Yes, a faulty fuel pump can cause your car to lose power under load. The fuel pump is supposed to supply the engine with the right amount of fuel at the right pressure for smooth performance, especially when the vehicle is under stress. When the fuel pump starts to fail, it cannot always provide the required amount of fuel to the engine, which may result in a loss of power when conditions become demanding, such as accelerating, driving uphill, or towing. In a study by the Car Care Council, approximately 9% of all vehicle power loss problems are related directly to issues in fuel delivery, with the major share contributed by faulty fuel pumps.
Under load, an engine needs more fuel to keep performance up, especially when driving at higher speeds or climbing inclines. A faulty fuel pump may not be able to keep up with these higher demands, which could result in loss of power, sputtering, or stalling of the engine. This is because the pump fails to maintain the required fuel pressure. As a result, if a fuel pump cannot maintain a constant pressure of 40-60 psi, which is within the recommended range for most modern fuel-injection systems, the engine may not handle well under load conditions with power noticeably reduced.
A number of car manufacturers, like Ford and Toyota, have various instances of vehicles that have considerable power loss under load due to issues with the fuel pump. The models with higher mileage and especially older ones are the ones that can be hit most by this problem when these fuel pumps wear out with time. Failure is often gradual; a vehicle usually acts more and more erratically with each passing day. “A fuel pump that’s struggling to deliver enough fuel under load is like a person trying to run a marathon with insufficient water-it’s simply not sustainable,” explains Tom Stevens.
Real-life scenarios for this problem are when motorists complain of hesitation or stalling upon acceleration or attempting to drive at highway speeds. The problem is more evident when the car is under stress-for example, passing another vehicle or carrying heavy loads. It’s not uncommon for drivers to report that their vehicles experience a significant loss of power, which might recover when the car is idling or cruising at lower speeds.
The problem may also be related to the fuel filter clogging, reducing the fuel pump’s capability of delivering a sufficient amount of fuel. Therefore, keeping the fuel filters clean and checking the fuel system regularly can help avoid such power loss. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence says that such problems may be avoided by regular maintenance and timely replacement of fuel pumps.
If your car is experiencing power loss under load, it’s crucial to address potential fuel pump issues promptly. Ignoring the symptoms could lead to further damage, such as engine misfires, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. A faulty Fuel Pump is often the primary culprit, and replacing it before it fully fails can help restore your car’s performance.