P0191 – Fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor -range/performance problem

By Benjamin Jerew (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-06-15
ASE Master Tech

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0191 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0191 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0191 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0191 ?
5. Codes Related to P0191
6. Get Help with P0191

What Does Code P0191 Mean?

Despite the fact that the internal combustion engine is essentially the same as it was a century ago, in the ever-onward pursuit of better fuel economy and performance, automakers have discovered a number of ways to extract more power and fuel economy out of it. Direct fuel injection is nothing new, also having been invented more than a century ago. Today, all diesel engines and many gasoline engines are taking advantage of the benefits of high-pressure fuel injection, directly into the cylinder on compression. Direct fuel injection delivers more power, better fuel economy, and lower emissions.

On some modern cars, those equipped with high-pressure fuel injections systems, there are two fuel pumps. The low pressure (LP) pump is located in or near the fuel tank, while the high pressure (HP) pump is located on the engine. The LP pump usually runs between 35 and 75 psi, which is used to feed port fuel injectors, if equipped, and the HP pump. The HP pump uses mechanical energy, usually from a camshaft, to ramp up fuel pressure to feed the direct fuel injectors. The HP fuel pressure can range from 500 to 5,000 psi, depending on application. Diesel engines may or may not use an LP pump, which may put out something like 5 to 15 psi. The HP pump ramps up fuel pressure as high as 23,000 psi, depending on application.

The ECM (engine control module) monitors fuel pressure for at least a couple of reasons. First, fuel pressure is important to modulate fuel injector pulse width. Generally speaking, higher fuel pressure requires less pulse width to get the same amount of fuel. Second, fuel pressure readings are used to modulate the fuel pressure regulator, which the ECM controls depending on driver demand and engine loading conditions. Finally, fuel pressure needs to be finely controlled to keep from damaging anything. With HP fuel rail pressures ranging from 5,000 to 23,000 psi maximum, overpressure conditions could easily lead to component failure and leaks, such as from ruptured fuel lines or fittings.

If the ECM detects a problem with the fuel rail pressure sensor (RPS), such as insufficient or excessive voltage feedback, or an open or short circuit, it will lock out the HP pump and put the engine into limp-home mode. The MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) will be illuminated, and a DTC (diagnostic trouble code) will be set in ECM memory. DTC P0191 is defined as Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Range / Performance problem.

What are the common causes of code P0191 ?

Depending on year, make, and model, DTC P0191 may have number of causes. Here are some of the most common.

• RPS Failure – The fuel rail pressure sensor, like most semiconductor sensors, is prone to failure from heat and vibration, both of which are present in abundance in the engine compartment. This is the most common failure in the system.

What are the symptoms of code P0191 ?

Depending on the failure mode, the engine may not start, or may start and run, but poorly. You will, at the very least, experience a loss in power and decreased fuel economy. Vehicles with both port and direct injection may not exhibit such drastic drivability problems, but this doesn’t mean you should simply keep driving it in its present condition.

How do you troubleshoot code P0191 ?

A Range/Performance related code will be set when either a sensor or other component does not perform within the range the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) expects to see, given the current engine load/speed, and information gathered from other sensors. The possible causes of Range/Performance codes are likely to be defective sensors as easily as they are likely to be the result of wiring issues that affect the operation of the affected sensor or component, which means that with P0191, it is important to regard all sensors and components as part of the control circuit the code refers to.

Depending on the vehicle, the RPS generally has an operating voltage range. Some Toyota RPS, for example, function between 0.5 V and 4.5 V, measuring 0 psi to 1,885 psi. To diagnose the RPS and its circuit, you’ll need a DMM (digital multimeter) and vehicle-specific EWD (electrical wiring diagram) and repair manuals.

• General Check – Check wire harnesses for obvious damage, such as from chafing, poor routing, or other damage. Check connectors for bent or broken pins or corrosion. Make sure all connectors seat properly. Repair as necessary.
• Circuit Check – Disconnect the ECM and RPS. If no circuit problems are found, suspect a faulty sensor, but test (if possible) before replacing it.
  • Check each line for continuity end to end. Resistance should be less than 1 Ω. Repair as necessary.
  • Check each line for short to each other and to ground. Resistance should be over 10 kΩ. Repair as necessary.
• Sensor Check – All connectors firmly seated and KOEO (key on engine off), backprobe the RPS or ECM and check voltage against repair manual specifications. Using our Toyota example, there should be a 5 V reference voltage (V_ref), ECM ground, and RPS signal. If circuit checks and sensor checks pass, suspect and ECM fault, but do not condemn the ECM until you have the system checked by a professional.
  • If V_ref, RPS, and Ground is 4.5 – 5.5 V, suspect an open ground circuit. If you’ve ruled out the circuit itself, it may be internal. Repair wire harness or replace sensor.
  • If V_ref is 4.5 – 5.5 V and Ground is 0 V, RPS should read between 0.5 V and 4.5 V. If otherwise, replace the sensor.
  • You may be able to measure resistance directly on some pressure sensors. Disconnect the sensor and measure across the terminals, comparing to repair manual specifications. If outside of specification, replace the sensor.

Codes Related to P0191

• P0190 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction
• P0191 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
• P0192 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input
• P0193 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit High Input
• P0194 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent

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