How to Fix the P0088 Code on a 6.7L Powerstroke (Cleared)

OBD-II, or On-board Diagnostics, is a unique feature that has been a part of cars since 1996. The OBD-II allows the car to diagnose its problems and report them to the user using certain codes. Among them, p0088 is such a code. 

The p0088 code on 6.7 powerstroke means a high fuel rail pressure or system pressure. When the fuel rail pressure or fuel pressure sensor voltage input is higher than the standard requirements of the car, the system displays this error code.

If you have come across this code, you might have started questioning yourself on how to fix this code. Don’t worry at all! We will guide you through the procedure.

How to Fix the P0088 Code on a 6.7L Powerstroke

What Does p0088 Code Mean On 6.7 powerstroke?

The P0088 code on your 6.7 Power Stroke is a clear indicator of a higher fuel rail pressure in the engine than the required pressure. The higher pressure is detected by the ECM located on the rail rack and indicates the owner through a Check Engine Light on the dashboard of the car.

This code can be further broken down into. Let us go through the breakdown to help you understand the code more.

  • P= Powertrain, this refers that the fault is within the engine or transmission system
  • 0= This refers to a SAE or ISO controlled code
  • 0= The third DTC number indicates the specific system. In this case, 0 means the fault is within the whole system
  • 08= This refers to the specific problem. In this case, the problem with the pressure and fuel rail system.

How Serious Is Code p0088 On 6.7 powerstroke?

The code P0088 on Powerstroke 6.7 can be a serious code, and if you encounter this code, it is best to take action against it as soon as possible. This code is considered severe because it only occasionally occurs, placing it at the top of the danger charts.

Your 6.7 PowerStroke engine needs a good air to fuel ratio (fuel pressure) for it to run efficiently and smoothly without any problems. When the air pressure exceeds the fuel pressure, the code is triggered.

If this problem is not dealt with as soon as possible, it could lead to both short and long-term problems. The engine could slowly lose its efficiency and emit black smoke from exhaust.

What Causes Code P0088 On 6.7 Powerstroke?

Your 6.7 PowerStroke Engine may start to display the code P0088 for a variety of reasons. Among them, the main causes of this code are a blocked return line or a bad fuel regulator. There are other reasons why this code may be triggered. These include:

  • Faulty power control module
  • Failed fuel pressure regulator
  • Faulty fuel pump
  • Faulty wiring
  • Restriction faced in the fuel system
  • Faulty fuel pressure sensor

Other Symptoms Of Getting p0088 Code On 6.7 powerstroke

By now, you might be wondering how I could detect this P0088 beforehand. We have found multiple symptoms which can help you detect the P0088 code on your 6.7 Power Stroke. The symptoms include:

  • Check Light Engine signals/ glows constantly
  • Bad fuel economy
  • Fuel becoming diluted
  • Rough idling of the vehicle (this means that your engine might be on but your vehicle is not moving)
  • Damage found in catalytic convertors
  • Fuel consumption increases 
  • Black smokes from the exhaust

How To Fix p0088 Code On 6.7 powerstroke?

This is the section where we think you should pay extra attention. We will explain and guide you through the process of fixing the P0088 code on your 6.7 Power Stroke that a mechanic would follow.

Generally a mechanic would follow the process of 2 steps. He/she would firstly diagnose the problem and then start working on the fault. Therefore, we will start with the diagnosis procedure first.

1. Identify the code

Before you can indulge deep into solving the problem, you first need to identify the code on your 6.7 powerstroke powered vehicle. You need to make sure whether you are fixing the correct code, whether you have multiple faults to fix and so on.

In order to interpret the code, you would require a diagnostic connector. Here is a step-by-step guide for you to find the code by yourself.

Take the diagnostic connector and scan the car’s system. This would help to find the fault codes and also the freeze frame information (condition of the car while the code/data is being stored).

Note down the codes that you have found. Then, reset all the codes and take the car out for a test drive. After the test drive, rescan the car for the codes and if you find the codes return back, proceed with the next step. 

2. Replace the fuel pressure sensor

This is the procedure through which you can replace your fuel pressure sensor by yourself. But before starting out, remember to buy the new fuel sensor before starting the process.

  1. Turn off the key of the fuel engine.
  2. Remember to wear eye goggles and gloves before you start handling the process.
  3. Remove the cap of the fuel engine. This will allow the excess fuel pressure to get out of the 6.7 powerstroke vehicle without creating any hassle.
  4. Remove the vacuum line and electrical connector which will unlock the fuel sensor.
  5. Remove the bolts of the fuel pressure sensor. Use a towel or a piece of cloth to hold the fuel pressure sensor from the sides while you unlock the bolts. This is to allow the excessive fuel pressure to come out of one end.
  6. Bring out the new fuel sensor and gently lubricate the O-ring using some WD-40, Gasoline, Oil etc.
  7. Reinstall the new material and screw in the bolts. Connect the vacuum line and electrical connector back.

3. Replace the damaged fuel lines

Before you start this process, we would advise you to check for gas leaks. If you detect any stains or gas leaks, head to your local garage store and buy some fuel lines. Then, start the procedure as we say.

  1. Remember to wear eye goggles before you start the process.
  2. Replace the clamps of the fuel lines with newer clamps to allow them to withstand the high pressure. This shall prevent the short term gas leaks.
  3. Disconnect the negative end of the battery and remove further stuff from your trunk.
  4. Remove the clamps that connect the fuel lines and remove the old fuel lines. You can use a pipe cutter to cut the steel fuel lines.
  5. Take the old fuel lines and use them as templates to reshape the newer fuel lines.
  6. Install the newer fuel lines and attach them using fitters.
  7. Start the car and check the fuel lines for further leaks. If you do not detect any leaks, then you are great to go.

4. Replace the fuel pressure regulator

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle battery.
  2. Remove the vacuum line and unscrew the bolts securing the fuel pressure regulator. While you are doing this, connect the pressure gauge sensor and bleed out the extra fuel left and create extra pressure.
  3. Pop it out of the system slowly. Make sure that the extra fuel does not come out. Just to be safe, we suggest that you keep a towel or a cup underneath the O ring.
  4. Take off the cap gently and remove the regulator by pulling it off.
  5. Replace it with a new regulator and oil the O ring with some engine oil, gasoline etc. Make sure you apply a good amount of oil for it to be lubricated properly.
  6. Lastly, carefully reinstall the fuel pressure regulator.

5. Replace the power control module of the system

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
  2. Before you access the power control module of your 6.7 Power Stroke Engine, you need to remove the power steering fluid reservoir. Remove the windshield cover beforehand.
  3. Unscrew the 10mm bolts in order to remove the electrical junction bus.
  4. Head inside of your 6.7 powerstroke vehicle now and reach out for the power control module by looking underneath the dash. If you cannot reach it out, you might need to open up the whole dashboard section.
  5. After you take out the power control module, you should be able to reinstall the new one. 

This is a hard procedure to carry out by yourself. Therefore, we highly advise you to contact a mechanic to do the replacement for you.

6. Contact a professional or your Dealer

Even after completing all the procedures and still coming across the code or other faults, contact a professional immediately. The 6.7 Liter Power Stroke engine is a sensitive item and should be handled with utmost care at all times

How Much Does It Cost To Fix 6.7 Powerstroke p0088 Code?

After going through all the processes and solutions, it is time we do some calculations for the fixes to your 6.7L Power Stroke Engine. If you were to go to your local shop to get it checked up, you should prepare yourself to spend at least $150 just for the checkup.

For the parts, you might have to spend a bit more depending on the severity of your problem. If the damage is small, you can get away with just $100. However, if the severity is beyond your control, be prepared to spend at least half a thousand dollars .

The scenario completely changes if you were to fix the problems yourself. It would cost significantly less than going to the local garage. For example, the replacement of a fuel pressure regulator would generally cost around $350.

However, if you try to do the replacement by yourself, you can buy the parts for $150 and save the rest of the money for yourself. Mostly, all the parts should cost you around $200.

Can You Drive Your 6.7 Powerstroke With Code p0088?

You can, but you should not! It is particularly unsafe for your engine, as well as your vehicle, to travel with this P0088 code. The pressure in your engine may rise significantly, eventually harming your engine in the long run. 

Therefore, we advise you to call the mechanic or get a check up using your diagnostic connector as soon as you notice the symptoms. 

Conclusion

The 6.7 Powerstroke engine might be a beast, but it should be handled with care. If you come across a code, we would suggest you visit the local garage as soon as possible.

If you are always traveling, owning a diagnostic connector would be a better choice. If you see your vehicle seems to get into frequent faults, we highly suggest you learn some procedures and fixes. It will save you some easy bucks.

We hope that this article was informative and was able to answer all your queries. We hope that you have a great day!

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