An failing fuel pump sensor, or fuel pressure sensor can come with a few noticeable symptoms, as it is responsible for monitoring and regulating the pressure of the fuel system. Low mileage: Poor fuel efficiency is a common symptom of a bad sensor. This sensor provides the computer with feedback to allow it to cap fuel pressure at a consistent level around 40–60 psi. If the sensor dies, it may transmit wrong data to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which in turn injects too much or too little fuel into the engine. This results in a 10-20% decline in fuel efficiency as the engine, either idling or with an excessive amount of fuel, will be forced to fight for energy stability.
Erratic engine performance is another symptom that may suggest a problem with the IM? A failing fuel pump sensor can lead to a rough idle, stalling or worse engine misfire(s). The reason why this happens is because the fuel system no longer supplies the accurate air-fuel mixture since pressure readings are inaccurate. This means that, for example, if the sensor erroneously shows reduced fuel pressure, the ECU will raise fuelling in an attempt to catch up and we end up with a rich mixture affecting the engine operation. If the sensor reports low pressure when the engine actually has normal block pressure, it will shave off highly precise aliquots of fuel, making the engine run lean which may light up a "misfire detected" or result in lack of power during acceleration.
Another sign of a bad fuel pump sensor is hard starting. If the sensors fail to provide correct pressure information, the fuel pump might run out of juice when attempting to feed fuel to engine for ignition which in turn would result into the vehicle cranking several times before starting. Mechanics say that up to 15% of hard-starting cases are fuel-pressure sensor related, especially on high-mileage cars.
The check engine light is another of the primary warning signs. The fuel pump sensor is a pendulum that oscillates at the resonance frequency while the ECU measures how long it takes to go around this pendulum. A faulty sensor might also cause the check engine light to come on, accompanied by OBD-II codes like P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) or P0190 (Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction). These codes enable the fuel pressure sensor problem to be located, meaning that the failure can be traced more directly and technicians being able to repair it more effectively.
A bad sensor can also lead to sudden engine cuts. An inaccurate low fuel pressure signal would cause the ECU to cut off power to the fuel pump in order to protect your engine. This can be really dangerous in the event that it causes your car to shut down while you are driving, potentially causing an accident.
Toyota recalled some of its models for faulty fuel pump sensors that caused stalling and engine misfires in 2019. The recall had implications for thousands of vehicles as well, and served as a wake-up reminder for that fuel system components are operational.
Henry Ford said, “Don't find fault, find a remedy. Identifying signs of a deteriorating fuel pump sensor may assist in saving your fuel system from further damage and will also allow the vehicle to maintain its optimal performance.
To know more about the common diagnostic trouble codes that can be found on your fuel pump sensor, click here Fuel Pump.