p0190 code – meaning, causes, symptoms (& how to fix it)

p0190: fuel rail pressure sensor circuit malfunction

p0190 trouble code

the p0190 trouble code gets stored in the engine control unit’s trouble code memory when there is a problem with the circuit to the fuel rail pressure sensor.

this can be caused by a few different things, and in this article, you will learn everything you have to know about the p0190 code.

code p0190 definition

fuel rail pressure sensor – circuit malfunction

what does the p0190 code mean?

the p0190 trouble code means that there is an issue in the circuit between the engine control unit and the fuel rail pressure sensor.

the fuel rail pressure sensor’s function is to measure the fuel pressure in the fuel rail and then report it to the engine control unit.

p0190 trouble code symptoms

when the p0190 code appears, the engine control module will use a simulated value of the fuel pressure instead of the sensor’s given pressure. this means you will probably not notice any other symptoms than a check engine light on your dashboard.

here are the symptoms of the p0190 code:

causes of the p0190 code

there are actually not that many things that can cause the p0190 code. it tells us that there is a problem with the electrical circuit to the sensor, which means something wrong is with any of these things.

the following issues could cause the p0190 code:

how serious is the p0190 code?

medium – when this trouble code appears, the car will often set itself into limp mode. this will cause the rpm and power to be limited, so you can’t put hard pressure on the engine. the car engine will most likely not stall because of this trouble code, though.

the p0190 can damage your engine in the long run, and it should be repaired as fast as possible.

what repairs can fix the p0190 code?

  • replace fuel rail pressure sensor
  • clean fuel rail pressure sensor connector plugs
  • repair fuel rail pressure sensor wirings
  • replace engine control unit

common p0190 diagnosis mistakes

a common diagnosis mistake is to start looking for problems regarding your car’s fuel pressure like fuel pumps or fuel filter.

this trouble code tells us that there is an issue with the circuit and not that there is a problem with the fuel pressure.

another mistake is to replace the fuel pressure sensor without checking the wirings.

recommended tools for diagnosis

how to diagnose the p0190 trouble code

the diagnosis process of the p0190 code is pretty straightforward. you may need some special tools to procedure this diagnosis.

  1. connect an obd2 scanner and check for related trouble codes.
  2. locate the fuel pressure sensor and check the connector plug for any corrosion or other damages.
  3. find the ohm measure values of the fuel pressure sensor for your car engine model and ohm measure it. if open circuit or wrong values at the given fuel pressure – replace the sensor.
  4. visually inspect the wirings to the fuel pressure sensor for any damages.
  5. remove the connector plug from the engine control unit, and ohm measure the sensor from there for any open circuit or resistance problems. repair wirings if faulty.
  6. replace the fuel pressure sensor even if your tests showed it was correct.
  7. replace the engine control unit.

estimated cost of repair

here are some repairs commonly associated with the p0190 code. the prices include labor and part costs but do not include diagnosis costs.

  • replace fuel pressure sensor – 30$ to 60$
  • repair fuel pressure sensor wirings – 30$ – 70$
  • replace engine control unit – 1000$ to 2000$

related p0190 trouble codes

p0193 trouble code – fuel rail pressure sensor circuit high input