How to Replace a 2000 GMC Yukon's Fuel Pressure Regulator

In 1992, General Motors eliminated the full-size Jimmy from its lineup and replaced it with the new Yukon. The freshly redesigned 2000 GMC Yukon came standard with a 275-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 engine. The 2000 Yukons engine used a small component the fuel pressure regulator to increase the fuel pressure to the fuel injectors as engine load increased. The fuel pressure regulator performs this task using the engines vacuum and a spring-loaded diaphragm inside the regulator. As the engine load increases, the vacuum decreases, allowing the spring-loaded diaphragm to open. The problems with the fuel pressure regulator can be caused by internal failure or leakage. Replacing the regulator is a straightforward process, but you must first remove all the fuel pressure from the fuel system.

Instructions

Connect a memory saver to the vehicle, following the memory savers instructions. Remove the bolt from the negative battery cable end, using a combination wrench, and pull the negative cable end off the battery. Position the negative cable aside to prevent accidental contact with the negative battery terminal.

Remove the two bolts securing the engine cover, using a ratchet and socket, then lift the engine cover out of the engine compartment.

Remove the gas cap from the vehicle to relive the pressure from the fuel tank.

Find the fuel rail crossover pipe, the metal tube that connects to both sides of the fuel rail assembly and goes over the top of the engine. Locate the fuel pressure service port, a small metal valve on the crossover pipe.

Unscrew the cap from the fuel pressure service port and attach a fuel pressure gauge onto the fuel pressure service port. Route the pressure gauges bleeder hose into an approved fuel storage container, then open the gauges bleeder valve to relieve all the fuel pressure from the system.

If you do not have a fuel pressure gauge, open up the under-hood junction block on the front driver's side of the engine compartment. Find the fuel pump relay, which is the one nearest the direct center of the under-hood junction block -- refer to the relay map on the underside of the under-hood junction block for more specifics. Pull the relay from the junction block, then start the SUV and let it run until it stalls. Crank the engine for about five more seconds to verify all of the pressure is relieved.

Remove the fuel pressure gauge from the fuel pressure service port and tighten the cap onto the port. Tighten the gas cap until you hear it click.

Find the fuel pressure regulator on the drivers side fuel rail. Pull the vacuum hose from the top of the fuel pressure regulator. Clean around the perimeter of the fuel pressure regulator with a clean, lint-free cloth to rid the area of any dirt and debris.

Pry the saddle clip, the U-shaped clip securing the fuel pressure regulator upward, using a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the saddle clip the rest of the way off the regulator by hand. Pull the fuel pressure regulator from the fuel rail.

Apply a thin coating of new engine oil around the regulators two O-rings. Without this lubrication you will not be able to seat the regulator correctly and you could damage the O-rings.

Guide the new fuel pressure regulator into the fuel rail with its vacuum line inlet pointing upward. Line up the new saddle clip, which comes with the new regulator, with the flange on the regulator and the fuel rail. Press the saddle clip downward until it snaps into place, securing the regulator.

Plug the vacuum line into the new fuel pressure regulator.

Position the negative battery cable onto the negative battery terminal and hand-tighten its retaining bolt. Tighten the retaining bolt to 13 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

Press the fuel pump relay back into its receptacle in the under-hood junction block and close the junction block's lid, if applicable.,

Instruct an assistant to turn the ignition to the On position for about two seconds, then turn the ignition to the Off position for 10 seconds. Turn the ignition to the On position, then check for fuel leaks around the regulator.

Reinstall the engine cover and hand-thread its retaining bolts. Snug the engine covers retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket.