fuel pressure regulator Q for the gurus

I am investigating a rough idle / random engine dies problem on a 99 Intrigue with the 3.5L. I was looking at the IAC valve but may have found a different problem.

When I disconnected the vac line from the FPR to the TB, I noticed fuel in the line. I verified that a small amount of gasoline will come out of this vac line if the line is off of the TB and I pressurize the fuel rail (by turning the key to RUN). I think this is abnormal behavior, but I need someone to verify for me.

TIA.

There should be NO fuel in the vacum line from the regulator to the engine. The extra fuel is making your engine rich and is causing your rough idle.

that's very well sounds like that may be the problem...but what do i do to fix it...?? when they ran the diagnostic it came out fuel to rich or something like that and they said i needed a new oxygen sensor ..which was almost 100 bucks...i hate to replace that if that's not the problem...any input on what i should do or how to fix it if it's that problem you stated? thanks so much :)

Replace the regulator! No option...

Gas in the vac. line indicates a leaking diaphram in the regulator. Replace.

Any Idea On A Price For That Part?

$110 at Napa (in stock).
Less from other places but they had to order it.

When you see the thing, the cost will make you sick (small metal housing with spring and rubber bladder inside) but the car won't run without it.

I was just a little too hasty with my mouse:
Please note the original symptoms of the problem: Gasoline in the vacuum line between the throttle body and the fuel pressure regulator. If your husband is a bit mechanical, it is something that is easy to check before you buy the new part.

where is the vacuum line we need to check?

The vaccum line is connected to the fuel pressure regulator.

Take off the decorative cover on the engine. A black fuel rail shaped like a "U" will be on the top of the engine. On the back side of the engine, near the brake master cylinder, is the fuel pressure regulator - at one end of the "U".

It's a very easy fix. If you do replace it, be sure to lube the o-rings with a bit of oil to help them go in (I had to press somewhat hard to replace mine).

My 99 Intrigue was doing the exact same thing. I replaced the plugs, wires, fuel filters, had the injectors cleaned, and almost replaced the coil packs. I figured it was some sensor or computer problem that I wouldn't have a chance at fixing. I resigned my self to paying a mechanic a lot of money to fix my car, but just incase I did a search on the internet and found this exact forum.

$77 at Autozone and 20 minutes of work, and I had a new pressure regulator and a perfectly functioning Intrigue.

Thanks Gurus, this was exactly the info I was looking for.

I just hit 100k miles on my '00, and I was wondering if I should be worried about the above situation. Or anything else that would help. I do a lot of highway driving, (commuting) so any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi,

I have a 1999 Olds Intrigue. Love the Car, however, when I drive away in the morning with the engine just warmed up, and a rev at 2.5 - to 3.0 the car has a momentary stall/bump. Not a backfire but more like a hesitation. The engine light usually goes on and nothing beyond that. The car will run OK from then on. Do I have this fuel pressure regulator problem.

Need help. I am an electronics and guitar geek and not a car guy.

JD Guitar, it sounds like it might be a separate problem, that of the crankshaft positioning sensor. Does it hesitate just once or multiple times throughout the day, especially when you accelerate? There is a post called "crankshaft position sensor question" in this forum in which a few board members relate how their cars buck or hesitate and the SES light comes on.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=145314

This has happened to me twice...once a couple of years ago and I took it to the dealer who replaced the stupid thing for $212, only to have it do it again 6 months later. The second time it happened, I decided it wasn't affecting the driveability of the car any, and if I took it back to the dealer they would do nothing and honk me again. Though it did it that once after it was replaced, it has been worry free for the past 2 years.

To find out what the problem is, go to Kragen or AutoZone and have them run the diagnostic (which they usually do for free) and come back armed with the error code. Someone on the board can usually tell you the problem.

Thanks. Now I am realy confused. A guess I had better get the codes checked out before I start buying parts. What is the code for the crankshaft position sensor. Do you hava a list of Intrigue codes?

I'd suggest you spend the $25 on a Chilton manual for the car. The URL for it online has been posted in the past.

Thanks to the forum, I was able to diagnose and repair my 2000 Intrigue on the cheap. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator obtained from Autozone in about 20 minutes. Note on the install, when I pulled the old one out of the fuel rail the small O ring that holds the screen stayed with the fuel rail and I had to fish it out with a fine wire hook. Also, others reported difficulty with pushing the new regulator into place. I figured there might be some back pressure. I relieved the pressure by removing the cover and depresssing the schrader valve on the forward side of the fuel rail and the regulator went right into place. I replaced the clip, attached the vacuum line and the engine starts and runs fine.
The car has 138,000 miles. At 100,000 miles I changed the plugs, and followed the recommended proceedure in the manual. Other than this little problem it's a great car. I would buy another before they are gone.
Thanks forum members!!