Fault code P009B – fuel pressure relief control circuit open

Fault code P009B is called “Fuel Pressure Relief Control Circuit Open” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.

Technical description and explained code P009B

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic code. Error P009B is considered a generic code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.

Fault code P009B – fuel pressure relief control circuit open

Fault code P009B indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault in the fuel pressure relief control circuit. It is set when the fuel pressure relief control circuit is open.

The fuel pressure relief control circuit is designed to control the amount and pressure of fuel supplied to the engine for proper operation. The PCM controls the fuel pressure regulator and opens the pressure relief valve to return the excess to the fuel system.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P009B has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

  1. The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a fault).
  2. The engine will not start.
  3. Bad engine operation.
  4. Fuel is dripping from the exhaust pipe.
  5. Increased fuel consumption.

The error P009B is quite serious, as its occurrence may cause problems with the engine and vehicle controllability. Excessive fuel pressure can cause various problems and can also cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P009B can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

  • Faulty fuel pump.
  • Faulty fuel pressure relief valve.
  • Short-circuited or otherwise damaged harness.
  • Corroded or damaged connector.
  • Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
  • Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM module.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P009B

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P009B:

  1. Connect the scan tool to the vehicle’s diagnostic port to retrieve the stored codes.
  2. Clear the error codes from the memory and test-drive the vehicle to find out if code P009B appears again.
  3. Perform a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors.
  4. Make sure the regulator on the fuel rail is working properly.
  5. Pay attention to the fuel pump and fuel pressure relief valve.

Diagnose and repair of problems

When the cause of the error, in this case P009B, lies on the surface and can be easily fixed, it is one thing. But sometimes it happens that the cause is very difficult to find, so let’s go over the most significant places.

Fuel lines and regulator

Look for physical damage or kinks in the fuel lines that may be causing difficulties in the supply or return line. It may be necessary to remove the fuel filter to determine if it is clogged and needs to be replaced.

Fuel should flow freely in the direction of flow indicated by the arrow on the fuel filter. On some vehicles the filter is located at the inlet of the fuel pump itself, you will need to remove the module. To determine if there is a lot in the tank, which can also restrict the flow of fuel to the pump.

On vehicles equipped with a reverse fuel system, the regulator is usually located on the fuel rail itself. The fuel pressure regulator has a vacuum line that mechanically limits the fuel supply based on the amount of vacuum created by the engine.

Check for damaged or loose vacuum hoses to the regulator. If there is fuel in the vacuum hose, there may be an internal leak in the regulator, resulting in a loss of pressure.

On non-return systems, the fuel pressure regulator may be located inside the gas tank on the fuel pump module, and the fuel pump module assembly may need to be replaced.

Fuel pump

Check the fuel pump by removing the connector and checking the resistance at the terminals using a voltmeter. Resistance should be within factory specifications. Check the reference voltage to the fuel pressure sensor, it should be about 5 volts, depending on the vehicle.

If the voltage is not within specifications, inspect the wiring to determine if there is excessive resistance in the wire. It should be very low, close to 0 ohms. If resistance is present, a ground fault may have occurred and the wiring will need to be traced to locate the fault.

By checking these points, you should be able to determine the problem with error P009B. And once determined, it shouldn’t be too difficult to solve.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P009B can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

  • Chevrolet
  • Dodge (RAM)
  • Ford
  • GMC
  • Land Rover (Freelander)
  • Nissan
  • Saturn
  • Volvo

Fault code P009B can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P009C, P009D, P009E, P009F.

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