Removing Fuel Pressure Regulator 29: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing a fuel pressure regulator is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with a few common tools. The fuel pressure regulator is a device that helps the fuel injector release the correct amount of fuel and maintains a constant fuel pressure for optimal fuel usage. It is important to relieve the system pressure before attempting to remove the regulator. This can be done by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay and letting the engine idle until it stalls, or by covering the Schrader valve with a rag and carefully depressing it with a screwdriver to release the fuel. It is also important to disconnect the negative battery cable before proceeding. Once the pressure has been relieved, the regulator can be removed by unscrewing and carefully removing the fuel injector retainer, moving the fuel injector to the side, and finishing removing the screws that hold the pressure cover in place.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting your car battery is a straightforward task, but it requires careful attention to safety precautions and the correct procedure. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disconnect your car battery safely, specifically focusing on the process of removing the fuel pressure regulator:

• Turn off the ignition: Before you begin, ensure your car is turned off and the ignition is in the OFF position. Do not attempt to disconnect the battery while the car is powered on.
• Locate the car battery: Pop the hood of your car and locate the car battery. It is typically found under the hood, on either side of the engine bay. If you are having trouble locating it, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.
• Identify the negative terminal: Car batteries have two terminals, marked with "+" and "-" signs. The negative terminal will be marked with a "-" sign and is usually black, with a black plastic cap. It is crucial to disconnect the negative terminal first to minimise the risk of a short circuit.
• Wear protective gear: It is important to protect your hands with gloves when removing any battery terminals. Additionally, wear safety goggles and remove any metal jewellery to prevent accidental short circuits.
• Loosen the nut on the negative terminal: Using a wrench, loosen the nut or bolt on the negative terminal by turning it counterclockwise. There is no universal size for terminal hardware, so you may need to try different socket wrench sizes. Once loosened, remove the negative connector cable and push it aside, ensuring it does not come into contact with the battery.
• Disconnect the positive terminal: Repeat the same process for the positive terminal. Remove the plastic cap if present, then loosen the nut or bolt and disconnect the cable, pushing it away from the battery.
• Secure the cables: Ensure that the disconnected cables are secured and cannot accidentally come into contact with the battery.
• Remove the battery (if necessary): If you need to remove the battery for maintenance or replacement, it is typically held in place with a securing clamp that can be removed using a socket wrench. Car batteries are heavy, weighing between 30-50 pounds, so lift cautiously and avoid straining yourself.
• Perform maintenance or replacement: At this point, you can proceed with the maintenance or replacement of the fuel pressure regulator. Refer to other guides for specific instructions on removing the fuel pressure regulator.
• Reconnect the battery (if removed): To reconnect the battery, follow the disconnection steps in reverse order. First, reconnect the negative terminal, then the positive terminal. Tighten the terminals securely to ensure a good connection.

Remember, working with car batteries carries the risk of physical injury and electrical hazards. Always put your safety first and consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions related to your car model. If in doubt, seek professional assistance to avoid potential hazards or damage to your vehicle's electrical system.

Relieve system pressure

It is very important to relieve the fuel system pressure when working on the fuel pump, fuel injectors, lines, and other related components. This is because the system, especially on fuel-injected models, operates under high pressure, even when the engine is shut off.

Relieving Pressure with the Fuel Pressure Regulator

• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench to prevent sparks, which could ignite fuel and fuel vapors.
• Locate the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail, which is mounted along the top area of the engine. Make sure the regulator is vacuum operated.
• Remove the vacuum hose from the top of the fuel pressure regulator by hand.
• Connect a hand-operated vacuum pump to the top of the pressure regulator.
• Apply about 16 inches Hg of vacuum to the regulator to push the fuel in the lines back into the fuel tank.

Relieving Pressure with the Fuel Pump Connector

• Access the sending unit/fuel pump assembly on top of the fuel tank. Some vehicle models provide an access door to the fuel tank through the floor underneath the rear seat or under the trim in the trunk. For other models, you will need to raise the rear of your vehicle using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands to access the sending unit/pump assembly.
• If there is an access door above the tank, either remove the rear seat or the trim on the floor of the trunk. Remove the mounting screws on the fuel tank access door using a Phillips screwdriver or by pulling the butyl tape around the door.
• If the fuel pump is accessed from underneath, ensure the vehicle is secured on the jack stands before locating the fuel pump assembly.
• Unplug the fuel pump electrical connector on the sending unit/pump assembly.
• Start the engine and let it idle until it stalls. Then, turn off the ignition switch.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Relieving Pressure with the Fuel Pump Fuse and Relay

• Locate the fuel pump fuse under the dashboard or in the engine compartment, usually on the driver's side of the vehicle. It is usually marked for easy identification, and your owner's manual will specify its location.
• Remove the fuse with your hand or a pair of pliers, or remove the fuel pump relay by hand.
• Start the engine and let it idle until it stalls.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench.

Relieving Pressure with the Ford Inertia Switch

• Search for the inertia switch around the trunk, rear compartment, or under the dashboard. Many Ford models use this shut-off switch to cut off fuel to the system in case of an accident. Consult your owner's manual if necessary.
• Unplug the inertia switch's electrical connector.
• Start the engine and let it run until it stalls.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Relieving Pressure with the Test-Port Valve

• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Search for the Schrader valve on the fuel rail around the top of the engine if your vehicle is equipped with a fuel injection system. Some models use this valve for test purposes, and it resembles the air valve on a bicycle tire.
• Unscrew the valve cap if there is one.
• Wrap one or more shop rags around the port valve to catch the squirt of fuel that will come out as you depressurize the system.
• Push the valve in using a small screwdriver until fuel stops pouring through the valve.
• Replace the test-port valve cap.

Remove the air cleaner assembly

To remove the air cleaner assembly, you will first need to park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area, away from any open flames. This is because the fuel system releases highly flammable fumes. Next, you will need to relieve the system pressure.

If you have a Throttle Body Injection (TBI) model, the system pressure should drop a few seconds after turning off the engine. If you have a multiport fuel injection system, you can remove the fuel pump fuse or relay, start the engine, and let it idle until it stalls. For an electronic fuel injection system, cover the Schrader valve with a rag and carefully depress the valve with a screwdriver. Use the rag to catch any released fuel. Then, loosen the fuel filler cap to remove pressure from the gas tank.

Now, disconnect the negative (black) battery cable.

You are now ready to remove the air cleaner assembly from the throttle body injection unit to gain access to the fuel pressure regulator. After removing the air filter housing, you will see the fuel charging assembly, which includes the throttle body and fuel injector. Usually, the fuel injector mounts on top of the fuel pressure regulator.

Disconnect the vacuum line

Disconnecting the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator can affect the performance of your car. It can cause the engine to run lean, which means that the fuel-to-air ratio is too low and the engine is not getting enough fuel. This can lead to problems such as a rough idle, misfires, or running lean.

To disconnect the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator, follow these steps:

• Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface and secure the front tires with wheel chocks. Engage the parking brake to lock the rear tires from moving.
• (Optional) Install a nine-volt battery saver into your cigarette lighter to keep your computer live and maintain your vehicle's settings.
• Disconnect the battery by opening the vehicle's hood and taking the ground cable off the battery's negative post to disable the power going to the fuel pump. Remember to put on protective gloves before removing any battery terminals.
• Remove the engine cover and any brackets that may be in the way of the fuel pressure regulator. If your engine has an intake that overlaps the fuel pressure regulator, you will need to remove the intake before proceeding.
• Locate the schrader valve or test port on the fuel rail. Put on safety glasses and protective clothing, and place a small drip pan under the rail with a towel over the port.
• Use a small flat-tip screwdriver to open the valve by pushing on the schrader valve. This will release the pressure in the fuel rail. If there is no schrader valve or test port, you will need to remove the supply fuel hose to the fuel rail using a drip pan and a fuel hose quick-disconnect tool.
• Disconnect the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. You may need to rotate the EGR tube out of the way to access the vacuum line.
• Remove the mounting hardware from the fuel pressure regulator and take it off the fuel rail.
• Clean the fuel rail with a lint-free cloth and inspect the condition of the vacuum hose from the engine manifold to the fuel pressure regulator. Replace the vacuum hose if it is cracked or damaged.

It is important to note that disconnecting the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator should be done with caution as it can affect the performance and fuel pressure of your vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Remove the regulator

Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. This includes a combustible gas detector, a fuel hose quick disconnect kit, fuel-resistant gloves, a ratchet with metric and standard sockets, and a small flat-tip screwdriver.

Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface, and secure the front tires with wheel chocks. Engage the parking brake to lock the rear tires from moving. Disconnect the battery by taking the ground cable off the battery's negative post to disable the power going to the fuel pump. Remember to put on protective gloves before removing any battery terminals.

Now, remove the engine cover and any brackets that may be in the way of the fuel pressure regulator. If your engine has an intake that overlaps the fuel pressure regulator, you must remove the intake before proceeding.

Find the Schrader valve, or test port, on the fuel rail. Put on safety glasses and protective clothing. Place a small drip pan under the rail and cover the port with a towel. Use the small flat-tip screwdriver to open the valve by pushing on the Schrader valve. This will release the pressure in the fuel rail.

If there is no Schrader valve or test port, you will need to remove the supply fuel hose to the fuel rail. Place a drip pan under the fuel rail supply hose and use a fuel hose quick disconnect tool to release the pressure on the fuel rail.

Next, remove the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. Then, remove the mounting hardware and take the fuel pressure regulator off the fuel rail.

At this point, the regulator should be accessible and ready for replacement.

Frequently asked questions