My car acts as though it is out of fuel when I accelerate

Hello Paul, my 1995 Toyota Hilux pick-up with a 2.4L petrol engine starts fine and idles with no problem. However, when I try to accelerate, it acts like it is running out of fuel. We have replaced the fuel pump, filter and fuel pump relay, cleaned the fuel tank and made sure that the fuel lines are all intact with no leaks. We even checked the fuel injectors which seem okay but the problem persists. My engine spark plugs and air cleaner service is up to date and the throttle unit, though aged, is still clean and okay. How can you help? Jimmy

Hello Jimmy, you have ticked almost all the boxes in the fuel system check except the Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR) of your electronic fuel injected 22RE 2.4L petrol engine.

The FPR is a very important fuel system component because it ensures that the fuel rail builds up enough pressure to support the fuel injectors which make final fuel delivery to your engine for combustion. It is like trying to take a shower but getting a few weak drops of water through the shower head because of an air lock in your plumbing.

The fuel pressure regulator ensures a steady supply of fuel to the injectors even during sudden changes in demand for fuel. The FPR maintains a perfect balance between the boost pressure from the intake manifold and the fuel pumped into the fuel rail.

This is important to maintain a balanced fuel air ratio, critical for consistent smooth running. The FPR adapts fuel supply to fuel demand. No wonder your pick-up starts promptly and even idles well until you try to accelerate. This is when the faulty FPR fails to adapt fuel supply to changing demand.