In dealing with a sticking fuel pump, one must first identify the root cause of the problem and then address it in an orderly manner. A sticking fuel pump usually manifests through poor engine performance, difficult engine start-up, or no engine start at all. If the fuel pump is sticking, it may fail to provide the necessary fuel pressure or flow to the engine, which can lead to stalling or hesitation. The problem may be due to several factors such as contamination, wear, or a faulty electrical connection.
One of the prime causes of a sticking Fuel Pump is dirt or debris lying inside the fuel tank. All fuel systems are designed for handling a certain level of particulate matter; nevertheless, over time, assembled contaminants can make the fuel pump or fuel lines clogged. According to research, 20% of all fuel system failures in vehicles have something to do with contamination of the fuel. If some form of dirt or debris is causing the sticking, the problem can be rectified by cleaning the fuel filter and the fuel lines. This will restore normal flow conditions after replacing a clogged filter.
The second common cause of a sticking Fuel Pump is a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator. A defective regulator can drop the fuel pressure or cause it to fluctuate, which in turn can make the Fuel Pump struggle to deliver a consistent flow. In this case, one would need to replace the faulty regulator to restore its proper function. In most vehicles, the Fuel Pump pressure ranges from 35-60 psi, and maintaining that pressure is important for the good performance of the engine.
This could be an electrical problem, such as a failing fuel pump relay or damaged wiring, which can also cause the Fuel Pump to stick. In addition, when the electrical connections are compromised, the voltage may not reach the Fuel Pump constantly, thus making it stick or work intermittently. According to the Automotive Technology Institute, electrical faults account for approximately 15% of all fuel pump failures. To remedy this, the relay should be checked and replaced if needed, with all wiring connections also reviewed for corrosion or other damages.
Sometimes, the problem could rest in the Fuel Pump itself, especially if it is rather old or has been through extensive use. The lifespan of a Fuel Pump can range from 50,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the quality of the pump and the maintenance of the fuel system. If the Fuel Pump has reached the end of its lifespan, or if the internal components are damaged, replacing the pump may be the only solution. A new fuel pump usually costs anywhere between $100 and $500, depending on the make and model of the car.
A sticking Fuel Pump can be avoided with regular maintenance. The fuel tank should always be clean, and high-quality fuel used will help to prevent contamination of the fuel. Besides that, one should try to avoid running the fuel tank completely empty because this may cause the sediment at the bottom of the fuel tank to be stirred up, creating clogged filters and a heavily strained Fuel Pump.
To put it succinctly, the troubleshooting of a sticking fuel pump often includes cleaning the fuel from contamination, the replacement of the faulty component such as the fuel filter or pressure regulator, and making sure that the electrical connections are in good condition. If the problem still persists after these fixes, then replacing the Fuel Pump will be the most viable solution. For reliable and high-performance fuel pumps, check out Kemso Fuel Pump.