How to Check the Fuel Pressure on a 2002 Ford Taurus

The electronic fuel injection system on the 2002 Ford Taurus relies on constant fuel pressure to provide fuel injectors with ample gasoline for optimal engine performance. Faulty fuel pressure can lead to hard and no-start situations, poor idle and stalling. If your 2002 Ford Taurus experiences any of these troubles, you may have a fuel pressure issue. The first step in the diagnosis is to check fuel pressure. With the engine off, fuel pressure should land between 15 and 20 pounds per square inch. With the engine running, the pressure should fall between 40 and 55 psi.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Taurus and raise the hood to expose the engine. Put safety glasses on to protect your eyes from any gasoline that might spray out during the test.

2

Find the fuel-pressure relief valve in the fuel rail. The fuel rail is a set of silver tubes that runs down each side of the intake manifold, feeding fuel to the injectors. At the end of the rail is a removable cap that resembles an over-sized tire-valve stem cap.

3

Remove the fuel-pressure relief valve cap and set it aside. Place a rag below the relief vale to catch any gasoline that escapes.

4

Tighten the hose from the fuel pressure gauge onto the fuel-pressure relief valve. Check the fuel pressure reading on the gauge. If it's zero, there is a problem with the fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator.

5

Lay the gauge onto the windshield, by passing it under the hood, and then tape it to the windshield with packing tape so you can see the gauge from the driver's seat.

6

Start the engine and read the fuel gauge at idle. Rev the engine to 2,000 rpm and read the fuel gauge, which should display a rise in fuel pressure. Take your foot off the accelerator and let the engine return to idle speed and note where the gauge lands.

7

Shut the Taurus off. Remove the pressure gauge from the windshield. Unscrew the pressure gauge connector from the fuel rail and reinstall the fuel rail cap. Wipe up any spilled gasoline with the rag before closing the hood.