Ford Expedition Xlt: Replacing Fuel Pressure Regulator

If you're experiencing issues with your 2000 Ford Expedition XLT, such as poor engine performance, a loss of power, or your car not turning on at all, you may need to replace the fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator controls the amount of fuel that enters the engine, and a faulty one can cause too much or too little fuel to enter the combustion chamber, leading to the issues mentioned above.

The fuel pressure regulator is located halfway back on the right side of the engine, and it is a round, chrome cylinder on the fuel rail. It is important to note that they rarely go bad, and you will need to remove the whole fuel rail to replace it.

The average cost for a Ford Expedition Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement is $252, and there are mobile mechanics that can perform this service for you. However, if you are mechanically inclined, you may be able to replace it yourself, but it is important to exercise caution when working with gasoline.

Symptoms of a failing fuel pressure regulator

A failing fuel pressure regulator can cause a range of issues with your car, and it's important to be able to recognise the symptoms so you can address the problem promptly. Here are some of the most common signs of a failing fuel pressure regulator:

• Engine Performance Problems: A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause a loss of fuel pressure, leading to hard-starting, rough running, stalling, and a lack of power. You may notice jerkiness, loss of power, and hesitation.
• Check Engine Light: The check engine light will often illuminate when there is an issue with the fuel pressure regulator. Your car's engine computer will detect issues that could lead to increased emissions and turn on the light.
• Dark/Black Smoke from the Exhaust: A faulty fuel pressure regulator can cause the engine to run rich, resulting in dark or black smoke coming from the tailpipe.
• Engine Not Starting: A failing fuel pressure regulator can cause issues with starting your car. It may crank but not start, or it may stall when idling.
• Fuel in the Regulator's Vacuum Line: If the diaphragm inside the regulator ruptures, fuel may be drawn into the vacuum line and the engine's intake manifold.
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: You may notice that your car is not going as far on a tank of fuel as it usually does.
• Engine Misfires: A bad fuel pressure regulator can interrupt the vehicle's fuel pressure, causing the engine to misfire.
• Fuel Leaks: If the regulator's diaphragm or seals fail, fuel leaks can occur, which are a safety hazard and can also lead to poor engine performance.
• Smell of Fuel: Leaking fuel can often be smelt, either as a noticeable fuel smell or as the smell of petrol from the oil dipstick when checking the engine oil.

Average cost of replacement

The average cost of replacing a fuel pressure regulator for a 2000 Ford Expedition XLT is $252. This price is offered by AutoNation Mobile Service, which provides mobile mechanics that come to you with all the necessary tools and parts.

AutoNation Mobile Service offers upfront and competitive pricing, and the replacement process usually takes a few hours. They also provide a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on their services.

It is important to note that the cost of replacement may vary depending on various factors, such as labor rates, the model and year of your Ford Expedition, and the fees charged by the service provider.

Location of the fuel pressure regulator

The fuel pressure regulator on a 2000 Ford Expedition XLT is located on the fuel rail, about halfway back on the right side of the engine. It is a round, chrome cylinder.

To replace the fuel pressure regulator, you will need to remove the entire fuel rail. This is because, while they rarely go bad, they can cause issues with the combustion chamber if they malfunction.

Symptoms of a faulty fuel pressure regulator include:

• Getting too much fuel in the combustion chamber
• Not getting enough fuel, which is more likely to be caused by the fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel injectors, or PCM

How to identify a leak in the vacuum line

To identify a leak in the vacuum line of a 2000 Ford Expedition XLT, there are several methods and tell-tale signs you can look out for.

One common symptom of a vacuum leak is that the check engine light comes on. This could be due to a number of issues, so it is not a definitive indicator of a vacuum leak, but it is a good place to start. If you have a smoke machine, you can use this to identify the source of the leak. Simply observe where the smoke is coming from, and you can identify the location of the leak.

You can also try using engine starter fluid, propane, or brake cleaner to identify the leak. Spray the suspected hoses and connections with the fluid or propane. If the engine speeds up, this indicates that the fluid is being sucked into the engine through the leak, causing the engine to speed up as the fluid mixes with the air that is being drawn into the engine. Be careful when using flammable liquids for this method.

Another method is to attach a vacuum cleaner to the exhaust pipe. Ensure a good, strong connection and no leaks around the pipe, then use smoke or water around the engine compartment to identify any potential vacuum leaks. Anywhere smoke or water is drawn into the engine is a possible vacuum leak.

Some other common areas for vacuum leaks to occur are the elbow over the PCV valve, the vacuum line over the battery, the EGR system, and the Fuel Tank vapour lines to the canister and back to the purge valve.

How to identify a bad fuel pressure regulator

A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause a range of issues with your 2000 Ford Expedition XLT. Here are some key ways to identify a faulty fuel pressure regulator:

Engine Performance Problems

A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause a loss of fuel pressure, leading to difficulties with engine performance. This may manifest as hard-starting, rough running, stalling, and a lack of power. These issues can be caused by insufficient fuel pressure or the engine receiving too much or too little fuel.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light may illuminate as a result of engine performance problems caused by a faulty regulator. The engine computer detects these issues and turns on the check engine light, storing a corresponding diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

Black Smoke from the Tailpipe

A faulty fuel pressure regulator can cause the engine to run rich, resulting in black smoke emissions from the tailpipe. This is due to an excess of fuel being burned by the engine.

Fuel in the Regulator's Vacuum Line

In the case of a ruptured diaphragm inside the regulator, fuel may be drawn into the vacuum line connecting the regulator to the engine vacuum.

Vehicle Cranks But Doesn't Start

A faulty fuel pressure regulator can prevent the engine from receiving adequate fuel pressure, resulting in a vehicle that cranks but refuses to start.

It's important to note that fuel pressure regulators rarely go bad, and other issues such as a weak fuel pump, clogged fuel lines, or a clogged fuel filter may be the culprit. Additionally, most newer vehicles, including some 2000 Ford Expedition XLT models, have a returnless fuel system that does not include an external fuel pressure regulator. Instead, they use a control module to manage fuel pump speed and maintain the desired fuel pressure.

Frequently asked questions