A faulty fuel pump can greatly dent the performance of an engine, creating a wide variety of problems that have a serious effect on driving experience and vehicle efficiency. Fuel pumps serve to transfer fuel from the gas tank to the engine, maintaining the pressure needed to keep the engine running smoothly. If the fuel pump acts up, a host of performance problems can result, including hesitation in acceleration, stalling, or misfiring of the engine. According to AAA, about 15% of car breakdowns are due to fuel delivery problems, of which faulty fuel pumps are the leading cause.
One symptom that signals a failing fuel pump is the noticeable loss of power, especially when accelerating. The fuel pump is designed to push fuel at a specific pressure, typically between 40 to 60 psi depending on the make and model of the vehicle. If the pump cannot maintain the proper pressure, the engine will receive insufficient fuel, which can cause rough idling or sluggish acceleration. A study by Bosch showed that fuel pumps operating under low pressure can lower the performance of an engine by up to 25% regarding power output, which directly influences fuel efficiency and comfort while driving.
In worse cases, it may cause the engine to stall while driving. This is because the engine does not get enough fuel to keep running. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1,000 accidents have been blamed on fuel pump-related failures due to sudden stalls at high speeds, making this issue particularly dangerous on highways.
To address these problems, most modern vehicles employ sensors and warning systems to detect problems in fuel delivery. The OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, for instance, will alert the driver if the fuel pump pressure falls outside the normal range. The codes this system provides will guide technicians to pinpoint the exact problem and conduct repairs at the right time. Depending on the severity of the issue, replacing a faulty fuel pump can cost between $300 and $1,200, including labor and parts, but this investment is crucial for maintaining long-term engine health.
Besides, if a faulty fuel pump is not replaced, it may lead to more serious damage to the engine, raising the repair cost by 40%. This again underlines the importance of early action in the case of Fuel Pump failure, not only for restoring the performance of the engine but also for preventing greater and more costly damage to the engine and its components.