Not subjecting your car engine to severe pressure all the time is one way to extend its life. This way you keep the car components in good shape and have a smooth driving experience. One way to achieve this is to know how much fuel pressure it needs. In this article, you’ll learn how to relieve the fuel pressure without starting the car. Let’s find out.
How to Relieve Fuel Pressure without Starting Car
Truth is that there are a couple of procedures you can take to relieve fuel pressure without starting the car. I have got three methods for you. Nonetheless, you must master your art so that you don’t end up damaging the engine or any vital components.
Method 1: Pull off Fuel Lines
The first and perhaps the most efficient method to relieve the fuel pressure without starting the engine is by disconnecting the fuel line fittings. But the method is ideal for vehicles designed with an electric fuel pump. How’d you do this and what tools will you need? It’s pretty simple.
Tools needed:
- Screwdriver (flathead)
- Clean cloth/rag/towel
- Container
- Protective gear (gloves or glasses)
Step 1: Locate the connection
Look for the connection between the fuel pump and the fuel lines. The connection is often at the top of the fuel pump and it runs from the pump to the injectors. There’s a hose clamp near the connection, usually on the fuel line.
Step 2: Disconnect the hose clamp
If you find the hose clamp, the next thing to do is to pull it out, using a flathead screwdriver. To do this, you must pull back the fuel line from the fuel pump to separate the connection.
Step 3: Allow gas to drain
Once you disconnect the fuel lines from the pump, gas will start to drain out. The draining will relieve any pressure buildup in the entire system.
Step 4: Collect spilled oil
Make sure you collect any spilled gas or oil, using a container. Clean the surrounding leftover oil with a rag, cloth, or towel.
Optional Step 5: Pinch the tabs
You should take this step if your vehicle isn’t built with the hose clamp. Some vehicles come with a quick-connect pump-line connection, you may not find the hose clamp. In this case, you have to look elsewhere. Check the clip for a pinch point. You may find two white pinch-in tabs or internal tabs. Pinch the tabs to separate the fuel line from the fuel pump. You may also use a flat-head screwdriver to pull the line off the pump.
Method 2: Drain Fuel Tank
The second method to relieve your car engine of fuel pressure without starting it is to drain the fuel tank. Use this method with caution and only if necessary. I cannot guarantee the long-term safety on your car.
Tools needed
- A pair of pliers
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Clip
- Siphon pump or relevant device
- Container
- Rag
Step 1: Locate the fuel tank
Depending on your car’s model or make, the fuel tank is often located beneath the rear passenger seat. You can also locate it in the car trunk.
Step 2: Drain fuel
Once you’ve located the fuel tank, get a siphon pump to drain the fuel content from the tank. As you’re doing this, you’ll be relieving the engine of fuel pressure.
Step 3: Clean up the surrounding
With a piece of cloth or rag, clean up any spilled fuel on the rear seat frame.
Method 3: Trigger Fuel Pump Relay
The third method to relieve fuel pressure without starting a car is by triggering the fuel pump relay. It involves the following steps:
Step 1: Locate the fuel pump relay
When you get to the vehicle’s fuse box, you’ll find the fuel pump relay
Step 2: Trigger the relay
The next thing to do is to activate the relay. To do this, simply connect a jumper cable 30 to 86 terminal.
Step 3: Observe the fuel pump run
The moment you trigger the fuel pump relay, the fuel pump will start running, indicating that the fuel pressure is being relieved.
Step 4: Disconnect the jumper
Once the fuel has completely drained, pull out the jumper wire
Step 5: Secure all connections
Once you’ve completed the process, it’s time to reconnect the components. You can carry out further diagnosis.
In all this, you need to have some level of expertise. Otherwise, you may cause a range of issues to your car, including damage to the fuel pump. Incorrect use of jumpers could also cause sparks or short-circuiting. In addition, a wrong process of relieving fuel pressure can also lead to fuel leakage and this can cause fire outbreaks. When reconnecting the fuel lines, make sure you do it well.
FAQs
Can I get a Fuel Pressure with no start?
Yes, it’s possible for your vehicle to get a fuel pressure but no start. Why? There’s a chance that one or two of your car’s spark plugs are bad. You may notice your car engine has great compression but it won’t start; even if the fuel system is working well. The simple cause is defective spark plugs, one, two or all the spark plugs aren’t in good shape. Don’t forget, the spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder of your car engine. Once they become defective, the engine won’t be able to power your car.
What are symptoms of incorrect fuel pressure?
If your engine has incorrect fuel pressure, here are a few signs to look out for:
- Engine overheating
- Rough idle
- Engine loses power
- Reduced car performance
- Misfires
Final Thoughts
So, far I‘ve explained three methods on how to relieve fuel pressure without starting your car. Incorrect fuel pressure can cause various issues. You need to I hope this article helps you save the labor cost you’ll have given to a technician.
