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What Does The Fuel Pump Relay Do

The fuel pump relay plays an integral role in getting fuel to your engine for combustion. Powered by the ignition and/or powertrain control module (PCM), the fuel pump relay’s main function is to provide the fuel pump with enough power. When the fuel pump relay isn’t working, then the fuel pump cannot either.

How do I know if my fuel pump relay is bad?

How to tell if fuel pump relay is bad (6 Signs) Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated. In most cases, the primary symptom is a check engine light. High Mileage. Long Starting Time. Engine Performance Issues – Stalling, Idling, Acceleration, Not Starting. Car dies while driving. Silent Fuel Pump Noise.

What happens when you have a bad fuel pump relay?

If the fuel pump relay fails the fuel pump will be left without power. The engine may still crank when the key is turned, however it will not be able to start due to lack of fuel. This symptom can also be caused by a wide variety of other issues, so having the vehicle properly diagnosed is highly recommended.

Will fuel pump relay cause car not start?

A faulty fuel pump relay can also cause the engine not to start at all and be completely dead. No fuel pressure means that your engine will never start, and if the fuel pump relay failed, it would not give any power to the fuel pump to build up fuel pressure.

What happens when a relay goes bad?

If your starter relay has gone bad, the electrical signal will never make it from the battery to the starter motor. As a result, your engine won’t turn over – no matter how many times you turn the key. A faulty relay often produces an audible clicking sound when you turn your car.

Can a bad fuel pump relay drain battery?

Can a bad fuel pump relay cause battery issues like rapid clicking? Rapid clicking is an INDICATION of a discharged battery. There can be many causes for that. If a fuel pump relay sticks ON then the pump will run the battery down while the car is parked.

Will a bad fuel pump relay throw a code?

Often you know you have bad pump because of difficult or complete failure to start. It will crank but not start. If it is running lean you can pop a code as noted above.

How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump relay?

A fuel pump relay will typically cost about $25 for the part, and a mechanic may charge a minimum of an hour’s worth of labor to replace it. The vehicle not starting may be a fuel pump or relay along with other possible ignition problems.

How can I start my car with a bad fuel pump?

So, one of the best tips to start a car with a bad fuel pump is to leave your car’s engine cool. When your car cools off, it allows the fuel pump to reset without the need for pressure. Also, it would be best if you neither let your car engine get too cool or get very hot.

Can a bad fuel pump relay cause misfire?

In some cases, a bad fuel pump relay that is not providing enough pressure might even cause your engine to misfire. So if you have ever asked, “can a bad fuel pump relay cause misfire”, the answer is yes. There are a ton of other reasons why your engine might have performance issues.

Can a relay click and still be bad?

If you hear or feel the relay click, the relay and its wiring aren’t the problem. But if it’s not clicking, the problem could be in the relay itself or in the wiring. Actually, unless the relay has a diode in it, it won’t matter if the polarity is switched; the electromagnet will be energized regardless.

How long do fuel pump relays last?

On average, a fuel pump relay will last for 160,000 km to 300,000 km. If the car is daily driven, the said mileages could mean that the car is used for around eight to 15 years already. If your car reaches this point, then it could mean that you need to replace it so your fuel pump will work properly.

Why does my fuel pump relay keep blowing?

Most likely the fuel pump should be replaced due to hard pump start conditions. It is never a good idea to increase the fuse size but you can try it for a short while to see if the problem is with an aging pump. If the higher fuse blows, you have a direct short in the wiring or a bad fuel pump.

What causes no power to fuel pump?

If you there is no power to the fuel pump or the relay, then there may be a possible electrical issue with the vehicle. If there is an issue with the switch or the circuit, perhaps a wiring problem, then power to the fuel system may be cut off.

Will a bad fuel pump make your engine crank?

If your vehicle’s fuel pump cannot get gas from the tank to the engine, you will have trouble starting your car. The car will struggle to start and run because the pump cannot push enough gas through. A worn pump loses its pressure and the engine is being starved of gasoline.

What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pressure regulator?

Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Regulator Engine misfires/poor acceleration. Black smoke coming from the exhaust. Spark plugs appear black. Reduced fuel mileage. Gasoline in the vacuum hose. Engine backfires. Engine won’t crank. Excessive fuel pump noise.