Defective Fuel Pump will make a vehicle to Frank at high speed as it will be unable to provide the necessary pressure and volume of fuel to the engine. Typical peak fuel pressures for modern vehicles, that also want to see a properly functioning motor, are somewhere between 35 and 65 PSI at the fuel rail. When driving at high speeds, the car tends to use more fuel, and a failing pump may not supply fuel in such an amount, which results in the sudden loss of power and stalling.
The primary cause of stalling caused by a bad pump is fuel starvation The pump fails to deliver enough fuel, and the engine goes lean, and the air-fuel ratio necessary for combustion is disrupted. In a 2022 study testing automotive performance, vehicles afflicted with failing fuel pumps showed a 30% decrease in flowrate under heavy loads, leading to stalling in high-speed operation.
This problem is compounded by electrical issues. The pump requires a constant 12 to 14 volts of power. Corroded connectors, damaged wiring, or a worn-out relay can result in loss of power to the pump. These voltage drops hinder fuel delivery, especially when driving at high engine speeds, where consistent performance is key. An electrical circuit test through multimeter can be done to confirm if the stalling could be due to power supply issues.
A blocked fuel filter can make matters worse as well. Filters catch debris and impurities, but over time they clog, limiting the fuel that gets through to the pump. Replacing a dirtied fuel filter (every 20,000 — 30,000 miles or so, at the cost of $20 – $50) will relieve pressure on the pump by allowing adequate fuel flow.
A practical case study exemplifies the problem. In 2021, SUV was exhibiting repeated stalling on highways. Diagnostics revealed the fuel pump was only supplying 50% of its capacity under load, starving the engine for fuel at high speeds. A new pump replaced the failed unit and reinstituted normal operation while also increasing reliability and fuel efficiency by 20 percent.
Henry Ford quote “Before everything else, preparation is the key to success. This philosophy means promptly attending to fuel pump issues to avoid stalling and drive safely. The cost of replacing a struggling pump runs from $200 to about $1,000, depending on the make and model, but is an important investment in optimal performance and safety.
Learn more about fuel pump diagnostics and solutions at Fuel Pump for expert advice and quality automotive parts.