The life of a fuel pump relay usually falls within a bracket of 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or about 5 to 10 years, based on vehicle use, environmental factors, and the nature of the maintenance practices followed. Relays play a vital role in the fuel system since this is the logical point at which flow power to the fuel pump is provided. However, once the relay fails, power might not reach the pump properly to create hard starts of the engine, stall, or even complete shutdowns of the engine. Consideration of the relay as a centrepiece in fuel delivery, therefore, means that a faulty one will resonate in the effects on general vehicle performance and dependability.
Operating conditions directly influence the lifespan of a fuel pump relay. First, most relays are installed in the engine bay; temperatures here often run well over 200°F (93°C) for many vehicles. Operating in such heat, along with constant mechanical vibration and fluctuating electrical loads, tends to wear down the components of the relay over time. These factors, therefore, become particularly stressful in those vehicles that have to go through daily use or heavy work. These are based on the fact that experts advise replacing or checking the fuel pump relay after every 50,000 miles to avoid problems that may occur, especially in older model cars due to wear and tear of electrical parts.
Worn or loose wiring connections can also lead to electrical resistance that can shorten the life of any relay. Poorer connections equate to higher resistance and thus place greater stress on the relay by forcing it to work harder and hotter, accelerating wear. Ensuring good, corrosion-free wiring connections can reduce this stress and extend relay lifespan. It’s not uncommon with high-mileage vehicles for these problems to occur as wiring and connectors age and increase the risk of relay burnout.
Normally, the replacement of a fuel pump relay is not very expensive; it costs in the region of $20-$50. That small investment into a new relay will save you from having to deal with costlier outcomes of a malfunction or breakdown in the fuel system. Regular maintenance of the relay ensures smooth power supply to the Fuel Pump with minimal chances of fuel delivery problems to retard performance and economy.
As Henry Ford said, “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” High-quality parts and regular maintenance provide for a more dependable fuel system. Go to Fuel Pump for reliable fuel pump relays, as well as more information.