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2003 Ford Taurus P0191 Code: Fuel Rail Pressure Issue Causing Engine Sputter and Stall

Model: 2003 Ford Taurus Fault Code: P0191 Posted: 2006-11-18 11:59

I own a 2003 Ford Taurus 3.0L with 30,000 miles. The vehicle experiences rough idle and sudden engine stalling, especially during highway driving. After a 5-mile trip, the car stalls and won't restart until after a 15-minute wait—after which it runs normally with the check engine light on. OBD2 diagnostic reveals code P0191: 'Fuel Rail Pressure Circuit Range/Performance'. I've already replaced the fuel filter twice; both times it was extremely dirty, though the second filter showed minimal contamination. After clearing the code and adding a fuel system cleaner and water remover to the tank, the issue returned after 3000 miles and three months. This time, during an 80-mile highway drive, the car shut down completely and required a 15-minute wait before restarting. The same P0191 code reappeared. I'm now suspecting vapor lock or a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Without real-time monitoring, diagnosis remains difficult. Any owners with similar symptoms? What steps have you taken to resolve this issue? Additional notes: Fuel pump operation appears normal during testing. However, the fuel rail pressure sensor readings may not align with actual mechanical fuel pressure, which could indicate a sensor or regulator fault.

Related fault codes
P0191
Comments (2)
Anonymous 2006-11-18 19:57

Check both fuel pressure and the fuel pressure regulator—either component could be at fault. Some fuel pumps can trigger P0191 even if functioning properly. To determine whether it's a sensor or pump issue, you need a scan tool that reads real-time fuel rail pressure sensor data and compare it with actual mechanical fuel pressure measured using a mechanical gauge. The difference between the two should not exceed 10 psi; otherwise, it may point to a faulty sensor or regulator.

Anonymous 2006-11-19 19:47

Is yours a 24 valve or 12 valve? For a 24 valve motor fuel pressure key on, engine off should be about 46 psi and FRP sensor voltage should read 3.15v. At a hot idle readings should be 39 psi and 2.74v. On a 12 valve motor key on, engine off readings should be 55 psi and 3.7v. at a hot idle reading should be 54 psi and 3.6v. You will need both a scan tool that capable of monitoring the Fuel Rail Pressure sensor and a mechanical fuel pressure guage. The FRP sensor reading may be higher than the mechanical fuel pressure guage, but should not differ by more than 10 psi.