The generic OBDII trouble code of P0171 is informing you that your Honda Accord engine is not running properly. The correct term for this P0171 OBDII check engine light is System Too Lean (Bank 1). Typically Bank 1 refers to the bank of your engine that houses cylinder 1. Because we’ll be showing you how to replace a Honda Accord FPR (fuel pressure regulator) in a F23A 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine, the Bank 1 or Bank 2 terminology does not apply.
The ECU in your Honda Accord controls the fuel injectors and injector pulsewidth in your F23. The check engine light code of P0171 means that something with your vehicle’s fuel delivery system is not working right. This could range from intake leaks, Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor errors or fuel related issues.
In today’s guide I’ll be showing you how to replace a Honda Accord FPR (fuel pressure regulator) in a 1998 Honda Accord with the 2.3 liter F23. This vehicle has been tested using our DIY how to Guides, and we’ve found that the fuel pressure in the rail is far too low. Because the fuel pressure regulator located at the end of your F23 fuel rail maintains pressure, we’ll be replacing the FPR to correct your P0171 trouble code.
Symptoms of P0171
- Sluggish performance
- Engine detonation
- Engine runs rough
- Idle fluctuates
Possible causes of P0171
Although our test Honda Accord has had the problem narrowed down, the OBDII trouble code of P0171 can be caused by several things. Here’s a brief rundown of things to check before you test your fuel pressure.
- Dirty or failed MAP sensor – Click here for our How To Test a Honda Accord MAP sensor
- Cracked or damaged PCV valve
- Broken or clogged EGR
- Intake leaks
- Intake manifold leaks
To begin learning how to replace a Honda Accord FPR, you’ll need to disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. Doing this will allow you to work without the fear of an electrical accident. Now that you have the battery disconnected, go ahead and unplug your F23 PCV valve.
The part number for this PCV valve is Honda part number 17130-PR4-Y01, and you can also find it under 17130-PR7-A01 as well as 17130-PV3-003. Now you’ll be removing the plastic wiring harness cover that runs along the top of your F23 fuel rail. To do this, carefully pull out the hoses and plastic hoses that sit inside this harness cover, but leave them connected.
One of these hoses leads to the fuel pressure regulator in your Honda Accord, which is what we’ll be removing. First off however you need to release the pressure that’s present in your fuel system. Open your gas cap and then pull off the fuel return line that leads from your FPR to your firewall.
Now it’s time to remove the fuel feed fitting and slip off the fuel feed line that delivers gas to your F23 engine. This is connected by way of a big fuel pressure damper which is covered by a plastic trim. This fuel pressure damper connects the fuel line eyeloop to the fuel rail. Undo the end of this banjo bolt and slip off the fuel line.
The replacement fuel pressure damper is Honda part number 16680-PCX-003 or 16680-PE7-661 and usually comes with replacement gaskets if needed.
There are two washers, one slotted and one non-slotted that rest between the fuel rail banjo fitting and this banjo end.
Do not lose these washers, simply put them back as they came off and spin the top of the banjo back on as shown.
Unplug your TPS, MAP sensors as well as your IAC and EGR valve connectors, and push these electrical connectors out of the way. The last step in our How To Replace a Honda Accord FPR DIY Guide is to undo the plastic clips on your wiring harness cover.
Depressing these plastic clips will allow you to pull up on the wiring harness cover, which leaves the fuel injector clips left. Disconnect all the fuel injectors and then pull your plastic wiring harness cover from your fuel rail mounting points.
Now you can remove the 10mm bolts that hold the fuel pressure regulator in place. The replacement part number for this unit is 16740-PAA-A01, although you can also find this part under an Isuzu part number 58620-59680 in a pinch.
That does it for our DIY article on how to replace a Honda Accord FPR. Once you’ve replaced your Honda Accord FPR (Fuel Pressure Regulator) then you can reconnect the fuel return line and clear your P0171 OBDII trouble code using a scan tool.
Have any questions about our how to replace a Honda Accord FPR DIY guide? Leave them for us below and let us know!
