P0001 OBD Fault Code - Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Open (Explained)
Updated: Sep 18, 2022
This fault code relates to the electrical circuit that connects to your fuel pressure regulator.
Trouble Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
P0001 | Fuel volume regulator control -circuit open | Wiring, regulator control solenoid |
What This Code Means
P0001 is an OBD generic code that describes a problem with the circuit that connects the engine computer to your fuel pressure regulator on the engine's fuel injection rail.
There are several causes to this fault code, it may also potentially be linked to the P0002, P0003, or P0004 fault codes.
The definition of this DTC is; Fuel volume regulator control - circuit open, and the probable cause is either damaged wiring or the regulator control solenoid.
If a DTC is related to the powertrain, it will begin with the letter "P" when read by an OBD reader. Fault codes in the P0xxx format are generic fault codes.
P0001 in More Detail
The fault code P0001 is an OBD generic code that highlights a problem with the electrical circuit that connects a vehicles engine computer (ECM) to the fuel pressure regulator on the engine's fuel injection rail.
This circuit allows the ECM to control the fuel pressure from your fuel pump to your engine.
When the computer identifies a problem in this circuit, the "check engine" light is illuminated.
Leaving this code unnoticed and without repair may reduce fuel efficiency and could even result in engine failure or engine damage.
Potential Causes
The fuel volume regulator fault code P0001 may be caused by a number of factors, including the following.
A disconnected plug to the fuel regulator
Possible corrosion in the sensor connection
Damage to the sensor wire to the ECM
A leaking fuel pressure regulator
A broken fuel pump
There may be other systems and components related to the fuel system that could be causing this fault code.
Excessive heat, general wear and tear, vibrations, shock and impacts (from potholes etc), rubbing and friction, corrosion, etc, may all be factors involved in this and many other DTCs.
Signs & Symptoms
The P0001 code will cause the "check engine" light to illuminate on the dashboard and will most likely affect the following.
The engine's performance while driving (acceleration)
The engine may begin to stall or stall more easily
The exhaust may emit smoke in a variety of hues (ranging from black to white)
Fuel economy will be inefficient
The issues highlighted by the P0001 fault code may prevent your car from starting as well as result in reduced fuel efficiency, fuel instability, which may harm your engine, and potentially damage the vehicles catalytic converters.
How to Fix the P0001 DTC
To properly fix the issue, a proper diagnosis should be completed first.
The OBD code P0001 is correctly diagnosed using a professional DTC scan tool that can interpret sensor data and that can data log (not a generic scan tool).
A trained technician can interpret the data from the scan tool to identify when or whether the issue occurred. They may clear the code/light and test drive the car while monitoring data to determine if the problem reappears.
Further diagnostic may be needed based on the circumstances of the testing, perhaps clearing the code and conducting a road test.
Diagnosis may need the use of many electrical equipment, including an advanced scan tool to read ECM data values, a digital voltage metre, and a fuel pressure tester.
Replacing the fuel pressure regulator alone does not guarantee a successful repair in addressing your problem. It may be caused by multiple contributing factors.
Before investing money and effort changing the fuel pressure regulator, do a full diagnostic check along with a visual check for other worn parts.
Once the issue has been properly diagnosed, repairs can be made.
Verifying the fault code exists and is valid is the first step of repair.
Visually inspect and replace any worn or damaged components, such as connectors, plugs, wiring, etc.
It is possible even the ECM is faulty, requiring reprogramming or replacement.
Conclusion
Essentially the fault code P0001 is related to the electrical circuit between the ECM and the fuel pressure regulator, it has a multitude of causes. There are some additional considerations to this DTC below.
Any sensor problem may occur continuously or occasionally. Some fault codes may need further investigation. With P0001, the fix may be easy or time-consuming to identify and fix.
Depending on the vehicle, determining the underlying cause and repairing it can take a while. This fault code seems to be relatively common on Ford vehicles.
It's possible the sensor may be the problem, or you could have wiring problems that are burning or rubbing on another engine component, rodents and animals sometimes chew through cables, or you could even have a faulty ECM.
It might have been a one-time event caused by poor quality fuel or harsh weather, or it could have been a long-term issue.
Vehicles with higher mileage (more than 80,000 miles) may just need a regulator. However, changing components based on just an error code is not advised.
Always use an advanced OBD scanner when planning on making repairs.
