Fixing Fuel Line Pressure Loss In A 1999 Taurus

If your 1999 Ford Taurus is losing pressure in the fuel line, there are a few potential causes. One possible cause is a faulty fuel pressure regulator, which controls the fuel pressure supplied to the fuel injectors. Another possibility is a leaky fuel injector or fuel lines. Additionally, the fuel pump relay in the underhood fuse box may need to be replaced, as worn contacts can cause a loss of pressure even with sufficient voltage. It is also worth checking the ground located at the middle section of the rear quarter panel. If you are experiencing a loss of pressure, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or refer to your repair manual for guidance on how to diagnose and address the specific issue.

Check for fuel leaks

To check for fuel leaks in your 1999 Taurus, you should start by inspecting the fuel lines, fuel pump, and fuel injectors. Begin by looking for any signs of gas leaks around the fuel lines, including any visible damage, damp spots, or a strong fuel smell.

Next, check the fuel pump for any signs of leaks. This may include inspecting the O-ring seal and the line that runs from the pump to the fuel filter, as well as the elbow of the fuel pump where the fuel line connects. A leaking fuel pump may cause gas to pool at the top of the tank and drip down the sides.

Additionally, it is important to check the fuel injectors for any signs of leaks. This can be done by observing the injectors while the engine is running and looking for any signs of fuel spray or leakage.

If you suspect a fuel leak but are unable to locate the source, it is recommended to use a fuel injection test kit, which can help isolate the problem. This kit includes the necessary fittings to test the fuel pump and the fuel rail circuit ahead of the pressure regulator.

It is important to note that fuel leaks can be dangerous, so it is always best to seek professional assistance if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these checks yourself.

Check the fuel pressure regulator

To check the fuel pressure regulator on your 1999 Taurus, you will need to locate the regulator itself, which is attached to the fuel rail downstream of the fuel injectors.

First, ensure the ignition is off and the engine is cool. Then, locate the fuel pressure regulator. It is a diaphragm-operated relief valve. One side of the diaphragm senses fuel pressure, and the other side is connected to the intake manifold vacuum.

Once located, you can check the fuel pressure regulator by unhooking the FPR vacuum line and plugging the vacuum with the engine running. The fuel pump should be capable of producing 40 or more psi. If the pressure is lower than this, the fuel pressure regulator may be faulty and need replacing.

It is worth noting that some people have reported having to change the fuel pressure regulator on their 1999 Taurus multiple times, so it may be a component that is prone to failure.

Check for a leaky injector

To check for a leaky fuel injector, you can try the following:

Method 1:

• Remove the UIM.
• Unbolt the fuel rail and pop the injectors out of their slots in the LIM.
• Leave them connected to the fuel rail and the electrical connectors in place.
• Wipe the FIs with a lint-free cloth.
• Set a clear plastic cup under each FI.
• Prime the car a few times (do not start it).
• If you see any moisture in the cup or on the fuel injector, you've found the culprit.

Method 2:

• Cycle the pump and then wait a minute.
• Run a propane torch or a snap lighter with a flame over the intakes.
• The leaky injector will catch fire.
• Do not be alarmed, it will burn slowly as there is little air and the fuel will just slowly burn.
• After the burn is done, recycle the pump and repeat to be sure of which one it is.

Method 3:

• Pull the plugs and smell each cylinder for gas if they are leaking.
• Run a pressure leak-down test.

Method 4:

• Pressurize the injectors pulled out of the intake and see which one is dripping.
• Or, let the system pressurize and quickly pull them out and see which ones are wet.
• A few key on/off fuel pump primes without cranking should turn up the leaker.

Check the fuel pump

To check the fuel pump of your 1999 Taurus, you'll first need to locate it. The fuel pump is located inside your fuel tank.

Next, you'll want to check the fuel pressure. Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail. When you turn the ignition on, the fuel pump should run for about 2 seconds. If the fuel pressure gauge reads zero pressure with the key on and while running, this could indicate an issue with the fuel pump.

You can also check for fuel flow by removing a valve. If there is good pressure, you should see fuel flow pretty quickly.

If you suspect that your fuel pump is faulty, you can try replacing the fuel pump relay in the underhood fuse box. The contacts inside the relay may be worn, causing a loss of pressure.

It's important to note that checking and repairing a fuel pump can be a complex task, and it may be best to consult a qualified mechanic or your dealership's service department for further diagnosis and repair.

Check the fuel pump relay

If you are experiencing problems with your 1999 Ford Taurus and suspect that the fuel pump relay may be faulty, there are a few steps you can take to check and potentially fix the issue.

Firstly, locate the fuel pump relay. In the 1999 Taurus, it is located in the under-hood fuse box, usually the engine box.

Next, you can try testing the fuel pump relay by checking for a clicking sound when turning on the ignition. If the relay is functioning, you should hear a distinct click. If there is no clicking sound, it may be a sign that the relay needs to be replaced.

You can also verify that the fuel pump relay output is on for 1-2 seconds when the ignition is turned on. To do this, carefully remove the top and bottom covers of the relay box and use a probe to test the terminal from the bottom.

If your Taurus is not starting and you suspect the fuel pump relay may be the issue, try swapping the relay with another relay of the same part number, such as the AC clutch relay. If the car starts after swapping the relays, it is likely that the fuel pump relay was faulty and needs to be replaced.

Additionally, you can check for power at the fuel pump when the ignition is first turned on or when cranking the engine. You can also try hitting the gas tank with your hand while a helper cranks the engine to see if the fuel pump is functioning.

If you determine that the fuel pump relay is indeed faulty and needs to be replaced, you can purchase a new one from an auto parts store or online. It is recommended to consult a repair manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any of these procedures.

Frequently asked questions