If the faulty fuel pump is left in place, it can lead to poor fuel delivery which will result in serious problems such as stalling and loss of power. The act of a fuel pump is to maintain a consistent pressurized flow of fuel anywhere from 40-60psi for most direct-fuel injected engines and this steady convayance of pressurized gas is needed in order to keep the engine running efficiently. If and when the pump dies it may not be able to maintain this pressure, which can cause the engine to run lean (too much air, not enough fuel) or stop running all together. The remaining 98-99% of the time, a sudden stall could be an incredibly dangerous hazard, especially at high speed or in a corner.
Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump: Hard Starting, Sputtering, Power Loss During Acceleration According to CF, in severe cases the pump could operate intermittently resulting in random engine stalling that places on highway or high traffic safety at risk. In the event fueling is interrupted during wide-open throttle operation, it could spell misfire or a complete shutdown of engine power causing very limited control for the driver. Fueling Issues: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2-3% of all vehicle-related breakdowns are due to fuel system problems, further emphasizing the importance of a functioning fuel pump in keeping your car safely on the road.
Another concern is that pump failures have been known to overheat if they working too hard to maintain pressure. An overheating electric fuel pump can also place added stress on other aspects of your fuel system, like the fuel injectors, and lead to further threats to your entire fuel system. If the fuel tank is consistently run under 1/4 full, this condition may exacerbate it because there are no residual fuels surrounding the pump for its cooling process and accelerate wear to point where it can lead to sudden breakdowns.
Car revolutionary Henry Ford said, “before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success. As soon as your vehicle starts to show any of the above signs that the Fuel Pump is failing you, replace it to keep your ride safe and reliably on-road. A timely response to fuel pump problems not only increases safety on the road but keeps your engine performing its best and avoids any possible long term damages that may ultimately result in an expensive bill.