Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement Cost Estimate

Many times the driver will notice the A/C button flashing when they attempt to turn on the air conditioner, but one of two other symptoms are always noted. If the clutch fails to release, or becomes seized, the compressor will turn at all times. This causes the air conditioner to run at all times, and can even lead to small ice particles blowing from the vents in the right environment. Eventually, the evaporator core is likely to become frozen, and the blower motor will not be able to pass air through the core and into the vents. If the compressor clutch fails to engage, the air conditioner will blow hot at all times, and pressure will equalize across the air conditioning system low side and high side service ports. Some vehicles may show a check engine light, or a service air conditioning warning lamp as well.

Replacement of the fuel pressure regulator will involve disconnecting the battery, discharging the fuel pressure from the fuel system, and removing the fuel pressure regulator from the fuel rail or fuel line, depending on the mounting location. Any mounting hardware will be removed, and the new unit will be installed on the vehicle. Note that the fuel pressure regulator will be secured to the vehicle before fuel lines are installed. This will prevent any damage that may be caused to the fuel lines or fittings by cross threading fittings or twisting the fuel lines. Once installed, the battery will be connected, the fuel system primed and checked for leaks, and the vehicle will be tested. If the OBD trouble codes do not reset during a drive cycle, diagnostics may continue, or the codes may be manually reset.

Since fuel pressure regulators are rated for the specific engine and fuel system that a vehicle is manufactured with, it is highly recommended to purchase an exact replacement by part number, and to contact the manufacturer for information concerning part revisions, updates, or improvements. This will ensure that the fuel pressure regulator supplies the appropriate amount of fuel, the correct fuel pressure, and is the latest and greatest version of the product.

While a fuel pressure regulator can cause the issues described in this article, it is extremely important to realize that there are several other fuel system components that can cause the exact same symptoms, most notably the fuel filter and fuel pump. Aside from these, a lean misfire can also be caused by a faulty EGR valve, a vacuum leak, or faulty fuel injectors, just to name a few. This being the case, diagnostics are a 'must' when dealing with a lean misfire, since replacing parts can become very costly, very quickly.

Considering the repair involves a volatile hydraulic system where that system reaches its highest temperatures, it is very likely that most people will feel uncomfortable with repairing the fuel pressure regulator without professional assistance. While that is likely for the best, an experienced DIY mechanic should not have an issue replacing the failed fuel pressure regulator, but identifying the failure in the fuel system may be difficult or impossible for most. If diagnosing the issue proves to be impossible at home, it is best to have it diagnosed instead of swapping parts.