How To Check Fuel Pressure -EricTheCarGuy

Here's another one from the 'basics' series. Many times when confronted with a no start or performance problem you need to check fuel pressure. This is a helpful guide on how to go about that process. Many times a fuel pressure gauge can be rented from your local auto parts store or tool rental outlet. If you went to purchase a gauge they vary in price greatly. The biggest concern is the adapters used to tie into the different fuel systems you'll encounter. Outside of that the simple tests shown in this video can help walk you through how to check and interpret fuel pressure readings.
Camera: Brian Kast
Tools.
OTC Fuel Injection Service Kit OTC6550PRO $484.53
Link to tool: www.jbtoolsales.com/otc-6550pr...
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@davidm3210]

As I learned from ETCG in a previous video, look around your injectors for clean, shiny spots. Gas is a solvent, so a leaky injector would cause them. The only video I've found where the guy just didn't happen to have a Schrader valve. This cat's the best of the best.

[@flightofthefatman]

"Dear 🎅, Please please may I have a car with a Shraeder valve on its fuel rail and I promise I will be good."

[@chadstevens6619]

T7to0t6666767r465rutt849

[@blakeallen4050]

Exactly.. bullshit that Jesus Chrysler products don’t have a shader valve. Friggin junk.!

[@mosthagen815]

It sucks to find out through these comments that some vehicles don't have them...

[@MustangBoss1973]

How difficult can they make it

[@JordonPatrickMears11211988]

You could just install one yourself...

[@sinegra30]

Thank you for your videos! Allow me to add that your #11 adapter push button also works to measure fuel Flow according to OEM specs, the way it works is that your fuel pump (while is pumping with the vehicle on) should be able to retain a specific fuel pressure while is being drained, and it should fill a specific amount of fuel In a Marked container within a specific amount of time

[@chickenfrog223]

Thank you Eric! I have been trying to find the fuel pressure spec for my Hyundai Sonata and you just happened to turn to the page I need and I now know my fuel pressure should be @ 39psi. Thank you very much. Long time subscriber for a reason (on my account as this is my partners).

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Nice 👍🏼 ! Great concise , clear descriptions , and absolutely complete A-Z details . One of the best lessons I’ve come across !! Thanks mate 👊🏼 !

[@lawrencepellegrini2687]

Thanks for some great pointers, I have an S Type Jaguar that's refusing to start. Went from occasional stall or uneven idle, progressively worse. So, I've now got some ideas to isolate the cause, thanks so much.

[@tedtolentino4955]

Eric, thanks for this video. I have been stumped as to how to measure the fuel pressure on my 2002 VW Passat v6 without a port on the fuel line to do the measurement. But, you pointed out something that I had not considered and that is what to do if a leak is suspected anywhere along the fuel supply line. Thanks, again, for this tutorial.

[@anthonyperez5506]

Came here for help and at 3:55 your "wrong" page helped me work on my Ford Focus!

[@dimitardjongov6263]

With this video you have definitely pointed me in the right direction to resolve a problem I am having with my car. Thank you for that.

[@johncooper7242]

Thank you Eric an excellent guide, clear precise and detailed taken at an easy pace to follow. subscribed

[@usmale47374]

Great video, Eric. Very useful for the DIYer.

[@Apacheoilcompany]

Really great advice from a professional. Now that's how a tutorial video should be!

[@JesseFK]

8:40 "Try to keep everything away from the spinny stuff on the front of the engine." -Eric The Car Guy Great words of wisdom. :) Love your videos Eric. Keep it up.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

LOL, great safety advice with a kick of humor. Some of the best humor is unintended.

[@aurorablusky]

Eric, your videos are pretty cool- thanks for the thoroughness!

[@maxsmoviechannel2025]

Very helpful video, thanks Eric! I use your videos to reinforce what I learn and see in school

[@sortemout6]

That was the best explanation 'How to do the job properly' I've seen to date... Thanks V Much

[@johnathanreigard512]

Wow great kit Eric ! I just got the basic Pittsburgh kit that luckily still works

[@GoogleAccount-cj6gy]

Thank you so much for providing a very useful and well explained video!

[@odettamcnabb4151]

great video. i'm going to give it a try tomorrow....1995 buick lesabre 3800 v6 engine intermittent stall under acceleration problem...replaced TPS, plugs, air and fuel filters,oil and trany service with filters, pcv valve,gas cap, ect....nightmare!

[@eli310]

b safe have fun nd stay dirty thanks eric for all the the videos u post up nd the lil comments on what to check when ur on the job ur helping high number of people out here just of youtube again thanks for all the advise you have giving us ur knowledge in this field of work GOD bless you and stay strong keep ur head up

[@RickHebrews12]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Very helpful.

[@timocallaghan4408]

good thing the pressure spec I needed was on the same page you opened!

[@caffeinepowered3957]

8 years later, you may have just solved the long start issue that started happening a couple weeks ago, going to do a fuel pressure leak-down test to see if that's where the issue is. Huge thanks to you, Eric!

[@drummerTBM]

What kinda car did you fix that on?

[@tj5743]

I'm new to the channel and I really like your videos. I like how you explain everything you are doing. I would like to see you do a video on how to check transmission pressure.

[@ericthecarguy]

An important diagnostic procedure for todays video. How To Check Fuel Pressure -EricTheCarGuy

[@lianeheinrich9166]

You Jesse, are a very special human being. The bless you and keep you always.

[@rafaelnieves72]

thanks for the info.I was having a issue with my ford explorer after going over 60 mph the car will start bucking. It was suggested to check for fuel pressure..

[@jmcenterprises9591]

one of your best vids, great info, thanks so much Eric

[@AntDaddy1977]

Can a check valve leak part of the time then stop leaking, I'm having confusing readings on a cavalier 2.2 ohv. Its not flooding so I don't think its a injector issue and I replaced the regulator but it is acting like its starving for fuel for second under heavy throttle like I'm pumping the gas pedal ?

[@KlausAtronus]

Anthony Tucker

[@rockofalethia9387]

Love your vids Eric. I must be wrong but I understood that fuel pressure thing is on the return side and lets fuel go back to the tank. I understood it was a "by pass" regulator" that open at the set pressure and bleeds off anything above that. Either way, looking at the pressure in the manifold is the right thing to do.

[@HLL9176]

Great video. Thanks for the info!

[@AmyAndrewAdventures]

Nice camera work! And of course the info is great too!

[@ORGANISM44]

Thank you! Needed this!

[@davidkelly7754]

Very good as usual. Well done Eric

[@alejandrob10]

Yea that work light on the hood looks awesome u should do a review on it

[@thevendetta6891]

Great video brother. Very informative

[@MrSlowestD16]

That's a neat kit, very cool. I usually just tap into a banjo bolt near the fuel filter or on the rail or something, whichever is easiest, either bolt at the end or the banjo bolts for the crossover looked like juicy targets for that. That kit makes things much easier, though, that clip is very cool.

[@stevestokes4206]

By the way I love your videos great information and I really appreciate it

[@themechanic6117]

Another great video. That set is very nice! I'd like to have one

[@aman.aman.7991]

Excellent video

[@fred5149]

No corny intro video ? Love your channel straight to the point..thank you for your knowledge

[@carslover3509]

great video thank you eric

[@eldominicano217]

hey eric you should make a video on power locks....possibly changing an actuator or something like that

[@Jmarsfan28]

Thanks for the upload Eric. As usual they are informative

[@spiky0eng]

great video and nice kit. can you please find me the pressure values for hummer h3 2007. I've searched for that like tens of hours but couldn't find that value on the web.

[@joaquinaguirre2976]

Thank you man, good clear videeo and well explained.

[@Srchief28]

Great stuff like always.

[@gonzgarr1592]

great video with lots of info thnks

[@autophil2312]

i learn a lot to your vlog mr. Eric very interesting

[@RichardNash100]

be great if you could do another video for direct fuel injection engines fuel pressure testing and especially checking change in pressure at idle to open throttle - and checking inlet manifold pressures

[@marshallhopper4709]

My car won't start but still going too turn it over a few times and see what I get. What would a good pressure be ? Great video erick thanks !

[@853rudedogs2]

Great video. A question- can low fuel pressure cause engine pinging ?

[@Gtrudeboy1]

Great demonstration

[@rivalrepairs]

Great vid very well expained

[@EdmondCharrette]

Nice video. Nice gauges too. Do they come with the right fittings to check my Honda accord's fuel pressure?

[@BROTHAWARRIOR]

Eric--I've had an engine vibration in an 06 Civic with no check engine light. Replaced maf sensor, and it's gotten better. However at idle, when the wheel is turned idle goes up or down a little, and engine audibly vibrates...

[@onlyme8870]

I watched to see if I needed an air compressor like i needed to test my ac for a leak. I bought the kit and didnt know I needed one and at the time didnt have the ability to buy one. Just happen to be ina similar circumstance so just a kit will do. Thanks for keeping the vid up. Im dealing with an intermittent crank no start sometimes holding the pedal down it will start. 02 JunKhrysler Town and Country 3.3l

[@charlirandom2494]

Great video a lot of information. I just have a question: on my car 89 trans am 350 5.7 I turn the key to the start position then the pressure is 50psi but then it goes back to 0psi in a matter of seconds and when it's running the pressure is ~ 40psi then I turn off the engine it goes back to 0psi in a matter of seconds, what can I do to keep the pressure?

[@oudude27]

Good morning Eric

[@train4905]

Superb sir thanku.most helpfull.steve from the uk.

[@evgenyk5354]

Thanks for the video.

[@user-kf6sy5xw8o]

hi!thank you very much fir this video, it was very helpfull.Can you please tell me the fuel pressure rating for my mitsubishi carisma 98'?And thank you again for all your videos!

[@Jacob-ft3oz]

Always 5 star videos.

[@gertis7420]

Hi Eric, great video as always. I have a 2000 ford focus sohc. My fuel pressure fluctuates according to my gauge. Car idles rough ans stalls. Is the fuel pressure sensor on these cars is also a fuel pressure regulator? Some people says that fuel pressure on these cars is controlled by the pcm. Please help.

[@gcfcos]

That's a great set

[@mikescantlin5912]

I’m so fucking glad you work on that 4.7 Runner so much. You’ve saved my life quite a few times. Thanks dude. For real.

[@christiantrezelle793]

when the ignition is in the on position, is fuel expected to exit the fuel pressure regulator ? I would expect it to be closed since there is no vacume

[@tapiwamagweta3114]

What operates the fuel pressure regulator at full throttle when there is no vacuum in the intake manifold

[@Reynaldo0617]

Very cool video.

[@spelunkerd]

It's great to see you get your hands dirty, Eric! I'm surprised you can't get real time fuel pressure data from the PCM, as a quick check.

[@mrfixpl]

Problems might be cause by faulty pressure sensor.

[@aurorablusky]

Out of curiosity, how would you isolate one injector bank from the other? Tie in on one side the pinch the other while getting the fuel pump to prime (i.e. Not running the engine)?

[@runningmole]

Thanks! My 1uz is the older yet smaller brother to this

[@malshami20]

Thank you for the video. My car is GMC Yukon 2016 with stuck fuel gauge at full. I took it to the dealer and they checked the fuel pump "for some reason" and it was OK. I needed the car to travel so I had them put the car together and I took it. The gauge still stuck and the car running great. What is my issue ?? Is it the instrument panel ?? Knowing that they asked me to come back but I am not planning to. I may go to a different dealer.

[@eugeneotto3746]

Eric I have a 2004 Toyota Camry 3.0 liter. No exceleration in gear or in park. Check engine lite on with P 2241 and P 2238 all fusses are good. What you think is the problem. I’m about to do a fuel pressure test.

[@kentdavies1988]

On my old 87 IROC, it was protocol to measure fuel pressure ONLY with the adjustable fuel pressure regulator disconnected from the vacuum line. One of the upgrades for a TPI engine was to install the adjustable regulator to boost the pressure. But the pressure must be measured at WOT (vacuum line disconnected). Does that book tell you to check fuel pressure with the vacuum line disconnected or not?

[@grijalvajuan]

I like to see your videos thanks for help in in auto repair. I have a navigator 98 and windshield washer fluid comes on the read glass an on the front, does not what can I do

[@jamesmcknight4146]

+EricTheCarGuy great vid.. I have a dilemma- I have a 1997 Cougar Xr7 with 89k miles, V8, 4.6L, it blew a P1151 code (HO21) sense lean condition. The car idles in neutral at 700rpm but when I kick it out of gear and come to a stop sign, it idles at 500 in gear. All of my O2 sensors were replaced months ago. Well, the engine code disappeared a day later, but I did the fuel pressure check as you suggested. With key in ACC mode, my pressure was 30psi and stayed. The PSI per repair manual says it should be 40psi. So, I started the car, it remained the same at 30psi,..I reved it up and stayed at 30psi....until I unplugged the FPR. When I did that, psi went to 40psi as it should be. Although the PSI increased and stayed,..is it safe to assume that even though it increased, would the FPR still could be Faulty? Btw, the fuel filter was replaced 1k miles ago

[@daveyio87]

can you do a tool review on your hood light?!

[@Andnizzle]

How about checking the flow rate of the fuel? With that nice tool you had hooked up it would be easy, right?

[@larrymoore5264]

What should the gague do if you have a fuel pump that might be clogged? 2013 chevy Traverse is sputtering on the highway and going up hills. No check engine light is on. Thanks if you can help would appreciate it very much

[@Neighbor512]

hey Eric quick question.... if you lose pressure when pressing the gas does that mean bad fuel pump? or regulator

[@rebrak25]

Eric, I have Silverado with the 6.0 that is throwing a P0300 code. I've rented a fuel pressure gauge. Do I monitor the pressure when the pump is priming or after? As soon as pump is "off" and key still on it drops immediately from 58 to 52. Which one should i verify correct pressure?

[@spelunkerd]

Hey, can you tell us about the light you have hanging from the inside of engine hood (15:45)? Looks like a device I'd like to have....

[@joshsmith210]

I have a 1998 Ford F150 4.2 v6..finding the test port was a pain in the SSS but going thru the same tests for a no start..142000 miles on a new england truck { that isnt rotted out }

[@ruben85374]

Question. Can you have a zero at the gauge with no start. I tried several times but yes crank no start and no movement at the gauge at all. I would think there should be some pressure

[@samee0001]

hello, where can i purchase that data book you used to check values ?

[@magantlanebadimo7216]

❤❤❤ thanks with such information

[@SWTWHITEGSR]

Hey Eric long time subscriber had a question so on a 2013 Nissan Versa Sv any tips on how to do procedure on that car? Also if you don’t mind would your book have the appropriate psi for that car. Thanks

[@greensblaizer]

Hello Eric. I can't seem to find the pressure test valve on my 04 jeep grand cherokee. I need to release the pressure to change out my fuel filter. I've looked at many videos and images and my fuel rail doesn't seem to have the pressure valve. Can you help?

[@FroztiProductions]

Car starts fine in the morning but if i drive it for a while it hard cranks and I have poor acceleration, sometimes idles a little low when problem occurs... could this be fuel pump? I've replaced a ton of stuff so I'll list them if you want.

[@jrgarcia8214]

hi Eric I have a question ,my skunk2 fuel rail has a little crack on the end on the opposite side of the fuel hose connection to the rail . could I use sum JB weld for temporary til I'm able to get a new rail..

[@olenaerhardt7725]

@8:40 A hook for caliper is very helpful to hang the gauge on the hood loop. @11:10 During cleaning all the fuel system on 2001 Saturn SL2 I installed a new Fuel Filter fm Amazon (PTC PGF846 Fuel Filter). The filter has internal fuel pressure regulator. After ~ 1 month the car gave a code P0401, which keeps coming, and occasionally it is accompanied w/P0300, P0301, and what is important here P0172. I checked the fuel pressure. Specifications on that car: 40 - 55 psi. Pressure decay less that 8 psi in 5 min. The result is: 8:02pm 53 psi I switched off the engine 8:08pm 36 psi So the pressure decay was 17 psi in 5 min. But that is if to measure from the value on the gauge (which was 53 psi). But if to compare w/specified limits, maybe I need to compare with 40 psi, which is the lower limit in specifications. Then the decay will be in allowed values nothing wrong w/the filter. Haynes says: If the hold pressure is less then specified, but in this film, when that decay was measured you said the pressure should hold, and doesn't deviate from the reading on the gauge. And (@11:20) the pressure hold after the engine shut off on the value, which was on the gauge during the engine running. My question is: Do we measure a decay from the current value on the gauge, or from the lower pressure limit in specs? I measured the pressure before w/old filter, and it was holding pressure, I think the current (measured w/running engine), but I'm not sure. I would appreciate any opinions on this matter. The film was very helpful in my research for the question above, though it weakens my hope that the results of the decay were good. I want to add some related comments on the PTC PGF846 Fuel Filter fm/Amazon This filter caused my car to trip a p0172 code making the car run too rich due to an inconsistent fuel pressure regulator I wouldn't recommend running this one on your Saturn pay a little more and get the wix. Filter has a build in regulator which was faulty. Recommend OEM or Wix fuel filter.

[@therealnokia]

Hey Eric, this is a long shot, but what does it mean if the pressure rises 10 PSI when vacuum is removed from the FPR, but doesn't drop back down once vacuum is reconnected to the FPR? I'm having rough idle on cold start and poor fuel mileage. PSI drop is only 4 PSI over 20 minutes, which is well within spec. Appreciate any feedback, and thanks for the great videos.

[@themrrd12345]

What would be a cause of fuel pressure dropping rapidly after turning the engine off? 3.8l v6 mustang. I suspect the fuel pressure regulator.

[@thomasanderson5181]

Where did you buy your fuel pressure gauge set from? Mine sucks and i saw yours now i want it lol.

[@dbage9024]

question whats the psi for a 2000 buick lesabre 3.8L for some reason, periodocally my car won't start, until i spray carb cleaner in intake. But once it starts it wont hestitate or stall when driving. Could that be a bad fuel filter?

[@marylamb6063]

Can't find mine (Cadillac Deville 2001). I've look at the rails.

[@stevestokes4206]

At marker .520 in your video you see a green little screw knob what is that for? If you could answer I'd appreciate it cuz I have one on my 2001 Honda Civic LX Coupe

[@olenaerhardt7725]

In Haynes Manual it says, before you remove a cap from the fuel pressure port, disconnect the negative, attach the Gauge and then connect the negative. I didn't see in any film that someone would perform this step. Is it some kind of extra precaution? What can happen when you attach the gauge to the test port. I think this is a general question, but for any chance my car is 2001 Saturn SL2 (has a Standard Schader valve port). Thank you for this film.

[@SoundOfYourDestiny]

What's typical pressure at the fuel rail? I just used a bike-tire pressure gauge on a Mini and got 60 PSI.

[@trainguy1218]

How critical is it to insure every bit of air is completely out of the gauges line for accurate readings? I have a 98 Mercury grand marquis that has a very conveniently handy & located vertical schrader valve on the drivers side fuel rail, but when the gauge is attached on it, there's a fair good chance air can be trapped. DL

[@davidljohnson8514]

What is the name of the fuel kit you used in this video

[@fierymario3]

Nice video Eric. Is there going to be more videos on the 4Runner later on in the future?

[@dailylife6432]

Eric I have a couple of test kits neither have that many connecters. what brand is your test kit and where who carries them.