A vehicle with a bad fuel pump can have low idle, making the engine suffer. When the fuel pump no longer provides enough fuel, it causes an imbalance in the mixture of fuel and air to allow the engine to run reliably. Annually, fuel issues contribute to 25% of low idle complaints alone according to a research report which only magnifies the importance of a fuel pump.
The result could be not enough fuel to keep an engine running at idle from a fuel pump that should operate at a standard pressure of say 40-60 psi. As the saying goes, Jane Smith, an automotive Engineer said, “The fuel pump is the lifeblood of the engine; without proper flow, engine will fail to thrive. This underscores the critical role of a well-functioning fuel pump to ensure a smoothly running engine.
When a fuel pump is going bad, it may run fine when first started to moving down the road but result in erratic idling, rough performance or stalling at low speeds or cranking. There was a study done which suggests that such type of vehicles can decrease their fuel efficiency till 15% for these types of maintenance failures. Also, failed fuel pumps can deliver poor combustion and lead to higher volumes of harmful emissions during incomplete combustion — evidence is cited in environmental reports that poor fuel might be a cause for pollution spikes.
One of the first things that your typical mechanic will diagnose or recommend is that the fuel pressure needs to be checked. If it drops out of the manufacturer recommended range, then you may have a fuel pump problem. Depending upon the vehicle and labor charges a fuel pump costs $300-$1200 for repairing or replacing it so it is very crucial for a driver to make early diagnoses before his fuel buddy leaves him with no power.
The fuel is contaminated which also significantly affects the pump and results in low idle conditions. Clutter clogs filters and restricts the movement of nearly 30 per cent of fuel system problems. For instance, by changing the fuel filter at 30,000 mile intervals you reduce the chances of clogs in that area.
Worst-case scenario, a fuel pump that has completely failed can force the engine to shut off which is extremely dangerous. The price to pay for not fixing a blown intake air tube and some hose clamps in time rises fast, as the damage could compound to other engine components too. A new fuel pump can be a decent investment to avoid issues in future, and improve performance.
So finally a faulty Fuel Pump can really help to add up the low idle problems which basically land the car in an awkward mode causing some serious malfunction and issues while driving. Being able to recognize the signs and grasping why fuel delivery is important empowers vehicle owners to take action so that their engine operates as it should be.