Most vehicles today have an inertia switch near the main air bag module with a reset button. If the fuel pressure switch turns off the power to the fuel pump during normal vehicle operation, then the reset button can be pressed to reset the switch and resume power to the fuel pump.
Once the vehicle determines the systems are safe, then the vehicle allows you to restart. The fuel pump shut-off switch is located behind an access panel on the right side of the luggage compartment. The fuel pump shut-off switch has a red reset button on top of it.
The switch will usually come with a reset button that will reactivate the fuel pump if the switch was tripped. The fuel pump switch is an electrical component, and just the same as the rest on the vehicle, over time it can wear out and develop issues.
These include a bad fuel pump relay or control module, a blown fuse, a wiring fault, loose or corroded wiring connector at the pump, or even an issue with the anti-theft system. Until these other possibilities have been checked out and eliminated, the fuel pump should be the last thing that's replaced.
The basic operating system for an electric fuel pump is relatively simple. When the key is turned on, the powertrain control module (PCM) closes the fuel pump relay, which activates the fuel pump for about three seconds to pressurize the fuel injectors.
Listen for the fuel pump: Put your ear near the fuel tank and have an assistant turn the ignition key to the “on” position. The fuel pump should make an audible noise if it's working properly. Whack the fuel tank: Have an assistant crank the engine while you hit the fuel tank with a rubber mallet.
Absolutely! A car fuel pump will fail without warning more often than you may think.
A weak fuel pump may still pump fuel, but the vehicle may experience difficulty starting from the lack of pressure. A weakened fuel pump can cause the vehicle to take more cranks to start than normal, and in more serious cases may even cause the vehicle to require multiple turns of the key before it will start.
Fuel pumps have been known to last for over 200,000 miles in some cases. After 100,000 miles, the failure of the pump is likely enough that if you are replacing a major part in the fuel system nearby, it may be advantageous to replace it at the same time.
When your vehicle's Engine Control M (ECM) records a code of P0087, it means the fuel pressure in the system is below specification. Symptoms of a P0087 diagnostic trouble code may include a misfire because of a lean fuel condition, and the vehicle might run rough or lack power on acceleration.
Clogged filters/strainers
Corrosion and other debris cause the strainer to be blocked, thereby restricting fuel flow. Normal flow of fuel helps the cooling of the pump and when the flow is reduced, it overheats, shortening its lifespan.
Most vehicles have a test port located on the fuel injector rail under the hood. If the vehicle is not equipped with a test port, then it may require that the fuel line be removed and a special adaptor be used for the tester.
If your vehicle has an electric fuel pump, you can use a fuel system cleaner to clear any sediment buildup or blockage. If you have a manual one (usually found in older model vehicles), you can actually open the pump to clear debris out of its internal filter, though that isn't an option in most modern vehicles.
A leading cause of fuel pump failure is running the fuel tank low. This is particularly critical on late model vehicles without a fuel pressure return system. Running such a vehicle out of fuel once can permanently damage the fuel pump.
There's no such thing as an intermittent mechanical fuel pump failure. Any power loss, engine 'choke' problems, etc. are being caused by something else. In a fuel injected engine, electric fuel pumps can fail intermittently.
Q: Can you drive with a bad fuel pump? A: Because a bad fuel pump could cause unexpected drops in power or even completely shut the vehicle down, we do not recommend driving with the knowledge of a bad fuel pump.