My Account About Us Help Desk
Go-Parts
Account About Us Help Desk
Cart 0
Your cart is empty
Add an item to see it appear here.
Wrenchy
Go-Parts Garage
Expert guides for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and replacing auto parts Expert guides for diagnosing and replacing auto parts
Browse All →
🎬 Helpful Videos 🛍️ Shop This Part

P0193 on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost: Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit High Causes and Fixes

On a 2015-2020 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost, P0193 almost always means the high-pressure Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor has failed. It's an electrical fault, not an actual pressure issue. The sensor itself costs $80-$150, but its location at the back of the engine makes replacement labor-intensive (3-5 hours), so professional repair can cost $500-$800.

21 minutes to read 2015-2020 Ford F-150
Most Likely Cause
Failed Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) Sensor
Difficulty
4/5
Est. Time
4.2 hrs
DIY Doable?
🔧 Shop
Shop Labor
$500 – $850
Parts Price
$80 – $150
⚠️ Drivable, but... — Driving is not recommended as the truck may stall, hesitate, have trouble starting, or suffer from poor performance, which can be a safety hazard in traffic. The engine may enter a 'limp mode' with severely reduced power.
Key Takeaways
  • P0193 is an electrical code for the Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor, not a mechanical pressure problem.
  • The most likely fix is replacing the FRP sensor, but diagnosis is key to avoid replacing expensive parts like the fuel pump unnecessarily.
  • The sensor is located at the back of the engine and is difficult to access, making labor a significant portion of the repair cost.
  • Verify you are buying the correct sensor part number, as it differs between 2015-2016 and 2017-2020 models.
  • If any engine work was recently done on a 2017+ model, check for the backward fuel jumper line mentioned in TSB SSM 50089 before replacing any parts.
The trouble code P0193 stands for 'Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) Sensor 'A' Circuit High Input'. This means the truck's main computer, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), has detected a voltage signal from the high-pressure fuel sensor that is above the maximum expected limit. The normal operating range is 0.5 to 4.5 volts; a signal that stays at or near 5.0 volts will trigger this code. This is almost always an electrical fault, indicating the sensor has shorted internally or there's a problem in the wiring. The PCM is not seeing dangerously high fuel pressure, but rather an impossibly high *electrical signal* from the sensor.

What's Unique About the 2015-2020 Ford F-150

The 3.5L EcoBoost uses a Gasoline Direct Injection (GTDI) system with extremely high fuel pressures, operating with both a low-pressure in-tank pump and a high-pressure, engine-driven pump (HPFP). The P0193 code specifically relates to the sensor on this high-pressure rail. The 2015-2020 year range spans two generations of this engine: the 1st Gen (2015-2016) and the 2nd Gen (2017-2020), which added a secondary port injection system to help clean intake valves. While the cause of P0193 is typically the same for both (a failed sensor), the part numbers for the sensor and its location differ between these generations.

Generation note: This range covers the 13th generation F-150. However, it also spans two versions of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The 2015-2016 models use the 1st generation engine, while the 2017-2020 models use the updated 2nd generation engine with a dual (port and direct) injection system. The Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensors have different part numbers and are in slightly different locations between these two engine versions.

Professional service recommended: The high-pressure fuel system operates at over 2,000 PSI and requires special procedures to depressurize. The sensor is also in a very difficult-to-reach location at the back of the engine against the firewall, making DIY replacement challenging and time-consuming.

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Check Engine Light is on
  • Engine is hard to start or will not start (cranks but won't fire)
  • Engine stalls, especially after warming up or at idle
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Poor acceleration and significant lack of power (limp mode)
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Strong smell of fuel in some rare cases
⚠️ Don't Waste Money on the Wrong Fix
  • Replacing the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP). The HPFP is very expensive and is a mechanical part. P0193 is an electrical circuit code, which almost always points to the sensor or wiring, not the pump itself.
  • Replacing the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump or Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM). These components are part of the low-pressure system and are highly unlikely to cause a 'Circuit High' fault on the high-pressure sensor.
  • For 2017+ models, failing to check for a backward fuel jumper line (per TSB SSM 50089) after recent engine work. While this TSB primarily addresses low-pressure codes (P0087), it's a platform-specific issue that can cause general fuel system faults and should be checked.

Most Likely Causes

  1. Failed Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) Sensor 🔴 High Probability The FRP sensor is exposed to extreme heat cycles at the back of the engine against the firewall, leading to internal electronic failure. It often shorts internally, causing the signal wire to constantly read the 5-volt reference voltage, sending a fixed, high signal to the PCM.
    How to confirm: With the Key On, Engine Off (KOEO), use a scan tool to monitor the fuel rail pressure PID. If the reading is abnormally high and static (e.g., 2,000+ PSI or a maxed-out value), the sensor has failed or the wiring is shorted. Actual pressure in the rail is zero.
    Typical fix: Replace the Fuel Rail Pressure sensor. This is labor-intensive due to its location. Depressurizing the fuel system is a critical first step.
    Est. part cost: $80-$150
  2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness near the sensor is also exposed to high heat, which can cause insulation to become brittle and crack over time. This can lead to a short circuit between the signal wire and the 5V reference wire, mimicking a failed sensor. Manufacturer bulletin TSB Bulletin #SSM 47337 notes that some vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL and/or runs rough condition with DTC P0193 due to engine harness chafing at the right cylinder head near connector C1056.
    How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for any signs of melting, chafing, or damage. Perform a continuity test on the wiring between the sensor connector and the PCM. A user on F150forum.com reported this exact issue: 'P0193... ended up being a bad wire between the PCM and sensor. It was shorting out on the block somewhere.'
    Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the sensor connector pigtail.
    Est. part cost: $20-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fault: This is extremely rare. The PCM should only be considered after the sensor and wiring have been definitively ruled out by thorough testing. A failed internal driver in the PCM could theoretically cause this fault.
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Reference Voltage: While documented on other Ford platforms like the F-250, TSB Bulletin #SSM 46456 and TSB Bulletin #SSM 46351 indicate that P0193 can sometimes be triggered by a concern with the reference voltage or signal return circuit of the crankshaft position sensor.

Diagnosis Steps

  1. Connect a diagnostic scan tool and confirm P0193 is the primary active code.
  2. Access the live data stream on the scan tool.
  3. With the Key On, Engine Off (KOEO), observe the Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) PID. If it shows a very high, fixed value (e.g., thousands of PSI or a voltage reading near 5.0V), this confirms the electrical fault. The actual pressure is zero.
    4. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step Ford P0193 diagnostic testing procedure
  4. Turn the ignition off. Carefully depressurize the high-pressure fuel system following the manufacturer's service procedure.
  5. Disconnect the FRP sensor electrical connector at the back of the engine (passenger side).
  6. Turn the Key On, Engine Off again. Re-check the FRP reading on the scan tool. The reading should now be very low or zero (voltage near 0V), and a P0192 (Circuit Low) code may appear. If this happens, it confirms the wiring to the PCM is intact and the sensor itself has failed internally.
  7. If the high reading (near 5V) persists with the sensor disconnected, there is a short to voltage in the wiring harness between the sensor and the PCM. You will need to trace the signal wire back to the PCM to find the short.
  8. Thoroughly inspect the wiring harness for any signs of melting, chafing, or damage, especially near the back of the cylinder head and any contact points with the engine block.
  9. If the sensor is confirmed bad, replace the Fuel Rail Pressure sensor and clear the codes.

Parts You'll Likely Need

  • Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor (2017-2020 Models) (OEM #BU5Z-9F972-B) — This is the direct injection high-pressure sensor for the 2nd generation 3.5L EcoBoost. It is the most common cause of P0193 on these model years. This part supersedes BU5Z-9F972-A.
    Trusted brands: Motorcraft (CM-5250)
    OEM price range: $90-$150
    Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
  • Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor (2015-2016 Models) (OEM #BL3Z-9F972-A) — This is the direct injection high-pressure sensor for the 1st generation 3.5L EcoBoost. It is the most common cause of P0193 on these model years.
    Trusted brands: Motorcraft (CM-5229)
    OEM price range: $80-$130
    Aftermarket price range: $60-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

  • P0088 — P0088 means 'Fuel Rail Pressure Too High'. If the failed sensor sends a false high reading, the PCM may log both the electrical fault (P0193) and the perceived performance fault (P0088).
  • P0192 — This code means 'Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Low'. Seeing P0192 and P0193 together or intermittently could indicate an erratic sensor or a wiring problem causing shorts to both ground and voltage.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

  • SSM 47337 - Describes how vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL and/or runs rough condition with DTC P0193 due to engine harness chafing at the right cylinder head near connector C1056.
  • SSM 50089 - Notes that on 2017-2021 models, a fuel jumper line can be installed backward after service, leading to fuel pressure DTCs.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

  • Harness Chafing: A TSB for some F-150s notes that the engine harness can chafe near the right cylinder head, potentially causing shorts that could trigger codes like P0193.
  • Incorrect Jumper Line Installation (2017+): Ford TSB SSM 50089 applies to 2017-2020 models. If fuel system work was recently performed, a fuel jumper line between the HPFP and port injection rail can be installed backward, causing various fuel pressure codes. While it typically causes low pressure codes, it's a critical check after any service.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

  • FRP Sensor Signal Voltage (KOEO) — expected: ~0.5V. Failure: A reading of 4.5V or higher indicates a hard fault (shorted sensor or wiring).
  • FRP Sensor Connector VREF (5V Reference) to SIG RTN (Ground) — expected: 4.0V to 6.0V. Failure: Voltage outside this range indicates a problem with the PCM or the wiring for power/ground to the sensor.
  • FRP Signal Circuit Resistance (PCM and Sensor disconnected) — expected: Less than 5.0 ohms. Failure: Resistance greater than 5.0 ohms indicates an open or high resistance in the signal wire between the PCM and sensor.
  • FRP Signal Circuit Short to Ground/Return Test (PCM and Sensor disconnected) — expected: Greater than 10,000 ohms. Failure: Resistance less than 10,000 ohms between the FRP signal pin and the SIG RTN pin (or chassis ground) indicates a short circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

  • Ford IDS / FORScan: FRP PID (Fuel Rail Pressure) — This is the primary live data PID to monitor. With KOEO, it should read near zero PSI. A maxed-out reading (e.g., 2175+ PSI) or a voltage stuck near 5V confirms the 'Circuit High' electrical fault.
  • Ford IDS / FORScan: FRP_DSD (Desired Fuel Rail Pressure) vs. FRP (Actual) — While more useful for performance codes like P0087/P0088, comparing desired vs. actual pressure can help confirm the reading is irrational. For P0193, you will typically see 'Actual' pegged high while 'Desired' is low.

Wiring & Ground Locations

  • C167 — The electrical connector for the Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor itself, located on the high-pressure fuel rail at the back of the engine.. This is the primary connection to test. The 3 pins are typically: 5V Reference (VREF), Signal Return/Ground (SIG RTN), and the FRP Signal wire. Testing voltages and continuity at this connector is the first step after checking scan data.
  • C1551A / C175E — These are designations for the large PCM connectors located on the passenger side firewall.. The three wires from the C167 connector terminate here. For example, on some models, the FRP signal wire is a Brown/White wire going to Pin 57 of the PCM connector. Checking for a short-to-voltage at these pins with the sensor disconnected can confirm a harness problem.
  • G102 / G103 — Main engine grounds, typically located on the engine block or cylinder head near the front of the engine compartment.. The FRP sensor's Signal Return (ground) wire ultimately connects to a shared sensor ground that is tied to these main engine grounds. A poor main ground can cause floating voltages and erratic sensor readings, though it would likely cause multiple sensor codes, not just P0193.

Real Owner Repair Stories

  • F150forum.com user 'muckernator' (2019 Ford F-150 5.0L (Note: different engine, but identical code and electrical principle)) — P0193 code appeared after installing a GT intake manifold. Engine would stall when touching certain pins on the FRP connector with a multimeter.
    ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapped all fuel injectors, Replaced the entire fuel rail, Replaced the FRP sensor
    ✅ What actually fixed it The user suspected a pulled pin in the FRP sensor connector from stretching the harness during the manifold swap. The final diagnosis pointed to a missing or faulty ground connection at the 3-pin sensor connector, causing the 5V reference to be uncontrolled and creating the 'Circuit High' condition.

OEM Part Supersession History

  • BU5Z-9F972-A → BU5Z-9F972-B (Motorcraft CM-5250) — Standard part revision, likely for improved durability or internal electronics.
  • 3F2Z-9G756-AC → BL3Z-9F972-A (Motorcraft CM-5229) — Part number consolidation and revision for the 1st generation EcoBoost and other Ford applications.
    Heads up: CM-5229 is for the Gen 1 EcoBoost (2015-16) and is not interchangeable with CM-5250 for the Gen 2 (2017-20).

Model Year Variations Within This Range

  • 2015-2016: Uses the 1st generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The correct FRP sensor is Motorcraft CM-5229 (OEM P/N BL3Z-9F972-A).
  • 2017-2020: Uses the 2nd generation 3.5L EcoBoost with dual injection. The correct FRP sensor is Motorcraft CM-5250 (OEM P/N BU5Z-9F972-B). This engine also has the potential for the backward fuel jumper line issue (TSB SSM 50089) if recently serviced.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Start by confirming if P0193 (Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor High Input) is active. This code typically indicates an electrical fault rather than a mechanical pump failure on the GTDI platform.
Turn ignition OFF. Disconnect the FRP sensor at the back of the passenger-side cylinder head. Turn KOEO. Does the FRP PID drop to zero/low voltage?
Has the fuel system been serviced recently (e.g., HPFP or rail work)?
→ Check for SSM 50089: Ensure the fuel jumper line between the HPFP and port injection rail isn't installed backward. If correct, replace the failed FRP sensor (Part CM-5247 for 2015-16 or CM-5250 for 2017+).
→ The FRP sensor has failed internally due to heat soak against the firewall. Replace the sensor, ensuring you depressurize the high-pressure system first.
With the sensor unplugged, inspect the harness. Is there visible damage near the cylinder head or engine block?
→ Repair the damaged wiring harness section. This is a known issue where the harness rubs against the rear of the cylinder head, shorting the 5V reference to the signal wire.
→ Perform a continuity test between the FRP connector and the PCM. You have a 'short to voltage' on the signal wire. Trace the harness back to the PCM to find the internal short.
Does the engine exhibit a metallic rattle for 2-5 seconds on a cold start?
→ While P0193 is electrical, your 3.5L EcoBoost likely has Cam Phaser failure (TSB 22-2200). Address the P0193 wiring/sensor first, but prepare for cam phaser service as the harness must be moved during that repair anyway.
Inspect the FRP sensor connector pigtail pins. Are they corroded or is the insulation brittle?
→ Replace the FRP sensor connector pigtail ($20-$50). Heat cycles on the F-150 platform make these connectors brittle, leading to intermittent high-voltage signals.
→ The sensor is likely failing intermittently. Replace the FRP sensor and clear codes. Monitor for 10R80 transmission harsh shifts (TSB 20-2051) during your test drive, as P0193 limp mode can sometimes mask shifting issues.

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

  • Cam Phaser Rattle on Cold Start 🔴 High — Very common on 2nd Gen (2017+) 3.5L EcoBoost engines, typically appearing after 30,000-60,000 miles. Causes a 2-5 second metallic rattle from the front of the engine after a cold soak. (Ref: TSB 21-2119, TSB 22-2200, TSB 23-2143, Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03.)
  • 10R80 Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting 🟠 Medium — Widespread on 2017+ models equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Symptoms include harsh shifts (especially 1-2 and 2-3), delayed engagement, and shuddering. Onset can be as early as 45,000 miles. (Ref: Multiple software-related TSBs have been issued. Internal component failures like the CDF drum sleeve are also common.)
  • Leaking Plastic Oil Pan 🟠 Medium — Common on 2017-2018 models due to poor RTV sealant adhesion from the factory. The repair requires a meticulous cleaning and preparation procedure to be successful. (Ref: TSB 20-2051 (supersedes TSB 20-2015).)
  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves 🟡 Low — A known characteristic of all direct-injection engines. The 2nd Gen (2017+) engine added port injection to mitigate this, but the 1st Gen (2015-2016) is more susceptible. Can cause a gradual loss of power and efficiency over 80,000-100,000 miles.
  • IWE System Failure (4WD Models) 🟠 Medium — The vacuum-operated Integrated Wheel End (IWE) hubs are prone to failure, causing a grinding or clicking noise from the front wheels. This is often due to vacuum leaks in the lines or a faulty solenoid.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, buying a used Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor is NOT recommended. The failure is electronic and heat-cycle related, meaning a used part from a junkyard has unknown remaining life and is very likely to fail soon, if it doesn't arrive already faulty. A used wiring harness pigtail is a viable option if the connector is damaged, provided it is in good physical condition with no brittle plastic or corroded pins.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 30000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

  • For a pigtail: check that the locking tab is intact and clicks firmly.
  • Inspect the wires for flexibility; avoid any that are stiff or have cracked insulation.
  • Look at the pins inside the connector; they should be clean and straight, with no signs of green or white corrosion.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

  • Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

  • Motorcraft (OEM)
  • Bosch (Often the original manufacturer for Ford)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

  • No-name, unbranded sensors from online marketplaces. Forum discussions frequently show these parts failing quickly or being dead-on-arrival. The labor to access this sensor is too high to risk using a low-quality part.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

2017 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost

Symptoms: The vehicle experienced P0193, hard starting, and stalling.

What fixed it: The dealer diagnosed and repaired a short in the wiring harness between the sensor and the PCM that was shorting out on the block.

Source hint: f150forum.com thread titled 'P0193 Help'

2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost

Symptoms: Classic symptoms of hard starting and engine stalling.

What fixed it: Replacement of the Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor.

Source hint: f150ecoboost.net thread titled 'P0193 code - fuel rail pressure sensor'

Ford Escape (Cross-Platform Reference)

Symptoms: An owner reported the engine light had been on for several months with the only code being P0193.

What fixed it: NHTSA ODI #10593745 describes a repair involving the fuel rail pressure sensor high input fault.

Ford Five Hundred (Cross-Platform Reference)

Symptoms: An owner reported a P0193 code while also experiencing issues with driver controls and door sensors.

What fixed it: NHTSA ODI #11234304 notes the only engine code present was P0193 for the fuel rail pressure sensor.

  • P0192 — This is the 'Circuit Low' companion code; it often appears during diagnostics when the FRP sensor is disconnected to verify if the P0193 'Circuit High' fault is internal to the sensor or in the wiring.
  • P0191 — A related fuel rail pressure range/performance code that can be triggered by the same backward installation of the fuel jumper line described in SSM 50089.
  • P0087 — A fuel rail pressure 'Too Low' code that may occur alongside P0193 symptoms if the fuel jumper line is installed backward on 2017-2020 models.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a 2017 F-150 and just had fuel system work done; now I have fuel pressure codes. Could it be a parts installation error?
Yes. According to SSM 50089, on 2017-2020 models, a fuel jumper line located between the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) and the port injection rail can be installed backward during service, leading to various fuel pressure DTCs.
Why does the Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor fail so often on the 3.5L EcoBoost?
The sensor is located at the back of the engine against the firewall where it is exposed to extreme heat cycles. This environment leads to internal electronic failures or shorts that cause the signal wire to send a constant 5-volt reference signal to the PCM.
My 2018 F-150 is stalling and hard to start. Is there a specific part number for the replacement sensor?
For 2017-2020 models with the 2nd Gen 3.5L EcoBoost, the context identifies the FRP sensor part number as BU5Z-9F972-B (CM-5250).
Can a wiring problem cause a P0193 code even if the sensor is good?
Yes. The wiring harness near the back of the cylinder head is prone to heat damage and chafing. TSB Bulletin #SSM 47337 notes that the harness can chafe near the right cylinder head, and forum reports confirm that a shorted wire between the PCM and sensor will trigger P0193.
Does the Ford Expedition share this P0193 sensor issue?
Yes. The 2015-2017 Expedition uses the same 1st Gen engine and sensor (CM-5247), while the 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator use the same 2nd Gen fuel system and sensor (CM-5250) as the F-150, making them prone to the same failures.
How can I tell if the sensor is actually bad or if it's a wiring short?
With the sensor disconnected and the key on, check the scan tool. If the reading drops to near 0V (or triggers P0192), the sensor is bad. If the reading stays near 5V with the sensor unplugged, there is a short to voltage in the wiring harness.
2012 F150 3.5 Fuel rail pressure sensor
▶
2012 F150 3.5 Fuel rail pressure sensor
Ford P0193 DTC Testing Procedure
▶
Ford P0193 DTC Testing Procedure
FORD ENGINE LIGHT ON CODE P0193 FIX. CAR DOES NOT START OR STARTS HARD
▶
FORD ENGINE LIGHT ON CODE P0193 FIX. CAR DOES NOT START OR STARTS HARD
Wrenchy
Article researched & written by
Wrenchy
Go-Parts' AI research assistant. Every article is backed by live web research, verified OEM data, and real technician knowledge — so you get accurate, up-to-date information you can trust.
Meet Wrenchy → Updated Jul 21, 2026

The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.

Year Coverage
This article covers the OBD-II Code P0193 (Deep Dive) for:
  • Ford F-150: 201520162017201820192020
In this article
🎬 Helpful Videos
Jump to ▴

Email This Guide

We'll send you a link to this article so you can read it later or share it.

Added to cart · Part