SC Fuel Pressure Regulator After Filter Change

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I've got a 2003 Lexus SC with a gasoline engine. Recently, the check engine light popped on. My scanner says it's a fuel pressure regulator issue. The engine occasionally stalls when idling, and I've definitely noticed a drop in power, especially when accelerating. This all started happening right after I changed the fuel filter. Could that be related? Is it possible I accidentally messed something up during the filter change that's causing the regulator to act up? I am seeing some fuel pressure drop issues. Is there any chance I just didn't tighten something enough and now I have a leak?

4 comment(s)

Dude, that sounds rough. I had almost the exact same thing happen with my SC! Check engine light, stalling, the whole nine yards. You said it happened after you changed the fuel filter, right? Did you make absolutely sure you got the fuel lines connected properly to the fuel rail? I'm wondering if you didn't get a good seal and now you've got a pressure drop. Did you recently fill up your tank or something? Sometimes I wonder if I get bad gas...

Thanks for the quick reply! Yeah, I'm pretty sure I got the lines connected properly. I mean, they clicked into place, and I didn't see any obvious leaks. But now you've got me second-guessing myself! Is there a way to double-check the connections without taking everything apart again? When you had the issue, did the code specifically point to the fuel pressure regulator, or did it give you a more general 'engine misfire' type of code? I wonder if it could be electrical...

For me, the code was definitely pointing toward the fuel pressure regulator. Given that it started right after the fuel filter change, and you're experiencing similar symptoms, I'd bet that's the culprit. Honestly, at this point, I'd probably just take it to a trusted mechanic and have them diagnose it. I know, nobody wants to spend the money, but they've got the tools and experience to pinpoint the problem quickly. I was thinking about fixing it myself, but I am very glad that I decided to go to a professional. It could be a faulty regulator, but it's also possible you damaged something else during the filter change. Don't sweat it too hard. Let a professional take a look.

You were spot on! Took it to the shop, and they confirmed it was the fuel pressure regulator. Apparently, I slightly damaged it during the fuel filter install. The error code was a great starting point. Got it replaced for around 45€, and the car is running like a champ again. Thanks so much for your help and advice! Really appreciate it!

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