How do I know if my fuel pump relay is stuck?

The diagnostics for a fuel pump relay could take you at least to few of the following symptoms simply flagging electrical or mechanical failure. Most fuel pump relays are designed for use within a certain operating voltage which is usually around 12 volts. If the relay fails or sticks, it can fail to send power to the fuel pump which will cause major performance issues.

The first thing you may notice about a solenoid that is beginning to stick, is a hard start. In fact, some studies suggest 70% or more of no-start issues in vehicles may be due to the fuel system and the relay failing to deliver fuel because this is where power typically goes first. When the engine cranks, but does not start; it may signal that the relay is preventing enough power to flow to the fuel pump.

Some other sign is peculiar sounds. A good running fuel pump should not make any noise, or they will be very quiet about a buzzing r clicking sound coming from the relay or fuel pump indicates there may be problem. “Key on, engine cycle is a high-pitched frequency device,” said Bob Hargrove, service tech expert. “This sound you’re hearing is the relay trying to send power to it and can’t complete the circuit.

However, a lit check engine light could also signal relay problems. Here’s a finding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report, fuel systems problems account for 25% of all check engine light activates. The codes could point to fuel-delivery problems related to a faulty relay that allows the engine’s computer — aka PCM/ECM module — to manipulate fuel delivery as needed.

Here, visual inspection is another most common way to identify the relays faulty or not. If the relay seems melted or corroded, it has probably failed. A relay usually remains functional for 4 – 6 years, though its length of life can be shortened with environmental conditions.

You think the relay is stuck, so you need to test it using a multimeter. Now, select the voltage on the meter and then put back the leads to the terminals of the relay. If the reading is below 12 volts with the ignition on, the relay is bad.

It is important for those with these symptoms to appreciate the part played by the Fuel Pump relay. Fuel delivery and engine performance can both be affected by this one small part, so it needs to be diagnosed and replaced as soon as possible for the vehicle to function.

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