TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge
The best way to check the fuel pump's condition is with a fuel pressure gauge and Dodge has made it super easy to test the it with a fuel pressure gauge.
The fuel injector rail, of the 4.7L V8 engine, is equipped with a Schrader valve. It's to this Schrader valve that you and I can connect a fuel pressure test gauge and check the fuel pump's pressure output.
FUEL PUMP PRESSURE: 44 to 54 PSI.
NOTE: If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge, take a look at the section: Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge.
OK, let's get started with this test:
- 1
Place a shop towel around the Schrader valve. The shop towel's job is to absorb any fuel that may leak when doing step 2.
- 2
Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve on your 4.7L Dodge's fuel injector rail.
- 3
When ready, ask your helper to cycle the key ON and OFF but don't crank the engine while you observe the fuel pressure tester's gauge.
Check the connection at the Schrader valve for fuel leaks and if any tighten the fuel pressure a bit more (by hand only) to eliminate them. - 4
Crank and start the engine and check the fuel pressure gauge. Your fuel pressure gauge should register: 44 to 54 PSI with the engine running if the fuel pump is OK.
- 5
If the engine doesn't start, crank the engine enough to get the fuel pressure up. Your fuel pressure gauge should register: 44 to 54 PSI if the fuel pump is OK.
Let's take a look at what your results mean:
CASE 1: The fuel pressure gauge registered 0 PSI. This confirms that the no-start problem is caused by a lack of fuel.
Now, I usually take one more precaution, before condemning the fuel pump as bad and this is to check that the fuel pump is getting 12 Volts as the engine is cranking. This is just to make sure that the fuel pump relay and fuse are OK and doing their job.
What you'll have to do to accomplish this is to attach a multimeter in Volts DC mode to the wire that supplies this voltage to the fuel pump and while a helper cranks the engine, verify that the fuel pump is getting this power. If the 12 Volts are being supplied to the fuel pump, you have now 100% verified that the fuel pump is fried and needs to be replaced.
CASE 2: The fuel pressure gauge registered 44 to 54 PSI. This fuel pressure gauge result lets you know that the fuel pump is working and delivering enough fuel to the fuel injectors. The reason your 4.7L Dodge is not starting is due to another reason. The fuel pump is OK.
Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save
The fuel pump in your 4.7 V8 Dodge is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump can be bought in any auto parts store, but I think you'll find the better price online. The following fuel pumps are pretty good deals:
Not sure if the above fuel pumps fit your particular 4.7L V8 Dodge? Don't worry, once you get to the site, they'll make sure it fits by asking you the specifics of your vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.
More 4.7L Dodge Diagnostic Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 4.7L Dodge tutorials in these two indexes:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The MAP Sensor (2000-2001 4.7L Dakota, Durango).
- How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (2000-2007 4.7L Dodge).
- How To Test The Fuel Injectors (Dodge, Jeep 4.7L V8) (at troubleshootmyvehicle.com).
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (4.7L Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep) (at troubleshootmyvehicle.com).
- How To Test The COP Ignition Coils (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 4.7L) (at troubleshootmyvehicle.com).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
