The identification of a faulty fuel pump relay involves a series of steps designed to ensure that the fuel pump operates as expected. The fuel pump relay controls the flow of electricity to the fuel pump, and if it fails, the pump will not get the power required for its operation, leading to issues with the performance of the engine. Common signs of a faulty relay include the engine cranking but failing to start, or the fuel pump not operating during engine startup.
One of the good methods of testing the relay is using a multimeter to test for continuity in the relay. A good relay would indicate continuity once the circuit is turned on. If the multimeter does not indicate any continuity, the relay is bad. The fuel pressure must also be tested after being assured of the relay’s condition. According to statistics by automotive service professionals, in the event of a relay failure, fuel pump performance may decline up to 40 percent.
In a study conducted by the American Automobile Association, AAA, on relay failures in cars, it was determined that 1 in every 10 roadside breakdowns are due to faulty relays. This evidences the importance of such a small but vital component. Another way to diagnose is to swap the suspected relay with another of the same type, such as one that controls accessories like headlights, to see if the issue persists. If it turns on after the swap, that is a confirmation that the relay has failed.
The failure of the fuel pump relay can be related to affecting the performance of the fuel pump itself. The fuel pump works under pressures between 30 and 60 PSI, and the pump’s functioning relies on a properly operating relay. If the relay happens to fail, it results in the fuel pump failing to supply adequate fuel pressure, leading to poor engine performance. If the fuel pump is running below standard pressures, it can lead to the stalling of the engine or misfires, or a full engine failure over time.
It costs between $40 and $100 to replace a fuel pump relay, depending on the model and specifications of the vehicle. However, early detection and replacement of the malfunctioning relay can save hundreds of dollars that would be required for repairing other components such as the fuel pump or ECU.
In the end, being aware of the signs that the fuel pump relay has gone bad and taking measures to test it and replace it, when necessary, will provide one with a properly working Fuel Pump and keep the engine in healthy condition. To know more about fuel pump parts and replacements, log on to Fuel Pump.