My car began jerking on a slight incline. I later tested it while avoiding hills and heavy acceleration. It drove mostly normally, although I may have felt one mild jerk. The dashboard warning lights remained on, but I was able to drive the car about 8 miles home.
The OBD reader gave me code P0087 I understand that I may be able to check the in-tank pump by putting the ignition in the ON position without starting the engine and listening near the rear seat for a brief humming sound. I have also been researching how to safely depressurize the fuel system if the high-pressure pump needs replacement.
The car has also had an oil leak, possibly from the valve-cover gasket, for two or three years, although that may be unrelated.
Does this diagnosis and testing process sound reasonable? Is there anything else I should check before replacing a fuel pump? I have previously replaced brakes, calipers, rotors, a radiator, and an alternator, so I am comfortable doing repairs when I have clear instructions.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Just listening for the hum won’t tell you if you have enough fuel pressure from the low pressure fuel pump. You need a pressure gauge and fittings to attach and measure it.
As for the HPFP, with the engine shut off, there isn’t a huge residual pressure. A wrench on the HP fitting and a shop rag wrapped around the whole thing a couple of times should be enough. Once you crack the seal, the pressure will drop very quickly. And you need something to catch the fuel anyway.
I think it’s an issue with the forum’s software. When I was posting, I got several errors and I didn’t see anything posted, so I redid the posting and that’s why a ‘repeat’ is being seen. It took me several tries posting this due to the error I was getting. Thank you.
Will there be a lot of fuel coming out?
BTW, I practiced my car skills by changing the valve cover gaskets recently and all worked out nicely. Next task is the High Pressure Fuel Pump There won’t be debris flying around when I unscrew the HPFP, right? Also, anything special I need to do when I install the new one? I’m installing a cheap one I purchased… this is for testing purposes. Once I see all issues gone, I will spend the $500+ on the Honda HPFF and will have gotten more experience installing/uninstalling a HPFF