A common problem that can develop with any vehicle, no matter how well maintained the performance and longevity are concerned, is a fuel pump drawing too much current. The fuel pump serves the purpose of transferring fuel from the gas tank to the engine. Like all electric components, the fuel pump requires a certain amount of current to function efficiently. However, when it starts drawing too much current, several problems may arise: possible premature failure of the pump, potential damage to the electrical system, and reduced performance of the engine.
Normally, a common automotive fuel pump is designed to draw from 5 to 10 amps of current under normal operating conditions. If the fuel pump exceeds this range, there may be an issue. More than 10 amps drawn by a fuel pump is considered to be too much current. This may be because of several reasons that include a clogged fuel filter, a failing pump motor, or excessive resistance in the wiring or connections.
For instance, a clogged fuel filter increases the workload of the pump, forcing it to work harder and draw more current to sustain fuel flow. This increased stress significantly raises the chances of pump failure. According to a report by the Automotive Maintenance Association (AMA), over 15% of fuel pumps fail prematurely due to clogging or excessive current draw. In some cases, the fuel pump may be drawing as much as 50% more current than it was designed for, which significantly reduces its lifespan.
Another way to detect whether your fuel pump is drawing too much current is by using a multimeter to measure the current flowing through the fuel pump’s electrical circuit. For example, if you measured the current with the multimeter and it was higher than the manufacturer’s specified limit-usually between 5 to 10 amps-then it would be an indication of an issue. In fact, most mechanics always advise making this check part of their routine diagnostics, especially for vehicles that act up, showing poor fuel delivery, loss of power, or hard starts.
Apart from the current draw, other symptoms of a faulty fuel pump may include a loud, whining noise from the fuel tank, difficulty starting the engine, stalling, or a decrease in acceleration. For example, one study conducted by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, ASE, in 2021, estimated that vehicles with high-current fuel pumps have a 30% higher rate of fuel delivery issues, which leads to more breakdowns and repairs.
A faulty fuel pump drawing excess current can also put additional stress on the vehicle’s electrical system. It may cause the fuse to blow or other electrical components to malfunction. According to the Electric Vehicle Industry Association, almost 12% of the total fuel pump failures take place due to electrical system damage caused by excessive current draw.
In such a case, when the fuel pump draws too much current, replacement is often the best solution. The replacement cost for a fuel pump varies, but generally falls between $300 and $800 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It’s also important to address any underlying issues, such as clogged fuel filters or damaged wiring, to prevent the new fuel pump from encountering the same problem.
In the end, an overly drawing fuel pump may cause a number of issues: from problems with engine performance to electrical system damage and early failure of the pump itself. If you think that your fuel pump draws too much current, you should immediately have it checked by a professional. For more information on high-quality fuel pumps, visit Fuel Pump.