Yes, a bad fuel pump can surely be a cause of a sudden loss of power in the engine. Since it is highly responsible for the pressure and amount of fuel the engine needs-which usually lies between 30 to 85 PSI-the inability of the fuel pump might be insufficient in maintaining proper fuel flow or pressure, hence leading to loss of power in the engine. This is where fuel pressure falls below specification, possibly causing misfire, hesitation, or a definite loss of power when attempting to accelerate.
In 2020, several fuel pump recalls occurred in the automotive industry, with companies such as Ford and General Motors recalling over 7 million vehicles globally. Most of these recalls were due to defective fuel pumps, which caused reduced engine performance and, in some instances, engine stalling. For example, in the case of Ford, the affected vehicles would not start easily or would just suddenly lose power while running due to the failing fuel pumps.
One good example of how a bad fuel pump can affect the power of an engine is when it cannot sustain pressure. In such cases, the delivery of fuel becomes erratic, thus disturbing the air-fuel ratio of the engine. Modern engines require just the right amount of fuel delivery for them to have optimal combustion; any disturbance in this causes the engine to either run badly or lose power. This situation becomes even more pronounced under heavy loads, such as when driving uphill or towing.
Sometimes, the vehicle’s fuel pump can be intermittently faulty, leading to unpredictable drops in engine power. For instance, when there is damage to the fuel pump’s electrical relay or wiring, the pump operates below capacity and causes fuel starvation, hence loss of power. According to a report by AAA, fuel system malfunctions, including those affecting fuel pumps, accounted for 7 percent of all vehicle breakdowns, hence the severity of such malfunctions.
In other words, a faulty fuel pump significantly reduces the performance of an engine, as real incidences and expert views show. Early diagnosis of Fuel Pump problems can help avoid sudden failure of the engine and further severe damages.