hondamyheart

hi,

My accord recently started to sputter all the way. i have checked the ignition system all good. If i pinch the fuel return line it runs perfect. Is it the fuel pump weak or the injectors are bad?

GhostAccord

Could be your fuel pressure regulator (FPR). It is the saucer looking object with a vacuum hose attached. Found on top of the fuel rail, before the return line.

What happens if you unplug the vacuum line from the FPR?

Also check to see if there is any signs of gas in the FPR vacuum hose. That is a sign of a failed regulator.

If it isn't the FPR, when was the last time you changed the fuel filter?

I have yet to see a Honda fuel pump slowly fail or slowly loose flow rate. They usually ether work or they don't.

hondamyheart

I have unplugged the fpr vacuum hose the car runs the same and the idle bounces. The fuel filter was replaced 7 months ago. I forgot to mention that I have a rough idle too.

GhostAccord

OK well if the car runs the same with the FPR vacuum disconnected. I would replace it. The fuel pressure should increase and the engine should bog down a bit at idle with the FPR vacuum disconnected.

Bouncing idle is usually a product of unmetered air getting into the intake manifold. Ether by way of a vacuum leak, malfunctioning intake system component (IAC or FIT valve) or the idle air is out of adjustment.

Is your check engine light on?
Have you tried to read any stored codes from the ECU?

holmesnmanny

Turn off the car and immediately smell the fpr vacuum hose for fuel. It's likely to smell like fuel and it shouldn't.

hondamyheart

No cels. I'll clean the iac and check out the fitv today. I have an adjustable fpr but I need some kind of fittings to the fpr hole.

hondamyheart

I'll check it out. If it smells the fpr is bad?

GhostAccord

Yes!

But also remember that if there is no change in fuel pressure when you unhook the vacuum hose. It is also bad! Just because you can't smell fuel in the vacuum hose doesn't mean its working.

hondamyheart

If I unplug the tps sensor and remove the fpr vacuum hose the fuel pressure increase. Any thoughts?

hondamyheart

hooked up a fuel gauge it reads 28psi. Is it low?

GhostAccord

28 is good. Manual states that it should be between 29 - 35psi @ idle with the vacuum hose connected.

Check it when you disconnect the hose. The fuel pressure should rise to 35-41psi.

hondamyheart

34 psi.

SidewaysSkinny

Sometimes, the psi can be correct, but the flow rate is not good. Check the PSI while running the engine, and rev it up a few time. If the PSI drops, either the pump is bad, or there is a restriction in the lines.

hondamyheart

I checked the psi is good. whats next to check

SidewaysSkinny

What happens to the PSI when you pinch the return fuel line? It should go up. If the car runs better with the higher PSI, I would start looking at a sensor that has gone bad, maybe a temperature sensor (coolant, or air) or even the intake pressure sensor.

holmesnmanny

Your fuel pressure looks like it's in specs. It's at the bottom end of the spectrum but that won't cause any issues.

hondamyheart

The psi increases and the car runs perfect! I will start looking at the ECT cause last year i have hard start problem and solved it by cleaning the sensor.

The car is giving me hell. I will try fuel injector cleaner and see if its runs better.

DawnHonda

I have a 2005 Honda and the rpm’s stay at 2 when I take my foot off the gas. I have replace the ignition calls, spark plugs the vtec solenoid. Fuel pump. Air intake hose,reservoir ,new air filter. Valve cover gaskets. Clean the throttle body. Changed the upper O2 sensor and lower O2 sensor, got a new cat, and I am still getting a P0139 code and the car is driving like crap. I am a single mom and I have spent 2,800 dollars already. It feels like the car has too much air or not enough fuel getting to the motor. Please help me. It’s a four-cylinder and it’s the only car I have.

DawnHonda

I also had a smoke test done to make sure that there was a vacuum leak