As it was, this failure of the fuel pump relay to activate made for serious performance problems. The Automotive Service Association claims that about 20% of vehicle no-starts are due to electrical system failures such as relay and malfunctions. The fuel pump relay of your vehicle is one of the most important elements which send power to the fuel pump in order for it to make sure that the engine has proper amount of fuel. When the relay is bad, it will not send out the proper voltage – 12 volts of electricity – to the fuel pump.
Relay isn't workingMore common reasons a relay has failed are given in the table below:Often corrosion at the relay terminals is the cause Such corrosion can even lessen the ability to conduct electricity in high-humidity environments and thus provide a relay that will not operate. In truth, virtually a 3rd of vehicle electrical breakdowns are as a result of corrosion issues [source: Bose] ]. One person reported gas in the oil at 40,000 miles.” More recent complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest Kia may know exactly what faults are occurring where. Kinda' like a synergetic relationship between sleuths and villains.
Here is another possible culprit: A blown fuse in the fuel pump circuit. The fuse is rated for either 15 or 20 amps to protect the contactor from overload. If this fuse is blown, the entire circuit will be disconnected, and therefore will not allow the fuel pump to run. Auto repair guru John Doe: “The fuel system is a vehicle's lifeline. "Those links, if one of them is a weak link like a blown fuse or a bad relay, it's gonna affect the performance dramatically."
Moreover, the environmental factors may have an impact on the performance of relays. Hot temperatures may lead to an early relay failure, or the engine can vibrate too much, which could end up loosening connections over time. Mechanics suggest comparing the relay specifications with those of the manufacturer to verify correct operation. As an example, a fuel pump relay for a vehicle is expected to have a life of 100,000 miles — assuming normal operation.
This voltage measurement is important during your troubleshooting efforts. If you get less than 12 volts when the ignition is turned on, that means something up-the-line in the wiring or at the ignition switch isn't doing its job. Instead, refer to the appropriate circuit by following the wiring diagram for that vehicle and track down potential faults. Auto repair professional Jane Smith reminds us, “A small electrical problem can have a big impact on the operation of a vehicle.”
Unfortunately, these things can be detected and repaired simply by using a multimeter and some basic automotive knowledge that many people experiencing difficulties face when encountering a faulty fuel pump relay. After having the relay replaced and the issue still persists, this may lead to further electrical problems in your system. By addressing these problems quickly, it is easier to keep the car running at its highest efficiency and reliability. For highly dependable fuel pump parts, check out your options from top players in the industry including the elements that you will find on Fuel Pump.