Fuel delivery systems, pumps included, to keep that chambers full and the rotor spinning typically vaporize the charge as it is pushed through to the intake manifold and later on the engine, cause an engine to stall if the entire volume of fuel deliveries fails. The fuel pump has the task of sending gasoline from the tank to the engine at the required pressure. If this pressure falls below the engine’s operating threshold, the fuel supply becomes inadequate and the engine stalls.
Modern engines typically need fuel between 35 PSI and 65 PSI depending on the vehicle. A defective pump can result in erratic or low pressure leading to engine stalling, especially on load or upon garage. This can be confirmed with a diagnostic test using a fuel pressure gauge. In other words, the engine will shut down and stall if pressure falls below 20 PSI when a 40 PSI is called for.
Wear is the leading cause of failure of a fuel pump. Although pumps usually last about 100,000 to 150,000 miles, clogged fuel filters or contaminated fuel can shorten that life span. A 2022 report from an automotive service company found that 30 percent of fuel pump failures were traced to overlooked maintenance, like not replacing a clogged fuel filter. Ensuring the pump was free of debris could help to extend the life of the pump and reduce the risk of stalling episodes.
The other trouble comes from electrical problems. The pump is powered by a steady 12 to 14 volts from the auto electrical system. Nasty wiring or a defective relay can break this power chain, making the pump to close and causing stalling. Such issues can be diagnosed by checking the voltage supply to the pump with a multimeter.
Fuel pump failure which leads to stalling of the engine often happens when you accelerate, go up a hill, or whenever the engine requires more fuel. Pickup truck case study 2021 under load stall/engine issuesA case from 2021 highlights a pickup truck that continuously stalled under load. But we ran the diagnosis and concluded the pump was failing — it was only at 60 percent capacity and could not keep up with the demand of an engine. A new pump for the old RV fixed the issue and full functionality was restored; performance and reliability improved.
Or as Henry Ford put it, “Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” This is true for vehicles as well, as understanding and promptly addressing fuel pump issues can save costly repairs. Fuel pump replacements can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the make and model of the car, so as the saying goes: Time is money and it’s critical any symptoms be spotted treated sooner than later.
Fuel Pump is a complete guide to spare parts and auto tips, which can be used to learn about how the fuel pump works and how to troubleshoot it.