6 signs of bad fuel pressure regulator

While you’re on the road accompanied by your loved ones, traveling to the beautiful destination and suddenly your car breaks or stops. You might be scratching your head due to the infinite possibilities of your car breaking down. However, one of the major ones could be a bad fuel pressure regulator.

Many people are aware of handling a flat tire, a dead battery, or an empty tank, but fixing a bad fuel pressure regulator might become a hard task for you.

Instead of taking your vehicle to a professional in the search of the problem, try to understand those on your own. In this article, we will discuss what a fuel pressure regulator is, how it works, and what are the signs of  bad fuel pressure regulator.

What is a fuel pressure regulator?

Your car would not be moving, if a fuel pressure regulator is not installed properly. A fuel pressure regulator is attached to the fuel system of your vehicle. The name indicates the role of it which is to supply the fuel throughout the system.

Every model car has a separate fuel pressure regulator. For example, a typical vehicle from Volkswagen would have a small fuel system when compared to a luxury SUV. However, both pressure regulators play the same role.

How does a fuel pressure regulator work?

The majority of the sensors and other units are directly attached to the engine control unit. On the other hand, a fuel pressure regulator has no relation to it. The main duty of this component is to transfer the fuel to the combustion chamber in the exact quantity.

The entire process starts from the fuel tank of the car. When you start the engine, the fuel is transferred to the fuel filter. Once, the fuel gets filtered, it is shifted to the injector pump. The fuel injector pump helps to deliver fuel to the combustion chamber at regular intervals.

The injector pump makes sure that no excess fuel is transported to the combustion chamber, otherwise, there are higher chances of your car breaking down.

What are the signs of  bad fuel pressure regulator?

Whenever your car would be having a faulty fuel pressure regulator, it would give the driver certain signs or indications, which will alert him/her.

This is the list of 6 symptoms of a bad fuel pressure regulator. If these signs are overlooked, potentially the performance of the car would be affected as well.

Black smoke

Once the engine starts burning the fuel excessively, so the car would produce black smoke. This air would be released from the exhaust pipe of the vehicle.

Well, your car might be another reason for global warming. In this situation, there are higher chances that you have a faulty fuel regulator and it needs to be checked.

Rusted or black spark plugs

Another major indicator is when the spark plugs of your car start turning black. This happens when the air and fuel are mixed unnecessarily.

Instead of waiting for your engine to be demolished, it is a clear indication to get your engine checked.

Decreasing fuel mileage

Sometimes, you might feel that the acceleration power of your car is below average. This is somehow related to fuel mileage.

This happens when the fuel/air mixes in an inappropriate amount. Moreover, when you see that the mileage of your car is decreasing with every passing day, it is better to take your car to the workshop. As by waiting, other issues can arise too.

Engine taking time to start

The most simple and open indication of a bad fuel pressure regulator. As the fuel regulator is responsible for transmitting the correct amount of fuel for the starting of the engine. As the fuel is not reaching its mark, the engine is not starting.

Fuel pump noise

Yes, there is a certain noise created by the fuel pump. However, it should not be annoying. If your car’s fuel pump is creating noises, other than the usual ones, it is a sign that the fuel pressure regulator needs to be checked.

The best way to find out is by accelerating your car on the highways, or by towing another vehicle.

Fuel in the vacuum hose

This element of the car is directly connected to the fuel pressure regulator. The only way to figure out is by switching off your vehicle, and check whether the fuel pressure regulator is leaking or not.

Moreover, on several occasions, you might notice that the fuel is leaking from the exhaust pipe. This is also an indication that the car’s fuel regulator is not working properly.

Conclusion

A fuel pressure regulator is easily accessible. Instead of wasting time, you can check this component of your vehicle whenever you feel these indications.

While replacing this, you don’t need any major mechanical knowledge. However, if you don’t want to take any chances with your car, you can surely contact a professional for this work.