How to Replace the Fuel Pressure Regulator on a 2002 Impala

The 2002 Chevy Impala base model was offered with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. The fuel pressure regulator for the 3.4-liter is located at the beginning of the fuel rail on the left side of the engine and can be removed without disassembly of any engine component. To replace the fuel pressure regulator it will be necessary to first relieve fuel system pressure.

Instructions

Removal

1

Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Locate the fuse box on the right side of the engine compartment, squeeze the lid tabs and remove the fuse box lid. Find the fuel pump relay, which is the relay in the rear passenger's side corner of the fuse box. Pull the fuel pump relay from the fuse box with a slight wiggling motion.

2

Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls. When the engine stalls, the fuel pressure has been relieved and it is now safe to work on the fuel system.

3

Locate the fuel pressure regulator at the beginning of the fuel rail where the fuel lines connect to the rail. Firmly grab the rubber boot for the vacuum line going to the top of the fuel pressure regulator and pull it off the fuel pressure regulator nipple.

4

Remove the fuel pressure regulator mounting screw with the torx screwdriver and set the screw aside. Lift and twist on the fuel pressure regulator gently to pull it from the fuel rail. Remove the retaining bracket that sits in the slot on the fuel rail and discard it.

5

Remove the fuel pressure regulator from the fuel return line by loosening the line nut with the line wrench. Remove the fuel pressure regulator from the engine bay and discard.

Installation

6

Install the fuel return line to the new fuel pressure regulator. Tighten the line nut to 13 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and crowfoot attachment.

7

Lubricate the pressure regulator O-ring with clean engine oil and install it onto the pressure regulator inlet. Place the new retainer bracket, which comes with the replacement regulator, over the slots on the fuel rail. Install the fuel pressure regulator into the end of the fuel rail.

8

Install the pressure regulator mounting screw and tighten to 76 inch-pounds with the torque wrench and torx socket. Install the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line onto the top of the fuel pressure regulator.

9

Visually inspect the pressure regulator retaining bracket to make sure it is seated properly in the fuel rail. Grab onto the pressure regulator and pull on it to make sure it is fully mounted in the fuel rail.

10

Replace the fuel pump relay and install the fuse box lid onto the fuse box. Turn the ignition key to the On position but do not start the engine. Leave the ignition on for two seconds and then turn it back to "Off" for 10 seconds. Turn the ignition key back on after 10 seconds and visually inspect the pressure regulator for any leaks at the fuel rail or fuel return pipe. Shut and latch the vehicle hood.