The scan tool first energizes the fuel pump and then the injectors for a precise amount of time, allowing a measured amount of fuel into the manifold. This causes a drop in the fuel pressure that can be recorded and used to compare each injector.
The engine coolant temperature must be less than the operating temperature in order to avoid irregular fuel pressure readings due to Hot Soak fuel boiling.
The fuel pressure should be within the specified range with the fuel pump running. If the fuel pressure is not within the specified range, go to Fuel System Diagnosis .
Allow the fuel pressure to stabilize about 3 minutes. On a hot vehicle the fuel pressure may increase due to fuel expansion after the pump stops running. This is a normal condition but the fuel pressure should stabilize and hold. If the fuel pressure does not reach a steady value, go to Fuel System Diagnosis .
If the pressure drop value for each fuel injector is within 10 kPa (1.5 psi) of the average pressure drop value, the fuel injectors are flowing properly. Calculate the pressure drop value for each fuel injector by subtracting the second pressure reading from the first pressure reading.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
2 | Is the engine coolant temperature more than the specified value? | 94°C (201°F) | ||
Allow the engine to cool to less than the specified value. Is the action complete? | 94°C (201°F) | -- | ||
Caution: The fuel pump will operate for 2 seconds after you have turned off the ignition. Make sure that all the fuel pipes and fittings are securely fastened in order to prevent personal injury. Caution: Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure connection in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. The towel will absorb any fuel leakage that occurs during the connection of the fuel pressure gage. Place the towel in an approved container when the connection of the fuel pressure gage is complete.
Important: The fuel pump will run for approximately 2 seconds. Command the fuel pump ON as necessary in order to achieve the highest possible fuel pressure. Is the fuel pressure within the specified range? | 414-455 kPa (60-66 psi) | Go to Fuel System Diagnosis | ||
After the fuel pump stops, the fuel pressure may vary slightly, then should hold steady. Does the fuel pressure remain constant within the specified range? | 379-414 kPa (55-60 psi) | Go to Fuel System Diagnosis | ||
Caution: The fuel pump will operate for 2 seconds after you have turned off the ignition. Make sure that all the fuel pipes and fittings are securely fastened in order to prevent personal injury.
Does any fuel injector have a pressure drop value that is either higher or lower than the average pressure drop by the specified value? | 10 kPa (1.5 psi) | |||
7 |
Notice: Do not repeat any portion of this test before running the engine in order to prevent the engine from flooding. Re-test any fuel injector that does not meet the specification. Refer to the procedure in Step 6. Does any fuel injector still have a pressure drop value that is either higher or lower than the average pressure drop by the specified value? | 10 kPa (1.5 psi) | ||
8 | Replace any faulty fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Replacement . Is the replacement complete? | -- | System OK | -- |