A variety of influences could cause the fuel pump to unexpectedly shut down, putting the vehicle at risk of stalling or a complete loss of operation. About 20% of fuel pump problems are due to electric failure, typically from bad wiring or corroded connections. Typically, there are hundreds of pieces that demand electrical stability; for example, fuel system parts and operation require electrical integrity to a level where even trivializing issues may have terrifying consequences… as you recall from 2017 when more than 70,000 vehicles had to be recalled because the fuel pump wiring failed causing shutdowns in the powertrain.
The root of the problem is because of a bad fuel pump relay preventing your fuel pump from turning on and off as vehicle speed changes. The pump’s electrical current is managed by the relay and if it malfunctions, it can interfere with the flow of power. According to industry data, about 15% of fuel pump failures are also due to relay problems, often caused by overheating or age based degradation. According to automotive expert Steve Johnson, “If the relay fails, it will cut off power supply to your fuel pump, which means that the pump won’t be able to crank.”
A clogged fuel filter can cause more pressure in the fuel system. At this molecule level, if the pump has great difficulty pushing against this pressure, it may turn off by itself to prevent any damage. Dirty fuel filters cause nearly 30% of fuel system problems that, left unattended, can deteriorate to the point where they damage your vehicle’s expensive fuel pump or worse, according to AAA. This risk can be alleviated through regular maintenance and filter replacement every 30,000 miles.
The vehicle may also stall or suffer unexpected fuel-pump shut-off resulting in overheating. When you run out of fuel, the pump will not be sufficiently cooled and can reach a high temperature which may eventually lead to failure. The Society of Automotive Engineers estimates a pump’s life is reduced by 50 percent when it consistently overheats. FUEL FLOW CRUCIAL FOR PUMP OPERATION | Motor vehicle technician Carla Mitchell says that when the engine runs out of fuel, it is important for the durability of an electric pump to keep the pump cool.
A defective ignition switch can also result in stalling accompanied by sporadic shut-offs of the fuel pump. When the switch does not make a connection, it causes the pump to shut off and can cause an interference that will result in unexpected engine stalling. According to reports, around 10% of the incidents of stalling in vehicles are due to the failures in ignition system.
Also, impurities in the fuel will cause pump failure. The pump is forced to work harder and may even plug off because of impurities in the fuel intake. Nearly 25% of fuel pump issues are due to contaminated fuel systems, and there have been studies performed on the subject matter.
In sum, unexpected recall of fuel-feed pumps maybe due to electrical faults or a clogged filter taking the pump out of service plus overheating, an ignition switch problem and contaminated fuel. Knowing these will allow drivers to have an idea of what should they be looking out for in order to prevent their vehicles from breaking down faster. To get more useful information on fuel pump and why it is considered a vital component in your ride, head over to Fuel Pump. It’s important to keep this essential part healthy for the best performance of a vehicle.