The P009F error code sounds like “fuel pressure relief regulator stuck on”. Often, in programs working with an OBD-2 scanner, the name may have an English spelling “Fuel Pressure Relief Control Stuck On”.
P009F datasheet and explanation
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code. The P009F code is considered a generic code as it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.
This DTC indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the fuel pressure relief regulator. Set when the regulator is stuck on.
The fuel pressure relief regulator is designed to control the amount and pressure of fuel supplied to the engine for proper operation. The PCM monitors the fuel pressure regulator and opens the pressure relief valve to feed the excess back into the fuel supply system.
Malfunction symptoms
The primary symptom of a P009F code for a driver is a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) illuminated. It is also called Check engine or simply “check is on”.
They can also manifest as:
- The control lamp “Check engine” on the control panel will light up (the code will be written into memory as a malfunction).
- The engine will not start.
- Poor engine performance.
- Fuel dripping from the exhaust pipe.
- Increased fuel consumption.
The P009F code is quite serious, as it can cause problems with the engine and vehicle handling. Excessive fuel pressure can lead to various problems and damage the engine and catalytic converter.
Reasons for the error
The P009F code may indicate one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Defective fuel pump.
- Defective fuel pressure relief valve.
- Short circuit or other damage to the harness.
- Corroded or damaged connector.
- Fuel pressure regulator malfunction.
- Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM.
How to fix or reset trouble code P009F
Some suggested steps to troubleshoot and fix the P009F error code:
- Connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port to retrieve the stored codes.
- Clear the error codes from memory and test drive the vehicle to see if the P009F code appears again.
- Visually inspect the wiring and connectors.
- Check that the regulator on the fuel rail is working properly.
- Pay attention to the fuel pump and fuel pressure relief valve.
Diagnostics and problem solving
When the cause of an error, in this case P009F, lies on the surface and can be easily corrected, this is one thing. But sometimes it happens that the cause is very difficult to find, so let’s go through the most significant places.
Fuel lines and regulator
Look for physical damage or kinks in the fuel lines that could cause problems in the flow or return. The fuel filter may need to be removed to determine if it is clogged and does not need to be replaced.
Fuel must flow freely in the direction of flow indicated by the arrow on the fuel filter. On some cars, the filter is located at the inlet to the fuel pump itself, it will be necessary to remove the module. To determine if there is a lot in the tank, which can also restrict the supply of fuel to the pump.
On vehicles equipped with a reverse fuel system, the regulator is usually located on the fuel rail itself. The fuel pressure regulator has a vacuum line that mechanically limits the fuel supply depending on the amount of vacuum generated by the engine.
Check for damaged or loose vacuum hoses to the regulator. If there is fuel in the vacuum hose, there may be an internal leak in the regulator, resulting in a loss of pressure.
In non-return systems, the fuel pressure regulator may be located inside the gas tank on the fuel pump module, and the fuel pump module assembly may need to be replaced.
Fuel pump
Check the fuel pump by removing the connector and checking the resistance at the terminals using a volt-ohm meter. Resistance should be within factory specifications. Check the reference voltage to the fuel pressure sensor, it should be about 5 volts, depending on the vehicle.
If the voltage is out of specification, inspect the wiring to determine if there is excessive resistance in the wire. It should be very low, close to 0 ohms. If resistance is present, there may be a short to ground and it will be necessary to trace the wiring to determine the location of the short.
After checking these points, you should be able to identify the problem with the P009F error. And after the definition, it will not be difficult to solve it.
On what cars is this problem more common?
The problem with the P009F code can occur on different machines, but there are always statistics on which brands this error is more common. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chevrolet
- Dodge
- Ford
- GMC
- Mazda (Mazda 6)
- Saturn
Other errors can sometimes be found with DTC P009F. The most common are the following: P009B, P009C, P009D, P009E.