While driving a few miles on a faulty Fuel Pump is possible, it has great risks and damage associated with it for your vehicle’s engine. A Fuel Pump is necessary to keep up the continuous flow of fuel to the engine. In case of malfunctioning, the Fuel Pump may provide adequate fuel for small trips but will not be able to maintain the correct pressure, resulting in intermittent performance of the engine. Typically, a fuel pump operates under pressure-motor vehicles need the fuel at about 40 to 60 PSI. If the Fuel Pump starts failing, its fuel pressure drops and results in hesitation, stalling, or loss of power, especially whenever accelerating.
One Consumer Reports study found that 15% of drivers who reported a defective Fuel Pump were still able to drive their vehicle for a short period of time before the engine began to exhibit symptoms such as sputtering or not starting. This partial operation can occur because the Fuel Pump may still work sporadically, providing fuel only when it is not under load. As the Fuel Pump wears out, it becomes less effective and eventually causes the engine to lose power or stall altogether.
For example, one owner of a Ford F-150 reported that his truck would stall after driving several miles on a failing Fuel Pump. The truck would start okay but would not stay running as the pump couldn’t keep up with fuel demands when accelerating. The condition frustrated the driver who tried to drive for 20 miles before the engine finally shut down.
According to experts, though tempting, continuing to drive a car with a faulty Fuel Pump can cause severe engine damage in the long run. Insufficient fuel supply-starved fuel causes poor combustion that could result in clogged injectors or, in extreme cases, a damaged fuel system. The longer the vehicle is driven with a failing Fuel Pump, the more likely the internal components of the Fuel Pump will completely fail, resulting in an even more costly repair.
The Fuel Pump is very important for the performance and durability of the engine,” said John Miller, senior mechanic at Auto Repair Specialists. “Driving too long on a faulty Fuel Pump can lead to larger issues, including the damage to the fuel injectors and other critical parts of the engine.”
And while the vehicle may run for a few miles, the risks associated with driving on a faulty Fuel Pump outweigh the benefits. It is best for the safety of both the car and the passengers if this faulty Fuel Pump is replaced as soon as possible. Should you feel symptoms of a failing fuel pump, like difficulty in engine cranking or sudden loss of power, it is best to pull over and have the car checked before driving again.
Whether one needs to replace a malfunctioned fuel pump, a quality and reliable pump will assist in restoring appropriate engine performance and prevent further damage to other parts.