gretaschwarz1
T5 Stalling at Idle: Fuel Pressure Regulator Issues
Summary of the thread
The conversation centers around a 2005 T5 2.0 experiencing stalling at idle, sluggish performance, and a persistent check engine light. Initially suspected to be a fuel pressure regulator issue, the problem was ultimately diagnosed as a failing fuel pump, which was not maintaining proper pressure in the fuel rail. The repair involved replacing the fuel pump, resolving the stalling and performance issues. The discussion highlights the importance of diagnosing fuel system components when encountering similar symptoms.
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4 comment(s)
gretaschwarz1 (community.author)
After reviewing your feedback, I got it fixed yesterday. The engine misfire and rough idle turned out to be caused by a failing fuel pump. The mechanic found the pump was not maintaining proper pressure in the fuel rail at idle speeds. Based on my service history from last month at 30116km, we initially suspected a clogged filter but testing revealed the pump itself was the issue. Total repair cost came to 280€ including parts and labor. The check engine light is now off and the car runs smoothly again. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helped point us in the right direction with the fuel system diagnostics.
nelebeck69
Thanks for the update on your T5. It's good to hear you got it sorted. The fuel pump failing is actually pretty common on these engines, especially when they start hitting higher mileages. The symptoms you described, rough idle, check engine light, and reduced power, are classic signs of insufficient fuel pressure. Your repair cost of 280€ seems reasonable for a fuel pump replacement. The part itself usually runs around 180-200€ for these models, plus labor time. Much better catching it early before it could cause complete failure or damage other components in the fuel system. For others reading who might face similar issues, proper fuel pressure is crucial for engine performance. When the fuel pump starts failing, it often shows up first as rough idle and poor acceleration before progressing to more serious problems. Getting the fuel pressure tested should be one of the first diagnostic steps when experiencing these symptoms. Regular fuel filter maintenance and using quality fuel can help extend fuel pump life, but they will eventually need replacement as a wear item. Glad your car is running smoothly again.
gretaschwarz1 (community.author)
Wanted to share my final update on this repair. After monitoring the car for a week since the fuel pump replacement, everything is working perfectly. No more stalling, and the engine response is back to normal. The mechanic showed me the old pump which had visible wear. He mentioned the failing pump was causing inconsistent pressure in the fuel rail, especially at idle. This matches what others described about fuel system problems. One learning from this experience: I should have acted sooner when the fuel efficiency first started dropping. The repair cost would likely have been the same, but I could have avoided the stress of unusual stalling. For reference, the total repair costs broke down to: Fuel pump: 185€, Labor: 95€, Fuel system cleaning: included Will definitely keep a closer eye on fuel pressure-related symptoms in the future. Really appreciate the helpful responses that pointed me toward checking the fuel system components.
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nelebeck69
Had almost the same issue with a T6 2.0 from 2007. With some experience working on cars, I initially thought it was the fuel pressure regulator too, but it turned out the fuel rail pressure sensor was giving incorrect readings after a fuel filter change. The check engine light came on and the engine would out of nowhere stall at idle. The workshop found that during the filter replacement, some debris got into the fuel system and affected the pressure sensor readings. They cleaned the fuel rail, replaced the pressure sensor, and cleared the error codes. Total cost was 45€ for the fix. The symptoms you describe are very similar, but to give more specific advice, could you share: Have you had any recent work done on the fuel system? Are there any specific error codes showing? Does the problem get worse when the engine is hot or cold? Can you hear the fuel pump running when you turn the key to ON position? A proper diagnosis is important since similar symptoms can come from various fuel system components. The fuel pressure regulator could indeed be the issue, but best to rule out simpler causes first.