There are at least 4 components that make up a vehicle’s fuel supply system, including the fuel pump, fuel pressure sensor, fuel rail, and the ECU that monitors everything.
The fuel pump receives fuel from the fuel tank and sends it into the fuel rail, which transfers the liquid to the cylinders using information from the fuel pressure sensors.
Naturally, if the pressure does not meet the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will experience little to no response from the car’s engine.
In this article, we will discuss the various symptoms that result from low fuel pressure or a failing fuel pump.
Signs of Low Fuel Pressure
fuel pump
First, you will see a table of possible causes, solutions, and symptoms of low fuel pressure. If you want more detailed information, scroll further down in the article to get the information you need.
1. Unresponsive Accelerator
All cars need a proper fuel supply in their cylinders to function correctly. If you experience delays in your car’s throttle response, there is certainly a problem with your fuel system. A clogged fuel pump could be the main cause in such a case.
2. Difficulty Starting the Car
Low fuel pressure will also prevent you from starting your car’s engine. You might notice that it takes longer to start your car or perhaps more than one attempt for a successful ignition. Additionally, you might experience backfiring from your engine.
3. Stalling Engine
If your car’s engine stalls while driving, it’s a clear sign that you are having issues with your fuel pump. This is likely because the engine is not receiving the correct amount of fuel to sustain combustion.
4. Engine Tuning
Although engine tuning is not immediately affected, in the long term, you would notice a change in your engine’s tuning. Such an effect should indicate that there are irregularities in your fuel pump or fuel injection.
5. Check Engine Light
Today’s electronic cars have a fuel pressure sensor that intelligently calculates if something is wrong. If that is the case, the sensor triggers the check engine light, prompting you to have your fuel supply system checked. Typically, with such an issue, you will get a P0190 code accompanying your problem. If the check engine light comes on, you should read the fault codes with a diagnostic scanner to determine what the issue is.
6. Black Smoke from the Exhaust
Gasoline cars are generally not a huge threat to the environment because they do not emit harmful chemicals through their exhaust. However, if your car starts emitting thick black smoke from the exhaust after starting, there is definitely something wrong with the pressure in your fuel system. But in this case, it will be due to high fuel pressure.
7. Turbo Lag
Many people may not have turbos in their cars, but those who do have another way to tell if there is a problem with their fuel pressure. The turbo system uses air and heats it to create a turbine-like effect on the engine, allowing it to produce more power. However, if you think your turbo is taking too long to spool up, there might be an issue with your fuel pump and pressure.
8. Spark Plugs / Misfires
A low-pressure fuel system will damage the spark plugs that ignite the fuel in the engine’s cylinder. If by chance you replace them and find that they are worn out prematurely, you might be looking at a problem with your fuel supply system.
Fortunately, a car’s fuel supply system only requires minor adjustments. Sometimes the problem is very minor, and sometimes it’s huge.
How to Fix a Low Fuel Pressure Problem
There are many different causes of low fuel pressure, but here you will find the most common solutions to correct your low fuel pressure.
Change the Screen Filter
The first thing you can do is check the screen filter. The screen filter protects the fuel pump from dust and debris and can clog up quite quickly. This can hinder the flow of fuel to the fuel pump and into the cylinders. So it’s best to clean the screen filter and replace it with a new one if necessary. This slight adjustment will change the entire feel of your driving.
Check the Voltage
The fuel pump is capable of creating pressure using electricity, but if it doesn’t get adequate electrical voltage, it won’t be able to function properly. Therefore, fuel will not be released at the perfect pressure, and your car will lose efficiency. Although voltage fluctuations in a car are rare, it’s not unheard of. This problem can be resolved by checking the battery and the electrical transfer wires.
Replace the Fuel Pressure Regulator
The regulator controls the amount of fuel that comes out of the fuel pump. If this small component fails, the fuel rail will not receive the correct amount of fuel, and thus the engine cannot operate at optimal performance.
Change the Fuel Filter
Gasoline or diesel come from the ground, and no matter how refined they are, some contaminants can get through and reach your car’s fuel tank. That’s why mechanics use a simple solution: a fuel filter. A fuel filter cleans the fuel of any remaining pollutants and makes it pure enough for the engine. Fuel filters are usually very cheap and easy to replace, so you don’t need a mechanic to replace one for you.
Fill the Tank
Sometimes fuel pressure cannot be maintained due to a lack of fuel from the tank. Therefore, if you first experience any of the above symptoms, check if you have enough fuel in your tank, and then proceed to diagnose the problem.
Fortunately, a car’s fuel supply system only requires minor adjustments. Sometimes the problem is very minor, and sometimes it’s huge.