Error Code P0088: What It Means & What To Do?

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Is your Car’s Check Engine Light illuminating on the dashboard? Do you find sudden decrease in the fuel economy? And is the car engine running rough with increased emissions from the exhaust? This might be the indication of problems with the fuel delivery system of the car which in other words can be an OBD code P0088 error.

OBD-II Code P0088 is defined as a Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too High

OBD fault code P0088 is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an abnormally high pressure in the fuel rail, or sometimes in other parts of the fuel system.

All fuel injection systems are designed to operate within a certain range of pressures to ensure smooth operation of the engine under all operating conditions, and engine speeds/loads. Thus, when the PCM detects a fuel pressure that exceeds predetermined values, a code gets stored, and the Check Engine light gets illuminated on the dashboard. However, the range of ideal fuel pressures vary widely for different makes and models, so consult the relevant manual to determine the correct range of pressures for the vehicle being worked on.

What causes the problem of Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too High?

• Defective fuel pressure regulator
• Clogged filter screens in the pressure regulator
• Kinked, or damaged fuel return line
• Wrongly installed fuel filters
• Defective fuel pressure sensor
• Faulty fuel pump driver/relay
• Open, short, or corroded electrical wirings and connections

1. Fuel Pump - Damaged fuel pump will affect the fuel delivery system and the internal combustion process. Replace it immediately.
2. Fuel Pressure Sensor - If the sensor the faulty, will not read the air pressure correctly thus affecting the air to fuel ratio. Buy new pressure sensor form us.
3. Diagnostic Tools - Use professional OBD scan tools to diagnose an OBD code error problem. Buy quality diagnostic tools from us now!
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator - Faulty regulators will not be able to determine the duel fuel requirement and hamper the fuel delivery system. Replace the damaged one now!

• The vehicle put onto failsafe mode by the PCM to prevent further damage to the vehicle
• Vehicle running poorly
• Check Engine Light illuminated
• Misfiring of car engine
• Lean and rich engine conditions
• Increased fuel consumptions
• Black smoke from tailpipe
• Oil dilution in severe cases
• Fouled spark plugs
• Rough engine idles
• Engine stalling and not starting

Following are the most common treatment to the problem related to OBD Code P0088:

• Damaged fuel lines replacement
• Fuel pump replacement
• Faulty fuel pressure sensor replacement
• Fuel pressure regulator replacement

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Record all stored fault codes and available freeze frame data. This data can be useful if an intermittent fault is diagnosed later on.

• Sine code P0088 indicates an excessive fuel pressure the problem is unlikely to be caused by wiring issues, unless the fuel pressure regulator is electrically operated. In some applications the pressure regulator is located on the fuel rail and operated by a spring with vacuum assistance obtained from the inlet manifold. On other systems/applications, the regulator is located on, or near the fuel pump. Consult the manual to determine the location of the pressure regulator.
• Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the system, and leave the code reader connected, if the vehicle can start. Start the engine, and monitor the actual pressure in the fuel system via the gauge, and the scanner. If the pressure rises steeply, or remains steady whatever the reading, it is almost certain that the pressure regulator is faulty.
• If the pressure regulator is located on the fuel rail, it is most likely to be spring operated, but supplied with vacuum assistance. Replace the vacuum hose if a leaky, and again examine the pressure regulator. If the problem persists and there is a strong vacuum present, and the fuel pressure regulator needs to be replaced. After replacement, check if the code reappears.
• If the vehicle cannot start, it is most likely because the excessive fuel pressure is deactivating the pump. This is not always easy to determine, so if the vehicle does not start when code P0088 is present, and the pressure regulator is located inside the fuel tank. Consult the manual on the correct procedure to remove the pump, and to replace the regulator.
• Clear all codes and test drive the vehicle with a suitable scanner connected to record the fuel pressure under changing engine loads/speeds. If the scanner cannot monitor live data streams, retest the fuel pressure after the test drive, and scan the system to see if the code has returned.
• In the unlikely event that the code persists, it is possible that there is an intermittent fault present, which may have to be allowed to worsen before an accurate diagnosis and repair can be made. Check for faults in the Powertrain Control Module and replace or repair as per the situation.

Common mistakes when diagnosing P0088 Code

• Replacing components without testing them is the most common mistake made during P0088 diagnostic.
• Not performing step by step diagnosis leads to repairs that do not fix the faults and wasted time, effort, and money.
• P0088 is commonly caused by a kinked fuel line, this is usually due to something hitting the line. The only way to see this is to perform a thorough visual inspection.