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When was the last time you had your Volkswagen Fuel Pressure Regulator checked? If it has been a long time, then you might want to consider having this done in your next car inspection. The FPR in your car is one of the components that is sometimes overlooked during routine maintenance but it has a very huge role in your Volkswagen performance.
This small but vital component guarantees your engine gets the right fuel that it requires for combustion. When it fails, it results in different issues. Below are some symptoms that may indicate that your Volkswagen FPR needs to be replaced.
How To Tell If Your Volkswagen FPR Is Due For Replacement
- Poor Engine Performance: The first symptom that may indicate your FPR is on its way out is a decline in the performance of your Volkswagen engine. If your car starts to get slow or lacks power in terms of acceleration, then you could be having the wrong fuel pressure. The engine requires a correct mixture of fuel and air for it to work as expected. When the regulator is not functioning properly, it allows the engine to get too little fuel which affects the engine’s performance.
- Black Exhaust Smoke: Another sign that is indicative of a bad FPR is black smoke emission through the exhaust pipe. When the regulator is out of order, it leads to a situation where there is excess fuel in the mixture and this is referred to as running rich. The excess fuel does not combust properly and this leads to black smoke being churned out of the exhaust pipe. If you notice this, it is recommended that you find a mechanic to fix it quickly because running rich can cause other engine problems and higher emissions.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: If you discover that you are frequently visiting the gas station to refill your car as compared to before, it could be a result of a faulty fuel regulator. When the regulator is not functioning correctly, it leads to increased fuel consumption because it delivers the wrong amount of fuel to the engine.
- Hard Starting: If you find that your Volkswagen is difficult to start then there is a high chance that you have a faulty fuel regulator. If the regulator is not keeping the correct pressure then the engine might not be supplied with enough fuel to start. This can lead to longer cranking times or in some cases the engine may not start at all. These starting problems should not be left to persist so that it does not cause harm to other components.
What to Do When the FPR Is Failing
- Diagnose the Issue: A fuel pressure gauge should be used to check the amount of pressure in the fuel delivery system. Compare the readings to the specifications in your Volkswagen’s manual. If the pressure is outside the range, then it can be concluded that the regulator is damaged or does not work.
- Consult a Professional: If you feel that you cannot diagnose or replace the FPR yourself then it is advisable to take your VW to a mechanic. They can closely inspect the situation and determine whether the regulator really needs to be replaced.
- Replace Regulator: If your mechanic has determined that you need to replace the regulator then it must be done right. It is recommended that only high-quality spare parts be installed so that the device operates at peak efficiency and lasts longer.
- Monitor Performance: When you are done replacing the FPR, you should monitor the performance of your VW. Check if the symptoms that you saw have been cleared and if the engine is now in good condition.
Come To San Antonio’s Number One Volkswagen Repair Center
Welcome to Autobahn Automotive, the repair shop of choice for Volkswagen and other European models. We have been in business for over 40 years and our garage is located in San Antonio, TX. Our services are not limited to San Antonio as we serve drivers in the neighboring cities.
If you are experiencing problems with your VW fuel system, particularly the fuel pressure regulator (FPR), you can expect our specialists to do a good job. Our team of Volkswagen specialists will identify the problem and fix it in the best way possible. Schedule your next VW fuel system inspection today by calling us or filling out the form on our website.