A faulty fuel pump that does not provide sufficient pressure may cause several issues with the performance of an engine, such as stalling, hesitation, poor acceleration, or a complete failure of the engine. In establishing whether the fuel pump operates within the required pressure, a number of symptoms and tests are considered.
Most fuel systems in a modern car run at a pressure of 40-60 psi, which can vary by make and model. For example, Bosch Automotive states that for most modern vehicles, fuel pressure is within this range for ideal operation of fuel injectors. If the fuel pump fails to sustain such pressure, fuel delivery becomes erratic and results in inconsistent fuel flow to the engine. In addition, this can lead to very poor fuel economy, erratic idling, or rough acceleration of the vehicle.
You will use a fuel pressure gauge as one way to test your fuel pump to see if it is producing adequate pressure. This tool will be designed to measure the pressure in the fuel system, and it is often available at automotive stores to purchase or rent, such as AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts. You can directly measure it by attaching the gauge to the fuel rail or the Schrader valve, a common access point in fuel systems. If the pressure is lower than the manufacturer-recommended specification, that could indicate a problem with either the fuel pump or the fuel filter. Ford has mentioned that the F-150 could face fuel pressure drop with high mileage, which results in symptoms such as engine misfire or a loss of power during heavy acceleration.
In addition to using a fuel pressure gauge, paying attention to symptoms like slow acceleration, engine misfires, or even a check engine light can help you identify if the fuel pump is not delivering enough pressure. According to a study made by AAA Automotive, 12% of engine performance problems were fuel pressure related, with a majority of these related to worn-out fuel pumps that couldn’t produce adequate pressure. If your car hesitates or stammers when you press the accelerator pedal, especially after some time driving, the fuel pump may not be able to provide the engine with adequate fuel.
Some vehicles also have an OBD-II diagnostic system that can detect fuel pump issues. The system checks for trouble codes related to the fuel system, such as a low fuel pressure code (P0087). These codes can often point directly to the source of the issue, saving time and cost on diagnosing the problem. For instance, Honda’s service department states that “the Civic model owners complained of fuel pressure loss due to faulty pumps where the same problem was confirmed by diagnostic codes “.
Fuel filter condition also modifies the fuel pump pressure. A clogged fuel filter will restrict fuel flow to the pump, thereby making it difficult for the latter to maintain the required pressure. According to AAA, 15% of fuel pump failures are said to be brought about by a restricted fuel filter that makes the pump work harder to eventually wear and tear.
According to General Motors, if the fuel pump pressure is too low, the engine might have poor performance during high-demand situations, such as accelerating on an incline or during heavy traffic. As John Calabrese, an automotive engineer at GM, explains, “A fuel pump that cannot maintain pressure under load is a serious issue, especially if the vehicle is tasked with maintaining speed on an uphill incline or while towing.”
Because proper fuel pressure is necessary for the longevity of the engine and efficiency of fuel, finding that your fuel pump does not provide enough pressure can prevent further damage to the fuel injectors, combustion chambers, or even the engine itself. Replacing a fuel pump that fails to meet the required pressure can cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on your vehicle model, but it’s an investment that can extend the life of your engine and restore its performance.
If you’re experiencing issues related to fuel pressure, ensure your Fuel Pump is functioning optimally by consulting a trusted supplier. For more information on fuel pump replacements, visit Fuel Pump.