Yes, low power acceleration can be caused by a faulty fuel pump. The main function of the fuel pump is to transfer fuel at the appropriate pressure to the engine. Any failure in this operation results directly in poor performance of the engine. For instance, a worn-out or damaged fuel pump would not be able to pump sufficient fuel to the engine, thereby creating insufficient fuel flow. This can cause the engine to hesitate, stutter, or not have the power it needs for smooth acceleration. As a matter of fact, automotive experts say that a fuel pump operating below 50% efficiency can drop horsepower as much as 20%, leading to sluggish acceleration.
According to a study conducted by the SAE, 16% of the vehicles with low accelerations were found to have fuel pump problems, especially when internal components of the pump started to wear out or became clogged with junk. One example is that of the Toyota Camry 2010, which were recalled over malfunctioning fuel pumps leading to a loss of noticeable acceleration power. The problem mainly occurred on vehicles that had more than 100,000 miles on the odometer and showed how important regular maintenance could be in making the fuel system run accordingly.
One of the most common symptoms associated with a faulty fuel pump leading to low acceleration power is an engine that does not react to the throttle applied. Most instances are due to inadequate fuel pressure. For example, a normal passenger car needs about 40 to 60 psi of fuel pressure for the proper functioning of the engine. If the fuel pump can provide only half of this, then the vehicle will definitely show signs of hesitation during acceleration, especially under load or when climbing hills. In an interview with automotive repair specialist Chris Harris, he succinctly stated, “When the fuel pump can’t supply the engine with enough fuel, that is like doing a marathon on no energy.”
Sometimes, a clogged fuel filter or other debris within the fuel system exacerbates the problem by not letting the pump get the fuel across. That is why car manufacturers recommend changing the fuel filter every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. If left unchanged, the filter can become a choke point, forcing the fuel pump to overwork and strain, since it cannot maintain the pressure needed for acceleration. A low-flow condition of a compromised fuel system can result in acceleration issues that may get worse if left untreated.
The cost of replacing a fuel pump and related parts can range from $400 to $1,500 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. This develops the importance of its timely diagnosis. In fact, 22% of consumers report having experienced a loss of power or acceleration due to faulty fuel pumps. Early replacement of the pump stands to save the consumer as much as 30% on the cost of additional engine repairs.
If your car struggles to accelerate, then one of the first things to suspect is a failing fuel pump. A simple fuel pressure test can indicate if the pump is working within the recommended range set by the manufacturer. If the pressure is low, then the replacement of the fuel pump becomes quite necessary for restoring proper acceleration. For further information on how to troubleshoot a malfunctioning fuel pump, follow this link: Fuel Pump.