What is an electrical fuel pump? How does an electric fuel pumps work? How do you tell if your fuel pump is failing?
The electric fuel pump can be used in gasoline or diesel injection engines to transport fuel from the tank to the injectors. The pump must provide fuel at high pressure to allow the injectors fuel to flow into the engine. This can be anywhere from 30 to 85 PSI depending on the application. For the engine to work properly, fuel pressure must meet specifications. Low fuel pressure causes the engine to run out of fuel and can lead to it stalling or misfiring. Excessive pressure can lead to engine problems such as idling irregularities, fuel consumption, and other issues.
Most fuel tanks have electric fuel pumps. You can also find models that mount outside the tank. Dual fuel pumps are available for some vehicles. The fuel pump engine’s hum can be muffled by the tank location. Additionally, the pump motor is lubricated by fuel.
You must ensure that 1/4 (or one-quarter) of the fuel in your fuel tank is not below the tank’s capacity. A fuel level below 1/4 tank will cause heat buildup and reduce the life of the pump motor. It is possible for the pump to run out of fuel temporarily while cornering, braking, or accelerating. The fuel pump can fail if it runs out of fuel entirely.
A float is fitted to the fuel pump. This sends an electrical signal through the instrument panel to the fuel gauge.
Most newer vehicles use a “turbine” type fuel pump. A turbine fuel pump is equipped with propeller blades that are attached to the engine. As the impeller turns, these blades push fuel towards the pump. They are not vibration-producing like positive displacement pumps. They operate very quietly and smoothly. It can operate at higher speeds (typically up to 7,000rpm) and draws less current that older-style pumps. It is also easier to make and more durable.
How does an Electric Fuel Pump work?
The powertrain control module (PCM), which is located under the ignition key, sends an electric signal to a relay to supply voltage to the fuel pump. The pump’s engine spins for a few seconds before it stops. This is to build pressure in the fuel tank. The PCM has a timer that controls how long the pump will continue to run until the engine turns on.
The pump draws fuel from the tank through a pipe with a mesh filter. The mesh filter protects the pump against dirt and rust. The fuel is then pushed through the fuel filter and fuel line to the engine. The fuel filter captures rust, dirt, and other solids to prevent the injectors becoming clogged.
The fuel then flows into the engine through the fuel supply rail, and is directed to each fuel injector. The fuel rail has a pressure regulator that maintains fuel pressure and returns any excess fuel back to the tank.
The fuel pressure regulator can be found in the fuel tank on newer vehicles equipped with non-return EFI system. It is part of fuel pump module. There is no fuel return line between the engine and the tank.
From the moment the engine turns on, the fuel pump operates continuously. The fuel pump will continue to function as long as there is an ignition switch on. The PCM will turn off the pump if the motor stops. The engine speed and engine load determine the operating speed. The PCM controls this state. The fuel pump is set at constant speed on older vehicles.
Fords are not the only ones with a safety switch. This switches off the fuel pump if there is an accident. This reduces fire risk if the fuel lines break or become damaged in an accident. The safety switch will activate and turn off the fuel pump circuit in the event of an impact or strong jolt. Before the pump can start, it must be reset manually.
Malfunctioning Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is made to last the entire life of the vehicle. However, there are many things that can cause fuel pump failure. These include contamination inside the fuel tank (dirt, rust), overheating from low fuel level, running out fuel, low voltage and cable problems, overworking, clogged fuel filters, and so on. You may have to take it apart before it fails. The fuel pump will heat up faster and draw more power from its power circuit.
It usually stops abruptly when the fuel pump goes out. Even though your trip is smooth, suddenly your engine can stall and leave you stranded at the side of the road. You may also notice that your starter does not start when you try to get it started.
To determine if the fuel pump is at fault, listen to the sound of the pump after you turn on the ignition key. The fuel pump is typically located under the rear seats. If you don’t hear the pump make any sound, your fuel pump may be defective. If raw fuel smells coming out of the exhaust pipe, it is possible to tell if the pump is faulty. If you don’t smell any raw fuel, this means that there isn’t fuel getting into your engine.
A faulty fuel pump cannot set any diagnostic trouble codes, or illuminate the Check Engine Light (Malfunction Idicator Lamp), on most vehicles. The engine will fire up normally but it won’t start because there isn’t enough fuel.
Faults may be caused by wiring connections, fuel pump relay, fuel pump relay, or fuse. Spraying aerosol starter oil into the throttle will help determine if it is caused by a lack fuel. If the engine stops after a while, it is likely that there is ignition and compression, but not fuel. If this happens, it is time to check the fuel pump.
Although it is possible repair a defective pump, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire set. You should look for a pump with the same working pressure and the ability to deliver the same amount of fuel if you’re going to replace the original. The wrong pump could cause engine problems, as it can lead to differences in fuel flow and pressure.
