A faulty fuel pump can cause rough starting or idling in vehicles. The fuel pump is supposed to transfer fuel from the gas tank to the engine with appropriate pressure. When the pump is not working right, it will lead to many performance issues, including rough starts or difficulty in keeping the engine idling. A report provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, noted that about 12% of all engine performance issues-like rough idling-are due to some sort of problem with the fuel pump.
When a fuel pump cannot provide the proper pressure of fuel or cannot hold a consistent flow of fuel properly, the engine may not get the optimum amount of fuel for its combustion. The result is rough starting, especially on the very first startup when the engine requires more fuel in order to start running. Insufficient fuel delivery will make the engine misfire or hesitate while it tries to start. In fact, many drivers report that their vehicles experience a delayed start or difficulty starting altogether when the fuel pump begins to fail. Industry experts suggest that if the fuel pump’s pressure drops below the required level, the engine will struggle to run efficiently, leading to a rough idle or stalling.
The symptoms of rough idling due to a faulty fuel pump can be traced to the fuel pump not sustaining constant pressure, as such is required to keep the engine running smoothly. According to automotive expert Lisa Jenkins, “The fuel pump is the heart of the fuel system, and if it’s not operating correctly, the entire system fails to provide adequate fuel to the engine, which causes unstable idling and starting issues.” Sometimes, the pump could just be intermittently supplying fuel, causing the engine to stutter or not be able to hold a steady idle.
Data from a study by the Car Care Council shows that 1 in 5 drivers experience starting issues related to fuel system problems, often related to a failing fuel pump. This sort of problem is more frequent in older vehicles where fuel pumps have already been subjected to wear and tear over time. Such problems can be avoided by regular maintenance, like changing fuel filters and making sure the fuel pump is working properly. The fuel pumps are also prone to contamination due to dirt or other particles, and running a vehicle on low levels of fuel can increase the chances of sediment damaging the pump and thus delivering inconsistent fuel.
If you feel that your car takes more time than usual to start up or the engine is not idling smoothly, take immediate action regarding the fuel system. Neglecting these signs may further lead to severe problems with the engine and increase the cost of repairs. A malfunctioning Fuel Pump is one of the major reasons for such performance, and if replaced before complete failure, this will save a lot of time and money.