It is important to note that the fuel pump pressure should neither be too high nor too low in order for the engine to perform well. Commonly, a fuel pump operates within a pressure range of 30 to 80 psi, which may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. If the pressure falls outside of this range, engine issues such as poor acceleration, stalling, or misfires can occur. According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 12% of all fuel system-related breakdowns are contributed by improper fuel pressure.
The first step towards finding out whether the fuel pressure is too high or low involves measuring it using a fuel pressure gauge. Most cars have a fuel rail located near the engine, where you can hook up the gauge. For instance, a standard sedan like the 2015 Toyota Camry works on every fuel pressure of approximately 50 psi. When the reading is below the specified range, it might signify that the pump is weak or failing and could point to an issue with the fuel filter, the fuel pump itself being damaged, or a problem with the regulator. On the other hand, if the pressure exceeds the recommended level, this may indicate a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator that causes fuel to overflow or flood the engine.
Abnormal fuel pressure is indicated by a variety of symptoms. Normally, low fuel pressure is indicated when there is hesitation in the engine upon acceleration or frequent stalling of the engine. This stalling incident increased by 30 percent according to the drivers of a vehicle experiencing low fuel pressure, as reported by an article from Consumer Reports, before they sought professional assistance. On the other end, too much pressure inside the engine can lead to knocking or misfiring. In some cases, when consumed by the car, even fuel efficiency may go down by up to 15 percent, as some research indicates by the American Automobile Association.
Consequences are serious. In 2007, when the Ford Explorer’s fuel pressure dropped only as low as 5 psi, causing drivability issues, a recall on over 600,000 vehicles was prompted. As the low pressure remains continuous, it may be possible to make the pump fail completely. “Replacing it can cost as much as $400 for some models and as high as $1,200 on more expensive cars, depending on labor.”.
Proper fuel pressure is life itself to a smooth-running engine,” says automotive technician David Lee. “Too low or too high and it will not run as expected, and then there come expensive repairs.” Fuel pumps usually hold out for 100,000 to 150,000 miles, but their performance often deteriorates due to a variety of factors, which includes contamination of the fuel and wear inside the pump. This also helps increase the life of the pump and the entire fuel system, with regular maintenance such as checking the pressure of the fuel and replacing the fuel filter.
In all, understanding whether your fuel pressure is too high or too low is critical to preventing engine problems and saving yourself from costly repairs. If you think that there is a problem with the fuel pump or the pressure, then testing with a gauge is the most accurate way to diagnose it. To learn more about fuel pump specifications and replacements, follow this link: Fuel Pump.