How to Repair a Bad Fuel Pump relayDiagnostic itTest the ComponentReplacement The relay is basically a switch that allows current from the battery to flow through to the Fuel Pump. If the Fuel Pump fails, it will not be able to function properly, interrupting fuel delivery. The testing procedure starts with the multimeter which measures if the relay coil and terminals are in the normal range of 85 to 100 ohms. Below or above this measurement, you likely have a bad relay.
The Fuel Pump relay can typically be found (at least for most vehicles) in the fuse box, either under the hood or passenger compartment. In order to access it, you have to consult the service manual for that car, which should provide you the relay layout and its money values. For instance, a given 12V Fuel Pump relay needs to meet the amperage and voltage requirements outlined for the vehicle. Using the wrong relay could cause more electrical problems or damage to the Fuel Pump.
One of the most common stated causes of Fuel Pump failure by automotive repair experts are faulty relays. Ford and Chevrolet recalls of more than half a million vehicles in 2018 for bad relays. The result was intermittent stalling and difficulty starting, proof that this little guy is integral to your vehicle’s dependability. This is because drivers who began to experience problems like the car engine suddenly shuts down few seconds after it runs, or hard starting among others quickly realized that the problem does not most times come from the fuel pump but from relay.
Henry Ford once said that “coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success,” and the same applies to pieces such as Fuel Pump relay. This translates to relatively low replacement costs for the part (around $20-$50) so this can be a fairly cost effective way to restore functionality. Ignoring the problem costs more in the long run. A failing relay can damage the Fuel Pump, and even other electric systems, costing upwards of $800 to repair.
It can vary depending on the location of the relay, but a bad Fuel Pump Fuel Pump relay needs immediate and reliable fuel delivery. Testing the new relay with a multimeter after replacement verifies the system is operating properly. Preventable such failures can be avoided by routine maintenance of the vehicle’s electrical system, which extends the lifespan of vital components in their work and helps provide reliable performance.