to another because every engine needs a different quantity of fuel.

1. Misfires and Reduced in Power, Fuel Efficiency, and Acceleration

One common indication of a bad fuel pressure regulator is the problem of engine performance. If the regulator of the car develops any problem, it will distract the fuel pressure. This will give the slip on the air-fuel ratio and harmony, which can potentially create a climactic impact on the car’s performance.

A faulty fuel pressure regulator may trigger the car to manifest misfires, decrease in acceleration and power, and declination on the efficiency of the fuel.

2. Black Smoke Emitted from the Exhaust

Black smoke that is coming from the exhaust is another common symptom of a problem occurring in the regulator. If the regulator fails within or develops a leaking, it can cause the car to spew black smoke. A defective fuel pressure regulator may trigger the car to run extremely rich, which, aside from declining performance and mpg, may trigger the car to create black smoke that specifically originates from the tailpipe.

3. Fuel Leaks

Another indication of a bad fuel pressure regulator is fuel leaks. If the diaphragm of the regulator or any part of the seals does not work as they should, fuel leaks can develop. An inadequate regulator does not only crack gasoline, but rather also trigger problem on performance. A leak on fuel will commonly create an obvious fuel smell, and can also lead to issues on engine performance.

4. The Smell of Gasoline in the Oil Dipstick

If you inspect the level of your engine oil and you notice a smell of gasoline in the oil dipstick, then that could be an indication of a faulty fuel pressure regulator. At times when this part fails, it deluges the combustion chamber with too much fuel, and a quantity of it may find a path leading to the engine oil.

You may learn how to remove dipstick tube from engine block.

5. Gasoline Saturated in the Vacuum Hose

A damaged fuel pressure regulator triggers the vacuum hose to be saturated with gasoline. You can check this by taking off the connection of the vacuum hose to the regulator and confirm if there are traces of gasoline in the line. If you see a hint of gasoline, it could mean that you have a poor fuel pressure regulator.

6. Spark Plug is Wrapped with Black Debris

Soot is developed by the oil combustion in the engine head. Inspect the spark plug end portion to confirm if there was black soot settling. If that is the case, the regulator is impaired, and you should replace the spark plug and regulator itself.

7. Reduction in Mileage

Another palpable indication that the fuel pressure regulator is not doing well is the reduction in mileage. It happens because the bad regulator is deluging the ignition system with excessive fuel to run the vehicle, which makes the fuel and air mixture lopsided, and the entire system is hurting for it.

If you are dropping on a gas station quite frequently than you usually do, then you must think about getting the regulator checked as well as reassess your driving practices.

8. Engine Fails to Start

Perhaps the most irritating symptom of a bad fuel pressure regulator is when the engine fails to start during the first several attempts.

At times, the engine might conclude to shut down during idle or refuse to start in the morning. You cannot associate this concern with a battery-related issue. When it comes to a poor regulator, the engine will create a staring noise, perhaps bump to life within a bat of an eye, then stop performing again due to the inappropriate pressure that is given to the engine.

9. Check Engine Light

If the engine sensors fail to work, the monitoring system will prompt the ‘check engine’ indicator to inform you of the concern. The computer will simply decode the error code that is particular to every issue in the system.

Fuel Pressure Regulator and Replacement Cost

It is mainly responsible for allotting fuel to the car’s engine. Hence, proper maintenance of this part is important. A lot of them utilize mechanical diaphragms, which are run by a vacuum. These diaphragms work to assist in changing the pressure.

Nevertheless, modern cars are outfitted with an electronic-type regulator which operates uniquely. Any issue with the regulator immediately impacts the engine’s performance.

The cost involved when replacing the fuel pressure regulator relies on the model and make of the car. An average service demands around $260 to $320 for analysis and replacement. The part itself costs around $65 to $75. However, the cost of labor is quite high since the technician will require plenty of time to carry out the task.

With modern vehicles, the checking of the regulator is done electronically through the engine control unit and may also be comfortably repaired. Always bear in mind that you should immediately bring in your car for inspection if you notice any symptoms of a bad.

Last Words

Although some regulators already come with the fuel pump assembly, many of the regulators are installed in the fuel rail. They can be serviced individually.

The good thing is that the bad fuel pressure regulator symptoms are easy to determine, and the part can be easily replaced. If you think that your car is having a problem with the regulator, get your car checked by a skilled technician.