Checking Fuel Pressure: 2010 Accord Maintenance Guide

Checking the fuel pressure on your 2010 Honda Accord is a relatively straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. First, you'll need to relieve the fuel pressure and attach a fuel pressure gauge. Then, you can start the engine and check if it starts. If it doesn't, you'll need to check if the fuel pump is running by listening at the fuel filler port with the fuel fill cap removed. If the pump is running, you can proceed to the next step. The final step is to read the fuel pressure gauge to ensure the pressure is within the specified range. If the pressure is out of specification, you may need to replace the fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter.

Relieve the fuel pressure

To relieve fuel pressure in your 2010 Accord, you can try the following methods.

Method 1: Fuel Line Disconnection

• Locate the fuel line running from the pump to the injectors.
• Disconnect the fuel line at either end. Fuel will drain from the line, relieving pressure.
• Have a tag, container, or towel ready to collect any fuel spillage.
• Wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses.
• Note: This method is not recommended for vehicles with an electric fuel pump, as it may damage the pump and other engine components.

Method 2: Triggering the Fuel Pump Relay Manually

• Locate the fuel pump relay in your vehicle's fuse box.
• Activate the relay by connecting a jumper wire from terminal 30 to 86.
• You should hear the fuel pump running and see pressure buildup on your pressure gauge.
• Once pressure is relieved, disconnect the jumper wire and secure all connections.

Method 3: Draining the Fuel Tank

• Locate the fuel tank, typically under the rear seat or in the trunk.
• Use a syphon pump or similar device to drain the fuel tank.
• Note: This method should only be used if necessary, as it depends on the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. Exercise caution.

General Safety Tips

• Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before starting to prevent shocks and sparks.
• Wear appropriate safety gear to protect yourself from fuel/fluid splashes.
• Ensure your vehicle is securely supported with jack stands.
• Tightly secure hose clamps and connectors after completing work.
• Stay clear of sources of heat or potential sparks to minimise the risk of igniting fuel.
• Reconnect the negative terminal of your car battery when finished.

Additionally, some vehicles may have a Schrader valve on the fuel rail, similar to a bicycle tire valve. To relieve pressure:

• Unscrew the valve cap.
• Wrap rags around the port valve to catch any fuel.
• Push the valve in with a small screwdriver until fuel stops flowing.
• Replace the valve cap.

Attach the fuel pressure gauge set and the fuel pressure gauge

To attach the fuel pressure gauge set and the fuel pressure gauge, you will need to first ensure you have the right parts. This includes a 60 or 100 psi gauge, a gauge fitting for a 3/8 inch fuel hose, and two 3/8 inch hose clamps. The fuel lines are 5/16 inch inside diameter hoses, but the 3/8 inch gauge fitting will still fit. You can order these parts from Summit Racing for around $25.

Before you begin, ensure you have as little fuel in the tank as possible to minimise any fuel spillage. You will need to identify the correct fuel line to tap into. This is the fuel line closest to the oil dipstick. It is a rubber hose that connects to a metal pipe near the engine.

Now, release the fuel pressure. You can find instructions on how to do this in the Release Fuel Pressure How-To guide. Once the pressure is released, cut the fuel line. Use a rag to prevent fuel from spraying and have two 5/16 inch plugs ready to stop the fuel flow. Two Bic pen-type caps will work for this.

Next, remove the insulation tube from the fuel line so you can get the clamps on the hose. The insulation tube will come off easily after cutting the fuel line. Put about two wraps of Teflon tape on the gauge's threads and screw it into the gauge fitting. Ensure the tape doesn't extend below the threads, as you don't want any tape getting into the fuel lines. Hand-tightening will not be enough, so use a large wrench or vise to hold the fitting and a small wrench to screw in the gauge.

Finally, install the gauge and tighten the clamps. You will then need to prime the fuel system. Refer to the Release Fuel Pressure How-To guide for instructions on how to do this. Check for any pooled fuel before starting the engine and ensure there are no fuel leaks.

Normal idle fuel pressure is 28-32 psi. Pressure with the F/P (fuel pump) and GND (ground) diagnosis terminals jumpered should be 36-38 psi. You can check the maximum fuel pressure (71-107 psi) by pinching the fuel line on the engine side of the fuel gauge.

Check if the fuel pump is running

Checking if your fuel pump is running can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, you can perform an electrical test. Check the fuel pump fuse in your fuse box, and if that looks good, check the voltage at the pump itself. You can also test for source voltage to see if the power is getting to the pump.

Another way to check is to listen out for the fuel pump. Put your ear near the fuel tank and have someone turn the ignition key to the "on" position. If the pump is working, you should hear an audible noise.

If your car is not starting, or is exhibiting performance issues, you can also check the fuel pressure and volume. A mechanical fuel pressure gauge can be connected to the fuel pump test point, which is usually located near the fuel injectors. Compare the pressure to the specification listed in your repair manual. If the pressure is significantly lower than the spec, you may have a bad fuel pump.

You can also check the fuel volume, which will tell you if the pump is creating enough volume. Consult your repair manual for the exact procedure and specifications for your vehicle.

Read the fuel pressure gauge

Reading the fuel pressure gauge is a simple process. Once you have the fuel pressure tester connected to your 2010 Accord, you will be able to read the pressure in psi on a large gauge. This can be done from inside the vehicle, so you can sit in the driver's seat.

The "good fuel pressure" reading will depend on the engine. Older throttle-body injected systems may need as little as 10 psi, while multi-port injection can see as high as 60 psi. If you are unsure what your engine needs, you can refer to the repair manual for your car and check the specifications.

If you have zero fuel pressure, this means the pump is dead or not getting power. Low fuel pressure can cause a slow start-up, low performance, misfires, and stalling. High fuel pressure will cause excessive fuel consumption, black smoke from unburned gas, an overheating catalytic converter, and rough idle.

Replace the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel filter if pressure is out of specification

If the fuel pressure is out of specification, you may need to replace the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel filter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this for a Honda Accord:

Step 1: Remove the black plastic cover on the engine

Remove the black plastic cover on the top of the engine to access the fuel pressure regulator. It is bolted to the fuel rail with two 10mm bolts.

Step 2: Disconnect the fuel pressure regulator

The fuel pressure regulator has two hoses. One is a small vacuum hose that connects to the intake manifold, and the other is a larger fuel return hose that carries fuel back to the tank. Disconnect both hoses. Be prepared to catch any fuel that may spill with rags or a drip pan.

Step 3: Install the new fuel pressure regulator

Attach the new fuel pressure regulator to the fuel rail using the two 10mm bolts. Reconnect the hoses, ensuring that the vacuum hose is connected to the intake manifold and the fuel return hose is connected to the fuel rail.

Step 4: Locate the fuel filter

The fuel filter location varies depending on the model year of your Honda Accord. For the 1990-1994 models, the fuel filter is located on the passenger side firewall. For the 1995-2002 models, it is located on the rear of the engine, near the brake master cylinder.

Step 5: Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel filter

Use a 14mm wrench to loosen the nut on the lower fuel line, then remove the fuel line and set it aside. Next, use a 17mm wrench to loosen the Banjo bolt on the upper fuel line and remove it. Place a drip pan under the fuel lines to catch any spilled fuel.

Step 6: Remove the fuel filter

Use a 10mm flare nut wrench to remove the two bolts from the clamp that holds the fuel filter in place. Unclip the alignment hole at the top of the fuel filter and remove it from the clamp.

Step 7: Install the new fuel filter

Insert the new fuel filter into the clamp and secure it with the two 10mm bolts. Reconnect the upper and lower fuel lines, ensuring that you insert new washers on the upper fuel line. Tighten the Banjo bolt on the upper fuel line and the nut on the lower fuel line.

Step 8: Test the new fuel filter

Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the gas cap. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position four times without starting the engine to prime the new fuel filter. On the fifth turn, start the engine and inspect the fuel filter for any leaks. If there are leaks, turn off the engine and re-tighten the fuel lines.

Frequently asked questions