How to Fix P228F Code On 6.7L Powerstroke (Expert Insights)

The diagnostic trouble codes are something that continuously concerns you about the issues detected by the PCM of your vehicle. DTC codes, also known as trouble codes or error codes, are generally applied to diesel-powered OBD-2 vehicles. 

The P228F code on 6.7 Powerstroke means that the Powertrain Control Module has detected an excessive fuel pressure voltage. This code may cause various engine issues such as no start condition or excessive smoke from the exhaust. 

Fortunately, there are also some pretty easy solutions to correct the code on 6.7 Powerstroke. So, in the following article, we’re gonna help you to know about the causes, symptoms, and fixes for the code P228F. 

How to Fix P228F Code On 6.7L Powerstroke

P228F 6.7 Powerstroke Code Meaning

P228F code on Powerstroke 6.7 means that the Powertrain Control Module has detected an excessive fuel pressure voltage emerging from the Fuel Pressure Regulator 1. In general, the code P228F stands for “Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Exceeded Control Limits – Too High.”  

The Fuel Pressure Regulator or FPR is an electronic component that controls the fuel pressure delivered to the fuel injectors of the engine. At the same time, the PCM monitors the fuel pressure regulator 1 voltage coming from the fuel pressure sensor. 

When the voltage is increased or decreased, the fuel pressure is also increased or decreased than the required parameters. If the fuel pressure is insufficient or 20% greater than a certain threshold, trouble code p228f can be triggered. 

Here’s a breakdown of the code P228F so that you can understand the code more clearly.

  • P = Powertrain that includes engine, transmission, and associated drivetrain accessories. 
  • 2 = A generic code. 
  • 2 = Fuel and air metering (injector circuit) problems
  • 8F = Specific fault index (in this case, excessive fuel pressure voltage from the regulator 1) 

How Serious Is Code P228F On 6.7 Powerstroke?

Excessive fuel pressure can damage the engine internally. It may also cause various drivability issues such as misfire, rough start or control, and not start situations. 

These things can lead the car to innumerable accidents and irreparable losses. So, getting the code P228F on 6.7 Powerstroke is serious enough. 

Causes of P228F Code On 6.7 Powerstroke

There are a few different reasons that may cause the p228F code on 6.7 Powerstroke. Some of the most common causes may include:

  • Oil pressure/level is low
  • Malfunctioning in the engine
  • A faulty fuel pressure sensor
  • A damaged fuel pressure regulator
  • A defective PCM

Other Symptoms Of Getting P228F Code On 6.7 Powerstroke

The most common symptom of getting the code P228F on Powerstroke 6.7 is the check engine light might be illuminated. The other common symptoms are the following:

  • The engine doesn’t take start
  • Poor fuel efficiency
  • Excessive black smoke coming out of the exhaust
  • Engine misfires and stalling
  • Bad smell from the engine
  • Engine late start

Fix To P228F 6.7 Powerstroke Code

Once you diagnose the code p228f on Powerstroke 6.7 and know the causes, it’s time to look for the solutions to each problem. Well, here are the possible fixes mentioned below to help you correct the code. So, let’s get into it.   

1. Ensure the required fuel level or pressure 

One of the most possible reasons for getting the p228F code on Powerstroke 6.7 is lower fuel level or fuel pressure. So, first of all, diagnose the fuel pressure and fuel level, if they’re right or not. If not, follow the following fixes:

2. Fix the oil leaks 

When there are oil leaks in the fuel line, the fuel level/pressure can suddenly fall and the code p228f can be logged. So, mix some ultraviolet leak detectors with the engine oil and visually inspect if there is any leakage in the line. 

If you find any leakage from where oil is leaking, seal the leakage using any of the stop oil leaking additives. This is the simplest and cheapest way to fix an oil leakage. 

3. Change the faulty fuel pump 

A fuel pump is a very essential part of diesel-powered vehicles including the 6.7 Powerstroke. But if the fuel pump fails to supply enough fuel pressure, this will cause the code p228f and other issues related to the code. 

So, it should be replaced on time. This can be done by going through the following steps: 

  • Remove the negative battery terminals so there is no power to the vehicle.
  • Relieve the fuel from the tank as much as possible. 
  • Disconnect the fuel lines over the fuel filter so you can drop the tank.
  • Now remove the fuel filter as well. 
  • Remove the retaining straps and take the fuel tank off
  • Locate the fuel pump that is usually injected into the fuel tank
  • Disconnect the fuel lines and detach the old fuel pump
  • Compare it to the replacement fuel pump and install the new one if you have the correct part.
  • Reconnect the fuel lines
  • Reinstall the fuel tank to the place and connect the retaining straps back.
  • Finally, rejoin the battery cable and fill the fuel tank with fuel. 

4. Replace the clogged fuel filter  

If the fuel filter is blocked, the fuel level or fuel pressure can be decreased. So, replacing a clogged fuel filter is very necessary. Here are step-by-step guidelines to replace a blocked fuel filter. 

  • Remove the battery cable from the negative battery terminals
  • Locate the fuel filter. It may be in the fuel line under the hood
  • Remove the fuel lines from the fuel filter 
  • Detach the bolts or anything that is holding the pump in place
  • Remove the old fuel pump and install the new one 
  • Now reassemble all the components that were removed  

5. Replace the Faulty fuel pressure regulator

If you see the fuel pressure or fuel level is nice but the error code is still showing, the fuel pressure regulator can be the major culprit. So, test the regulator and find it out.

Well, changing a bad fuel pressure regulator will solve a lot of hesitation in your vehicle and it’s a simple fix as mentioned below. 

  • Step 1: Disconnect the battery 

The first step is to disconnect the negative battery cable. So, open the hood of your vehicle and take the battery cable off. 

  • Step 2: Locate the fuel pressure regulator

Now look for the fuel pressure regulator. The fuel regulator in your Powerstroke 6.7 is usually located on the fuel rail. 

  • Step 3: Remove the vacuum line

Once the regulator is located, inspect the vacuum line. Then take the vacuum line off and move it aside. 

  • Step 4: Detach the bad fuel regulator

Now it’s time to remove the old fuel regulator. First, remove the snap ring using snap ring pliers. This will detach the regulator from the place. Now pull the regulator out and keep it aside.  

  • Step 5: Install the new regulator 

compare it to the replacement fuel regulator check the length and vacuum connections apply a small amount of engine oil around the o-ring surface push the regulator firmly and make a nice firm seat install the c-clip reattach the vacuum line reconnect the battery, and now check to see if the check engine light comes on. 

6. Replace the defective fuel pressure sensor 

A fuel pressure sensor or fuel rail pressure sensor is a device that monitors the fuel pressure in the fuel rail. If the sensor starts malfunctioning, the fuel may increase in the fuel pressure regulator 1 and the code P228F can be set. 

So whenever you notice the code on Powerstroke 6.7, the fuel sensor should be checked and replaced if it is bad. Here are the steps you may follow to replace a bad fuel pressure sensor.

  • Step 1: Detach the battery cable 

First of all, take the negative battery cable off. This will stop power flowing to the fuel system and ignition system. 

  • Step 2: Locate the fuel pressure sensor

Now locate the fuel rail sensor. The fuel sensor in a Powerstroke 6.7 is usually located on the fuel rail. More specifically, it is mounted between the middle and the end of the fuel rail. 

  • Step 3 : Remove the vacuum line and electrical connectors 

Once you locate the fuel sensor, you’ll see a vacuum line on the back of the sensor. Remove the line as well as the electrical connectors from the sensor. 

  • Step 4: Take the old sensor off 

After all, we’re ready to take the bad fuel rail sensor off. To do so, loosen the power steering line and pry the bolts out that hold the sensor in place using a screwdriver. Once the bolts are removed, gently lift and twist at the same time and pull the old fuel sensor up out of the fuel rail. 

  • Step 5: Insert the new fuel sensor

Once you remove the fuel sensor, it’s time to install the new one. 

Note: Before starting the installation, clean the fuel rail harnesses using a piece of soft cloth or an electrical cleaner.

Put a little amount of gasoline around the o-ring of the new fuel rail sensor to lubricate it. Then push it down into place and reinstall the bolts to hold down the sensor in place. 

You should also connect the vacuum line back and reconnect the electrical connectors. Once you finish all these terms, reconnect the battery cable and start the engine to see if the trouble code is fixed. 

7. Replace the faulty Powertrain Control Module

The last suspect of getting the code p228f on the 6.7 Powerstroke is a bad powertrain control module. So, check the PCM to see if it is working properly. If you notice the PCM is malfunctioning, replace the old PCM as early as possible. Here are the instructions to follow while changing the faulty PCM on Powerstroke 6.7: 

  • Make sure that there is no power in the ignition system and the fuel system by removing the negative battery cable.
  • Locate the PCM.
  • Disconnect the electrical connectors from the PCM 
  • Remove the bolts that are holding the part 
  • Take the old powertrain control module off
  • Insert the new one and tighten the bolts
  • Reconnect the electrical connectors and negative battery cable 

Finally, turn on the engine to check if the code is fixed or comes on again. If the code isn’t fixed yet, the 6.7 powerstroke vehicle should be taken to a repair shop to solve the problem that is exactly lying in your car. 

Cost To Fix The 6.7 Powerstroke P228F Code

Diagnosing the code P228F on the 6.7 Powerstroke will consume one hour of labor time and the labor cost will be around $75 to $150 per hour. The other costs will depend on the parts you should change. 

For example, if you need to replace a bad fuel pressure regulator, the parts will cost between $65 to $253, while the replacement cost of a faulty fuel pressure sensor is about $250. Furthermore, the total replacement cost will also depend on your location. 

Can You Drive Your 6.7 Powerstroke With Code P228F?

In most cases, the error code p228f can lead your 6.7 Powerstroke in no start condition. So, in this case, you can’t drive your vehicle with the code P228F. 

Furthermore, driving a vehicle with this code is not safe. As we discussed earlier, it can cause various drivability or car damage issues. So,  driving your 6.7 Powerstroke with the code p228f isn’t recommended. 

FAQs

By now, we’ve already discussed the causes, the symptoms, and the possible fixes of the code p228f on the car 6.7 Powerstroke. Here are some other common questions along with answers with the view to clearing your thoughts regarding the code p228f. 

What Other DTC Codes Are Related To The Fuel Pressure Regulator 1? 

Apart from P228F, there are some other diagnostic trouble codes related to the fuel pressure regulator. Some of the most common codes include P0089, P0090, P228C, and P0087. 

How Do You Know If The Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Is Bad? 

Certain symptoms can emerge when the fuel pressure regulator is bad. Some of the most common symptoms are oil leaks, engine malfunctions, black smoke from the exhaust, and lower fuel pressure voltage. 

How Do You Correct Code P228f On 6.7 Powerstroke ? 

There are some possible fixes that can solve the code p228f on the 6.7 Powerstroke. Some of them are repairing or replacing the bad fuel pressure sensor, changing the faulty fuel pressure regulator, or replacing the defective powertrain control module. 

Conclusion

P228F code on 6.7 Powerstroke is a generic powertrain code that can cause several damages to the vehicle. So, the code must be fixed as soon as possible. But the procedure can be very tricky. 

So, don’t try to do the job yourself, if you don’t have enough DIY experience and knowledge. Take your car to a repair shop and do the repairs completely. 

As the code p228f is a result of lower fuel pressure voltage, it can cause many drivability issues and damage to the car. So, always keep alert and make sure that there is enough fuel pressure in the fuel rail.

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