Fuel Pump: Description and Operation

WARNING: DO NOT SMOKE, CARRY LIGHTED TOBACCO OR AN OPEN FLAME OF ANY TYPE WHEN WORKING ON OR NEAR ANY FUEL-RELATED COMPONENT. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE MIXTURES ARE ALWAYS PRESENT AND MAY BE IGNITED, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

The fuel pump transmits fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. To protect the fuel pump from contaminants, a nylon mesh type fuel pump filter is mounted on the fuel pump inlet. The fuel pump filter removes solid particles from the fuel, which could plug or damage the fuel pump. The fuel pump, which includes a fuel damper, is located in the fuel tank. The fuel pump has an internal motor which creates pressure in the fuel tubes and hoses. The fuel pump is controlled by a fuel pump relay, which is, in turn, controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Almost any electric fuel pump malfunction that can occur will result in the loss or reduction of fuel flow and pressure. Loss of fuel flow and pressure will be detected as a loss of engine performance.