Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator

The fuel pressure regulator of your car plays a critical role in enabling its engine to function optimally. It controls the pressure of the fuel that is supplied to the injectors and the engine. If this critical part goes bad or fails completely, it leads to poor performance of the engine. Let's take a look at some of the common symptoms that a bad fuel pressure regulator can develop.

Damaged spark plug

The spark plugs look dirty or damaged. First, remove one spark plug and inspect its condition, especially the tip. If it is blackened or sooty, it is a symptom of faulty fuel pressure regulator. If you find one spark plug in a bad condition, make sure to check rest of them.

Emission of black smoke

One of the common symptoms is black smoke coming out of the tail pipe (exhaust pipe). When the vehicle starts, the normal color of smoke should either be white or gray, and if the color is black, it is problematic. A faulty fuel pressure regulator either sends inadequate or excess amount of fuel to the engine. Emission of black smoke is because the filter is faulty and is sending an inadequate amount of fuel to the engine for combustion. An inappropriate air-fuel mixture results in toxic carbon emissions that are black in color.

Decrease in mileage

If there is a noticeable drop in the mileage of the vehicle, it can be due to a bad fuel pressure regulator. A bad one may pump in more than required amount of fuel, which results in wastage and decreases the mileage. For optimum mileage, it is sensible to check at regular intervals.

Engine stops

At times, the engine stops operating while the vehicle is idle or you are driving. The engine sputters or stumbles as you accelerate. This is an indication that the fuel pressure regulator is not in a good condition. Check and get it replaced periodically as advised by the manufacturer.

Odor of smell

This is yet another common symptom. If you smell fuel in the oil system, use a dipstick to check and confirm the smell. If you find the dipstick smelling, it is a sign of faulty fuel pressure regulator.

Dripping at tail pipe

You might notice fuel dripping from the tail pipe or dryness at the tip of the tail pipe. It could be due to a bad fuel pressure regulator. This will let excess fuel go into the lines, and as a result drip from the tail pipe.

Airtexproducts.com is the leading aftermarket supplier of mechanical and electric fuel pumps and modular reservoir assemblies (MRA). For over 50 years, Airtex electric fuel pumps have been the benchmark fuel delivery components for leading companies in the automotive aftermarket. If you are searching either for electric fuel pump or mechanical fuel pump, visit our site.