In automobiles, a fuel pump relay is an IoT relay that stream its power supply and electric current to the pump. Relay→ As a electrical switch, this relay allows the fuel pump to start when ignition is turned on, enabling fuel to flow to the engine. This component usually works at a less than 12 volts of DC power and is essential for a reliable engine. When the relay fails, you can lose power to the fuel pump, causing the engine to stall or not start at all.
Although relays have a long life expectancy, generally about 100,000 miles, they do wear out earlier in high-stress environments. Fuel pump relays in new cars are used in conjunction with electronic control units (ECUs) to restrict the fuel pump operation to times when fuel is actually needed. This promotes fuel efficiency by regulating how and when to fuel the engine, saving energy by reducing fuel pump load and fuel conservation.
Fuel Pump Relay More Challenged — In Extreme Climates In Very Hot Environments, More Challenging One of the more prominent ones being cars running in the desert, where temperatures can go above 120° F, causing the relays to wear quickly from the heat. For vehicles designed with these phenomenal temperatures in mind, top tier manufacturers such as General Motors have built strong relay systems.
Car expert John Kelly, of the YouTube channel “Car Mechanics TV,” reminds us just how crucial a relay it: “If your relay isn’t working, your fuel pump is rendered useless. Without power to the fuel pump, the engine simply won’t run—kind of like having a heart that doesn’t pump blood. While deceptively small, this part is critical to a vehicle’s reliability because it keeps the fuel sending to the engine — when you press the gas, the engine responds with the right amount of fuel delivered.
Intermittent engine stalls or starting trouble are the most common indications of relay wear, and if drivers find they are experiencing these symptoms, they should look to the fuel pump relay first. Replacement is affordable in most cases, as relays usually cost between $20 and $50 or less, and this allows you to restore performance for a fraction of a cent for each pages used. To learn more about how the fuel pump operates, click here: How Fuel Pump Works.