How to Check a Fuel Pressure Regulator on a Pontiac Grand Am
by Eric GrossoA fuel pressure regulator determines the correct amount of fuel to be delivered to the fuel rail. The fuel is then injected into the engine for combustion. When the fuel pressure regulator is clogged with debris or is damaged, it can limit the amount of fuel entering the fuel rail, causing hesitation within the engine and loss of performance. However, you can check or change the fuel pressure regulator yourself in less than one hour.
Step 1
Relieve the fuel system pressure. On V-6 and 2.2-liter models, remove the port cap on the end of the fuel rail. Place a rag at the end of the rail and press the small port with a small flat-head screwdriver to release the pressure. On 2.4-liter models, unplug the electrical connector to the fuel pump near the fuel tank, then try to start the engine for five seconds or until it stalls.
Step 2
Disconnect the fuel return line from the pressure regulator, located at the end of the fuel rail using a wrench.
Step 3
Pull the vacuum hose from the port on the pressure regulator.
Step 4
Unscrew the fasteners attaching the fuel pressure regulator to the fuel rail using a Torx screwdriver. Pull the regulator from the fuel rail.
Step 5
Inspect the inlet and outlet fittings for debris or cracked O-rings. If the fuel pressure regulator has been diagnosed as the problem, it should be replaced rather than checked and cleaned.
Step 6
Remove the old O-ring on the fuel pressure regulator with a small flat-head screwdriver if you are reusing the old regulator. Coat the new O-ring with motor oil and slide it onto the fitting on the regulator.
Step 7
Remove the old O-ring from the fuel return line with a small flat-head screwdriver. Coat the new O-ring and place it on the fitting at the end of the fuel return line.
Step 8
Attach the fuel return line to the fuel pressure regulator with a wrench.
Step 9
Insert the fuel pressure regulator into the end of the fuel rail and tighten the regulator fasteners with a Torx screwdriver.
Step 10
Attach the vacuum hose to the port on the fuel pressure regulator.
Step 11
Plug in the electrical connection for the fuel pump near the fuel tank on 2.4-liter models. On 2.2-liter and V-6 models, replace the cap on the end of the fuel rail.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual: Pontiac Grand Am 1999 thru 2004"; John H. Haynes and Jay Storer; 2005
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Small flat-head screwdriver
- Torx screwdriver set
- Fuel line O-rings
- Engine oil
Writer Bio
Eric Grosso has been a journalist since 2002, working as a staff reporter covering government events, school districts, sporting events and entertainment acts. He has been published in "The Vindicator" and "The Jambar" as well as websites including KFFL and Plugged In Online. Grosso holds a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications and journalism from Youngstown State University.
