A fuel pump that keeps cutting off is an annoying problem that really affects the performance of any vehicle. The problem generally has to do with several probable causes: a faulty relay, electrical issues, or fuel delivery problems. As an example, if a Chevrolet Silverado has intermittent fuel pump operation, then it may cause an engine to run poorly or stall. The problem, although described here, is very common, and the fuel pump could fail due to faulty wiring or inappropriate voltage supply.
While trying to diagnose the problem, you must first examine the fuel pump relay. It regulates the flow of current towards the fuel pump. When the relay does not work properly, the fuel pump would get an interrupted power supply due to which it cuts off all of a sudden. To test the relay is easy: just use a multimeter and check for continuity when the ignition is turned on. If it does not provide a continuous current, replacing it might solve the problem.
The next one would be the fuel pump fuse. Fuses usually blow in case of an electrical overload, and a damaged fuse may be the cause of the fuel pump cutting off. These are quick and inexpensive procedures to perform through inspecting and replacing the fuse where necessary. Generally, fuel pump fuses run for approximately $5 to $20 based on the car model and series.
Another critical check is the condition of fuel pressure. Low fuel pressure may also lead to the fuel pump cutting off because the pump can hardly push fuel through to the engine. You can always get a fuel pressure gauge to measure the pressure and see if it meets the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. In many instances, reduced fuel pressure may be traced back to clogged filters or a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator. For instance, some Ford F-150 owners reported fuel pump shutdowns because of clogged fuel filters which restrict fuel flow and further cause pressure problems.
Electrical problems in the fuel pump circuit may also be the culprit. Bad wiring or poor connections may cause voltage fluctuations that disrupt fuel pump operation. A bad connection can be diagnosed by a circuit tester. If you find damaged wires or loose connections, you will have to repair or replace them. This will restore the correct operation of the fuel pump.
Another possible cause is an internal malfunction of the fuel pump. The fuel pump might wear out with time, usually for specific instances where the brushes inside the pump get worn out and this leads to the fuel pump running irregularly. At such moments, only full replacement of the fuel pump is feasible. Fuel pump replacement has various prices, and a problematic fuel pump in the case of a Toyota Corolla replacement will cost $300 to $600 regarding labor charges and the replaced part.
Finally, ensure that the fuel tank is not contaminated or too low. If the fuel tank is nearly empty or contains impurities, the fuel pump may be forced to work harder than normal, leading to overheating or cutoffs. Keeping the fuel tank above a quarter full can help prevent such issues. For example, hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are prone to fuel pump failures when the fuel level runs too low, since the electric motor will turn on the pump much more often.
Once the problem is identified and fixed, it is essential to test the vehicle thoroughly. Drive the vehicle to see if the fuel pump now operates consistently. If the problem persists, further investigation may be necessary, possibly involving a fuel system cleaner to ensure that contaminants are not affecting the system.
In many instances, it takes a combination of checking electrical components, fuel pressure, and mechanical parts to diagnose and fix the problem with a fuel pump that keeps cutting off. Proper maintenance will prevent such situations from occurring in the future, such as regularly changing the fuel filter and making sure wiring remains intact. Regular inspection of the fuel system and its components is critical to maintaining a well-functioning Fuel Pump.