Fuel Pump One of the most frequent causes of power loss is to not deliver enough fuel at a continuous pressure for engine performance. Most new vehicles need between 35 and 65 PSI of fuel pressure to keep combustion optimized. If the pump doesn’t satisfy these requirements, the air-fuel ratio gets unbalanced, and the engine’s ability to effectively generate power is diminished.
Power loss is primarily caused by fuel starvation. When the pump doesn’t provide enough fuel to keep up with the engine’s needs, particularly while accelerating or under heavy loads, combustion efficiency suffers. The cause of this problem is that 25% of the horsepower of cars with defective fuel pumps is missing, as the fuel supply is low, according to a 2022 study. This loss translates into decreased acceleration, towing capacity and overall drivability.
Worn internal components, like the pump’s motor or bearings, can hinder its efficiency. Fuel pumps have a lifespan of 100,000 to 150,000 miles on average, but things like contaminated fuel or a blocked fuel filter can hasten their demise. Changing the filter on an ongoing basis — roughly $20 to $50 — helps prolong the life of the pump and spare you performance problems.
Power loss is also caused by electrical problems. The pump requires 12 volts of steady power to run. Corroded connectors or a failing relay can break this power, starving the pump. Using multi-meter to test the voltage at the pump terminals helps to troubleshoot this kind of problem to determine whether the electrical system allows for adequate fuel delivery.
This issue is demonstrated by a real-world example. For example, a compact SUV that consistently exhibited severe power loss while driving up hills was found to have a failing fuel pump in 2021. The pump was only working at 60% of its rated size, dropping fuel pressure to 20 PSI at full load. Replacing the pump brought the performance back to the limit and improved the vehicle’s consumption by 15%.
Henry Royce, co-founder of the Rolls-Royce, said: (within his quote) “Strive for perfection in everything you do. This philosophy leads the way to timely diagnosis of fuel pump issues and maintenance to keep the vehicle performing well. Pump replacement costs $200 to $1,000 or more, but it’s a small price to pay to prevent more serious damage to the engine and other parts.
For more guidance on how to maintain your fuel pump and diagnose fuel pump problems, check out Fuel Pump.