Fix P228D: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

The code P228D: Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Exceeded Control Limits – Pressure Too High indicates an issue in the vehicle’s fuel system, specifically that the fuel pressure regulator is operating beyond its control limits, resulting in excessive pressure. This is often due to a faulty regulator or blockages in the fuel lines.

P228D quick overview

Meaning	P228D: Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Exceeded Control Limits – Pressure Too High
Is it serious?	Yes, it can impact engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Possible causes	– Faulty fuel pressure regulator – Obstructed fuel return line – Malfunctioning fuel pump – Clogged fuel filter – Fuel pressure sensor issues – Electrical problems in the fuel system circuit
How to diagnose?	Inspect fuel pressure: Confirm if the fuel pressure is excessively high. Check fuel pressure regulator: Look for faults or malfunctions. Evaluate fuel lines: Ensure no blockages or obstructions in the return line. Test fuel pump: Assess for proper operation and output. Examine fuel filter: Check for clogs or need for replacement. Scan for other codes: Identify any additional related OBD2 codes.

How to fix P228D – learn from mechanics

I looked into P228D service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.

Case #1: Chevrolet

Vehicle Information 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT 2.4L Poor Idle Quality

Issue + Repair History

• Engine surges at idle after warming up
• Codes P0089 and P228D set
• Replaced high pressure fuel pump and fuel rail pressure sensor
• Unable to communicate with fuel pump module via scanner

What are people suggesting to fix the issue

• Check wiring connector at the high pressure pump
• Carefully inspect all connections
• Examine the coolant system, temp sensors
• Inspect GDI injectors for sticking
• Check oil pressure when hot
• Investigate cam variance and timing chains
• Inspect fuel pump follower, bore, and camshaft

What was the final fix

• Discovered low oil pressure when hot, but the customer decided to continue driving the vehicle until it quits.

Case #2: Buick

Vehicle Information 2010 Buick Allure CX 2.4L Power Reduced light

Issue + Repair History

• Engine replaced, ran smoothly initially
• Reduced power notice and check engine light came on after a test drive
• Codes P0089 and P228D appeared
• Replaced the direct injection fuel pump, but it didn’t resolve the issue

What are people suggesting to fix the issue

• Verify if the correct engine model was installed
• Check freeze frame/failure records for pressure
• Investigate the Hall effect fuel pressure sensor next to the fuel tank
• Consider that the 2010 and 2011 models might have different intake cams and actuators

What was the final fix

• Replaced the intake cam with the one from the 2010 Buick, as suggested, which solved the problem.

Case #3: GMC

Vehicle Information 2015 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L

Issue

• Poor idle quality, cuts out, misfire
• Originally came in with misfire on #4, found broken pushrod and stuck AFM lifter
• Replaced all AFM lifters and broken pushrod
• Hard starting, ran rough, cut out with low rail pressure code, less than 100 psi fuel pressure
• Blown injector tip on #5 cylinder, replaced injector
• Still hard to start, then #6 injector tip blew out

What are people suggesting to fix the issue

• Check if the correct procedures were followed when reinstalling the fuel injectors
• Inspect if the fuel rails and injectors were handled properly during reassembly
• Consider replacing all injectors, rails, and feed pipes
• Ensure there are no pinched wires causing injectors to dump fuel
• Allow the engine to idle until it’s quiet after replacing injectors, avoid forcing revs

What was the final fix

• Replaced all 8 injectors, which resolved the hard starting and fuel pressure problems. There was a suggestion from others about a TSB stating that injectors must be rebuilt if removed.

Case #4: Chevrolet

The situation described with the 2013 Chevrolet Captiva Sport LTZ 2.4L is quite complex, involving multiple symptoms and diagnostic codes. Here’s a summary of the issue, diagnostic process, and eventual resolution:

Symptoms:

• Poor idle quality, surging at idle once warmed up.
• Stalling when coming to a stop and erratic idle.
• Rattling noise at startup after the vehicle has cooled down.
• Check Engine Light (CEL) and Reduced Power symbol illuminated.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

• P0011: Intake Camshaft Position (CMP) System Performance.
• P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1).
• P0089: Fuel Pressure Regulator Performance.
• P228D: Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Performance.

Diagnostic Process and Findings:

• Oil level was initially overfull but corrected.
• No sound from exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid during testing.
• Both intake and exhaust cam actuators followed actual with commanded %.
• Observed high Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) readings, indicating loss of control.
• Fuel alcohol content at 10%.
• After correcting oil level and additional testing, FRP still out of spec.
• Intake cam actuator found to be sloppy during teardown. Timing chain and tensioner replaced.
• Improvement in cam variance after repair but issues persisted.
• Surging and rattling at startup returned, along with DTC P0420.
• FRP fluctuated widely, especially when in gear.

Community Feedback and Suggestions:

• Check actual vs. desired fuel pressure during surging.
• Inspect the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) for internal leaks or damage to the connector.
• Check the oil for gasoline contamination, which could indicate HPFP issues.
• Inspect the Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR) for fuel leakage.
• Consider issues with controlling the camshaft that drives the HPFP, possibly related to actuator or oil pressure problems.
• Compare desired and actual fuel rail pressure readings.
• Check for fuel leaking into the engine from the HPFP.

Resolution:

• The surging issue was resolved by repairing a damaged internal connector at the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP), which is crucial for injecting the right amount of fuel into the engine’s cylinders under high pressure.
• The persistent rattling at startup was attributed to internal wear and a delay in building adequate oil pressure. This was partially mitigated by using a higher-quality oil filter.
• It was discovered that the vehicle had previously experienced a severe overheating incident and undergone significant repairs, including the head gasket and timing chain replacement, likely contributing to its ongoing issues.

Case #5: Chevrolet

Vehicle Information
2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT, 2.4L engine

Issue + Repair History
Engine surging, misfiring, MIL on. History of cam chain being loose, bent valves. Replaced head, timing chains, guides, tensioners, and exhaust manifold.

OBD2 Codes + Test Results
P0014, P0089, P0013, P0300, P2228, P228D. High fuel pressure readings were between 1800-2200 psi when idling poorly.

Suggestions to Fix Issue

• Load test the positive side of the regulator.
• Check grounds for coils, especially if the head was replaced.
• Double-check oil level and type, examine cam variance, fuel pump connector, and possible connector/hp pump issue.
• Consider possible ecm or wiring issues between ecm and regulator control of high pressure fuel pump.

Final Fix
Replaced the high-pressure fuel pump which fixed the issue of uncontrollable high fuel pressure when hot.

Common Advice	Description of Diagnostic Step
Check fuel pressure	Monitor fuel pressure readings to diagnose pressure irregularities.
Examine high-pressure fuel pump	Inspect and possibly replace the high-pressure fuel pump if faulty.
Inspect electrical connections	Ensure all electrical connections, especially to the fuel pump, are secure and undamaged.
Double-check timing	Verify the timing chain or belt is properly installed and tensioned.
Load test voltage regulators	Perform a load test on voltage regulators to ensure proper functionality.
Review previous repairs	Re-evaluate any recent engine repairs that might affect fuel regulation.
Scan for additional OBD2 codes	Look for other codes that might be related to the fuel system irregularities.
Check for TSBs or recalls	Research any Technical Service Bulletins or recalls that might pertain to the issue.