GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0087: Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) Too Low

DTC P0088: Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) Too High

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

FRP Sensor 5-Volt Reference

P0117, P0522, P0652, P0700

P0087, P0191, P0192, P0700

P0193

P0533, P0653

--

FRP Sensor Signal

P0192

P0191

P0193

P0193

--

Fuel Pressure Regulator Solenoid Supply Voltage

P0088, P0090

P0088

P0090

P0087, P0191, P2510

--

Fuel Pressure Regulator Solenoid Control

P0088, P0090

P0088

P0090

P0090

--

Circuit/System Description

The fuel injection pump supplies high pressure fuel to the fuel injection rails, and then to the fuel injectors through high pressure pipes. The fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor is a three wire sensor mounted in the right fuel injection rail. The FRP sensor uses a 5-volt reference circuit , a signal circuit, and a low reference circuit to monitor fuel rail pressure. This information is sent to the engine control module (ECM) to assist in the fueling of the engine.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0087

    • DTCs P0090, P0192, P0193 are not set.
    • The engine is running.

P0088

    • DTCs P0087, P0192, P0193 are not set.
    • The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0087

    • The actual FRP is more than 15 MPa (2,176 psi) below the desired FRP.
        OR
    • The actual FRP is less than 22.5 MPa (3,263 psi).

P0088

    • The actual FRP is more than 20 MPa (2,900 psi) above the desired FRP.
        OR
    • The actual FRP is more than 189 MPa (27,412 psi)

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0087 and P0088 are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0087 and P0088 are Type A DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

P0087

    • Gasoline contamination of the fuel may cause this DTC to set. Refer to Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    •  When ambient temperatures are below 0°C (32°F), the fuel tank pickup screen may be iced over from water in the fuel tank.
    • When power enhancing devices have been attached to the fuel rail pressure sensor circuits, this DTC may set and adversely effect the fuel system components.
    • If the fuel pressure valve is not torqued correctly, the valve will leak fuel into the fuel return system causing this DTC to set. The fuel pressure relief valve uses a bite type seal, and proper torque is essential for valve to rail sealing. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    • A sticking FRP regulator may cause this DTC to set.
    • High fuel injector return flow may cause this DTC to set.
    • The addition of fuel system enhancements, such as auxiliary fuel tanks or add on fuel filters may relate to driveability complaints.

P0088

    • Driveability concerns may not occur with this DTC present.
    • If the fuel system pressure is actually too high, a fuel knock and smoke condition will exist.
    • A sticking FRP regulator may cause this DTC to set.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Special Tools Required

J 44638 Vacuum Gage

Circuit/System Verification

With engine running, observe the Actual Fuel Rail Pressure parameter with a scan tool. A normal reading would be approximately 40 MPa (5,802 psi) with the engine cold, and 30 MPa (4,351 psi) at operating temperature. Inspect the fuel supply lines for damage between the fuel tank and the fuel injection pump.

Circuit/System Testing

P0087

  1. If DTC P0090, P0168 or P0191 is also set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  2. Ignition ON for 90 seconds, verify the scan tool FRP Regulator Command parameter is less than 20 percent.
  3. If greater than the specified range, replace the ECM.
  4. Attempt to start the engine.
  5. If the engine does not start, refer to Engine Cranks But Does Not Run .
  6. Install the J 44638 to the fuel rail service port and slowly increase the engine speed until reaching wide open throttle (WOT). Vacuum should be less than 5 inches Hg of vacuum.
  7. If more than 5 inches Hg of vacuum was present during engine speed increase, replace the fuel filter and inspect for fuel system restrictions. Refer to Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    If no restriction were found, test for high fuel return flow. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis - High Pressure Side
  8. With the engine idling or at an idle, command the fuel pressure control to 180 MPa (23,206 psi) with a scan tool. Observe the Actual Fuel Rail Pressure parameter. The actual fuel pressure should be the same as the commanded pressure.
  9. If the Actual Fuel Rail Pressure is less than 145 MPa (21,030 psi), inspect the inlet connection of the left fuel injection rail for debris, and replace the fuel injection pump if debris was found. Clean the fuel system of all debris.
    If debris was not found and the Actual Fuel Rail Pressure is less than 145 MPa (21,030 psi), refer to Fuel System Diagnosis - High Pressure Side .

    Important: If the fuel temperature is near 121°C (250°F) during the duplication of the complaint, or in the Failure Records for this DTC, inspect for a restriction in the fuel cooler air flow or the fuel heater always ON. Refer to Fuel Heater Always On .

  10. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for which the customer complaint occurs while observing the J 44638 . You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
  11. If the vacuum was more than 12 inches Hg of vacuum at any time in the operating range, inspect for kinked or restricted fuel supply lines.
  12. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for which the customer complaint occurred. Observe the Actual fuel Rail Pressure and Desired Fuel rail Pressure parameters with a scan tool. Fuel pressures should be the same for both parameters.
  13. If the Actual Fuel Rail Pressure is less than the Desired Fuel Rail Pressure, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis - High Pressure Side .
    If fuel system tests normal, refer to Diagnostic Aids.

P0088

  1. Start the engine and operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
  2. Observe the Actual Fuel Pressure parameter with a scan tool. The actual pressure should be 30 MPa (4,352 psi) with the engine idling at operating temperature.
  3. Command the fuel pressure with a scan tool, incrementing through the entire fuel pressure range. The fuel pressure should increment and stabilize through the entire fuel pressure range with actual and desired fuel pressure within 2 MPa (290 psi) of each other.
  4. If the pressure difference between the actual and desired pressure are more than 2 MPa (290 psi), test the solenoid supply voltage circuit and the solenoid control circuit for high resistance or a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the FRP regulator.
    If the pressure difference between the actual and desired pressure is less than 2 MPa (290 psi), refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement