Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Fuel Pressure Sensor / Fuel Temperature Sensor
The fuel pressure sensor is combined and consisted of both the fuel pressure sensor and the fuel temperature sensor. The sensor detects the fuel pressure (the absolute pressure) and the temperature of the fuel in the fuel rail.
The fuel pressure sensor is on the right-hand end of the fuel rail.
Fuel pressure sensor
The pressure sensor is a piezo resistive type resistor, the resistance of which changes with the pressure. Depending on the pressure in the fuel rail, an analog signal of 0-5 V is transmitted. Low pressure results in low voltage, high pressure in high voltage.
The engine control module (ECM) then uses this signal to adjust the pressure in the fuel rail using the fuel pump control module. Also refer to: FUNCTION
The pressure sensor is supplied with 5 V and grounded in the engine control module (ECM). The pressure sensor transmits a signal indicating the fuel pressure to the engine control module (ECM) on a separate cable.
The engine control module (ECM) can diagnose the fuel pressure sensor. Its signals (pressure and temperature) can be read using the diagnostic tool.
The absolute pressure is displayed when using the diagnostic tool parameter read outs to read off the fuel pressure. If there is no pressure at the fuel rail, the atmospheric pressure will be displayed.
HINT: The relative pressure (absolute pressure minus atmospheric pressure) is displayed when reading off the fuel pressure via a manometer connected to the fuel rail.
Fuel temperature sensor
The temperature sensor is an NTC sensor. The sensor is supplied with voltage (signal) from and grounded in the engine control module (ECM).
The resistance in the sensor changes according to the temperature of the fuel. This provides the engine control module (ECM) with a signal of between 0-5 V. Low temperature results in high voltage (high resistance). High temperature results in low voltage (low resistance).
The engine control module (ECM) uses the signal to calculate fuel density.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.