How to Fix Duramax Low Fuel Rail Pressure No Start Problem?
It’s early in the morning and you are all set up and ready to get back to work but suddenly find out that your Duramax won’t start at all although the last time when you parked your vehicle, everything was perfectly fine.
Pretty frustrating right? Duramax has a common-rail diesel engine that won’t start if the fuel pressure is low. According to experts, your Duramax may suffer from low fuel pressure at the rail if the vehicle has faulty regulators, multiple fuel line issues, damaged CP3 pumps, and so on.
So what can you do to solve the problem? This guide is designed in such a way that you will get all your questions answered regarding this terribly annoying issue. So what are you waiting for? If you really want to learn all the probable solutions to fix the low-fuel rail pressure no-start problem for your Duramax, then read along and don’t skip anything.
Can Low Fuel Pressure on Duramax Cause No Start?
Vehicles that are usually run by diesel engines, have very simple mechanisms and functionalities. They only require fuel and air to be in perfect ratio to fire themselves up and run smoothly.
In the case of Duramax, instead of having simple diesel engines, it is run by a common-rail diesel engine which has a very superior and sophisticated control system.
It has many small components that can only function properly if you have the right amount of fuel pressure present inside the fuel pump. So, can low fuel pressure on Duramax cause no start?
The simple answer is yes, it can. Right fuel pressure is absolutely mandatory for Duramax to start perfectly. If the fuel pressure at the rail is low, the whole system will cease functioning and you can’t make your Duramax start on time.
What Would Cause Low Fuel Rail Pressure on a Duramax?
The factors that are responsible for causing low fuel rail pressure on a Duramax are not few. The following factors are responsible for causing low fuel rail pressure on a Duramax:
Factor #01 Fuel Line Problems
Problems in your car’s fuel lines are one of the main reasons for causing low fuel rail pressure on a Duramax. Some of the most common fuel line problems are listed below:-
Clogged Fuel Lines
A clogged fuel line usually means that there is dirt or debris in the fuel lines and fuel is not reaching the engine. As a result, you won’t be able to start your engine or your vehicle will not stop abruptly after a sputtering start.
To solve the problem, you should clean your clogged-up fuel lines completely and make sure there is no dirt left.
Leak in the Fuel Line
A leak in the fuel lines is yet another common reason for causing low fuel rail pressure on a Duramax. It not only hampers your safety measures but also costs you a lot of money.
One of the main symptoms for identifying a leaking fuel pump is that you will notice fuel puddled up on the ground where your car is usually parked or you will have to refill your car more too often than usual.
To solve the issue, try to locate the exact spot where the leaking is taking place and repair it as soon as possible.
Bad or Contaminated Fuel
Fuel can become contaminated in multiple ways. For example, you have a dirty filter that has contaminated the incoming fuel, or the fuel that you took from the fuel pump last time was itself contaminated.
Black smoke and foul smells are clear indicators of fuel contamination. Contaminated fuel can cause your car to sputter and shut down irritatingly.
To get rid of the problem, try to clean your car’s fuel filter and dispose of the remaining fuel instantly. Also, try to purchase fuel from trusted pumps only.
Insufficient Fuel
Having insufficient fuel can cause low fuel rail pressure on a Duramax. It will certainly make your engine overwork and cause your car’s motor to overheat. So, you should always check your car’s fuel level properly before hitting on the gas pedal.
Factor #02 Fuel Pump Malfunctions
Issues with your car’s fuel pump can also cause low fuel rail pressure on a Duramax. Some of the most common fuel pump malfunctions are as follows:-
Low Voltage Problem
Your car’s battery provides the required amount of voltage or energy for the fuel pump to supply fuel to the engine. If the battery is weak or dead, it cannot provide the required amount of voltage to the fuel pump which is needed for an uninterrupted fuel supply.
Thus your car suffers from low fuel rail pressure. To solve the problem, consider changing the dead battery and re-check the wire connections properly.
Clogged Screen Filter
A fuel pump usually contains two filters: the fuel pump filter and the screen filter. The filter is usually located at the bottom of your vehicle and its main job is to block stones and debris from entering and damaging the fuel pump.
Sometimes, the screen filter becomes clogged up and prevents fuel from passing through the fuel pump. This may cause your car to face low fuel pressure or no fuel pressure at all.
To get rid of the problem, consider cleaning the screen filter properly or replacing it completely if it goes beyond repairing or fixing.
Defective Fuel Pump Relay
If your Duramax has a defective fuel pump relay, your fuel pump won’t be able to operate fully. Thus your car will stall and the engine will stop working.
You will also face low fuel problems as well. To fix the problem, replace your defective fuel pump at once.
Factor #03 Faulty Regulator
If you have a faulty regulator installed in your Duramax, then you are at risk of facing low fuel rail pressure most of the time. Well, how do spot a regular which has gone bad? Luckily, there are some symptoms that can help you in this regard:
- The engine does not start easily, or misfires when it does.
- Problems occur when accelerating or slowing down.
- The exhaust system produces black smoke.
- Running out of fuel more often than usual.
To solve the issue just replace the faulty regulator and install a new one in its place.
Factor #04 Damaged or Weak CP3 Pumps
High-pressure injection pumps or most commonly known as CP3 pumps are usually located in the valley of the engine. The main function of a CP3 pump is to suck fuel through the filter and it into pressure which can go up to 26,000psi.
A weak or damaged CP3 pump can cause low rail fuel pressure on your Duramax. If you see black smoke, hear car knocks, experience slow acceleration, notice blue or white smoke when idle, etc, then you can say for certain that your Duramax has a weak or damaged CP3 pump.
Simply, ask an experienced mechanic to diagnose the problem and take attempts to repair it. If that is not possible then you can replace the CP3 pump altogether.
Factor #05 Weak or Damaged Fuel Pressure Relief Valve (FPRV)
The fuel pressure relief valve which is also known as the fuel pressure regulator is usually located in your vehicle’s internal combustion engines.
It is responsible for increasing or decreasing the fuel pressure in the rail by allowing high-pressure fuel to flow into the back leak system.
So, it is quite evident that if you are having trouble with low rail fuel pressure on your Duramax, then rest assured this little guy, namely the fuel pressure relief valve, has become weak or damaged.
If the relief valve is leaking fuel or anything then simply, shim the internal spring with the help of an expert. You can buy a new shim set or replace the fuel pressure relief valve completely.
Factor #06 Blocked or Broken Fuel Tank Pickup
One of the most common reasons for having low rail fuel pressure on your Duramax is that a heavy object or debris has blocked the pickup tank of the fuel pump. As a result, fuel cannot pass through the fuel pump easily.
To solve the problem, simply clean the blocked fuel tank pickup or replace it completely if already broken.
Factor #07 Damaged Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensors are usually located on the exhaust manifold which is near the catalytic converter. The main function of the O2 sensors is to help maintain and regulate your car’s air-fuel ratio and maintain fuel pressure and keep it balanced.
If there is something wrong with the O2 sensor then you will experience low rail fuel pressure on your Duramax. In order to solve the problem, simply replace the damaged O2 sensors.
Factor #08 Faulty Gas Cap
A faulty gas cap can play a vital role in causing low rail fuel pressure on a Duramax and cause no starts as well. Dirt can very easily penetrate through an ill-fitted gas cap and it allows fuel vapors to escape the fuel gas tank.
This results in contamination in the fuel injectors and causes low rail fuel pressure as well. Refitting the loose gas cap or replacing the faulty gas cap should solve the problem.
Factor #09 Cracked Water Separator or Fuel Filter
The fuel filter or water separator is the only thing on a Duramax that prevents water from reaching the injectors and damaging them.
If you have a cracked water separator or fuel filter in your Duramax then there is a high chance that water will penetrate into the injectors and cause low fuel pressure with no start.
You should change or replace your fuel filter with every other oil change to save thousands of dollars later.
Factor #10 Faulty Injectors
Fuel injectors play a very vital role on every vehicle including on a Duramax. Fuel injectors are essential for controlling the exact amount and time the fuel will go inside the combustion chamber during the power stroke.
If a fuel injector becomes faulty, it will cause many severe problems including a low rail fuel pressure on a Duramax. So, it is wise to replace the faulty injectors at once to get rid of the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duramax owners and users around the world have various questions on their minds regarding no start and some other critical issues. They ask many questions concerning these issues. Some of the frequently asked questions are discussed below:
1. How Much Rail Pressure Does It Take to Start a Duramax?
As already discussed above, Duramax is run by a common-rail diesel engine which has a very superior and sophisticated control system. To make this sophisticated control system work faultlessly, you need at least 1500 psi fuel pressure at the rail to make your Duramax start.
2. What Controls the Fuel Rail Pressure?
The fuel pump usually controls the fuel rail pressure. The pump delivers fuel to the common rail at a continuous rate. A pressure sensor is used to monitor the fuel pressure at the rail.
3. How Do You Test a Fuel Pressure Rail?
To see whether your pump is getting the right amount of fuel pressure at the rail, you need to conduct a test. The following steps will show you how:-
- Start the car and keep it idle.
- Install an additional fuel pressure gauge.
- Start the pump and note down the reading of the pressure.
- Look at the manufacturer’s guide to see if the pressure is low or high.
- In case of low pressure, take effective measures to locate the cause.
- If the pressure is sufficient, perform a fuel volume test to determine the exact amount of pressure.
4. Does a Bad Fuel Pump Throw a Code?
Yes, a bad fuel pump usually throws a P0087 code with a “ Check Engine Light” signal on the dashboard.
5. What Happens If Fuel Rail Pressure Is Too Low?
The following things may take place if the fuel rail pressure becomes too low:
- Lack of horsepower
- Engine stalling
- Slow start
- No start
Final Thoughts
Duramax is a special vehicle having a sophisticated control system that requires a minimum fuel pressure at the rail to operate and start smoothly.
If the fuel pressure drops slightly lower at the rail than the ideal rate, you will experience no start problem which is enough to ruin your beautiful day.
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