Why does fuel pump go out? Reasons for this include running the vehicle on low fuel levels. Fuel pumps use gasoline to cool and lubricate their internal parts, so running a car with less than a 1/4 tank consistently could raise wear by as much as 30%. This lack of lubrication can lead to overheating and the early failure of the pump's motor and seals.
Another typical offender is contaminated fuel. Any dirt, debris or rust particles in the fuel tank can clog the filter for the fuel pump and lead to a lack of efficiency as well as extra work from the pump. A clogged filter may reduce fuel flow as much as 15%, leading to the engine starving for fuel. This increased strain reduces the useful life of the pump. According to industry reports, fuel contamination is responsible for 25% of all fuel pump failures.
Electric Problems are also a major factor in the failure of fuel pumps. Some issues that might result in this include faulty wiring or a blown relay preventing the proper electrical current from reaching the pump to power it, resulting in an on again off again type of situation or even just straight up no pump running at all. A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed 10% of fuel system failures were caused or influenced by electrically-related issues that affect the pump. Regularly checking the fuel pump relay and making sure all electrical connections are secure can help prevent this issue.
High temperatures are another cause of fuel pump wear. If the inside of the engine compartment (or near the fuel tank) is hot, it can make its internal components break down faster. This figure increases to 15% for vehicles driving in regions where the temperature is above 90°F, as hot weather brings additional thermal stress that leads to fuel pump failures.
Toyota issued its largest recall in 2020, related to the failure of fuel pumps, impacting almost 700,000 vehicles. These too can overheat and cause the engine to stall. The huge blowout brought home how fuel quality and service conditions also play into longevity of a fuel pump.
As automotive expert ChrisFix explains, "The fuel pump is the heart of your car's fuel system. It breaks down, then damages the engine or worse yet, it doesn't work at all of your engine. This reinforces how important fuel pumps are for the overall performance and dependability of your vehicle.
Changing fuel filters every 30k – 40k miles can significantly help to prevent the multitude of issues that lead to fuel pump failure, along with using only high quality fuels. You just need to be more proactive about inspecting or replacing the pump if you notice symptoms like sputtering, difficulty starting, or loss of power.
To keep your fuel pump in top condition for years to come, check out what Fuel Pump has to offer when it’s time for replacement. With a range of fuel pump solutions, you can bet our products are up to the task of making sure that uninterrupted flow continues in the months and years ahead.