Accurate diagnosis is the first step in fixing fuel pump pressure problems. Fuel pump pressure is very critical to the performance of the engine, with most gasoline engines operating within a range of 35-45 psi. If the fuel pressure is too low or too high, it may cause poor performance or even complete failure of the engine. Start by measuring the current pressure using a fuel pressure gauge. If the pressure is below the required range, one of the most common culprits is a clogged fuel filter that restricts fuel flow to the pump. A new fuel filter might resolve the problem without a new fuel pump and generally ranges in price from $15 to $60.
If the pressure remains low with a new filter, the problem may be a faulty Fuel Pump. For instance, in 2015, a customer complaint of low pressure in the 2007 Camry found its cause in a certain worn-out fuel pump, which actually failed to give out appropriate fuel flow. Replacing the fuel pump resolved this problem and the car proceeded with normal functioning. This can be costing anything between $150 to $600 for a new fuel pump alone, with labour costs usually adding another $100 to $300.
On the other hand, high fuel pressure might be due to a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator-a part that regulates fuel pressure. In its failure, it might allow excess pressure that can lead to knocking in the engine or poor fuel efficiency. Replacing the regulator often solves the problem and costs around $50 to $150. In that regard, a similar incident happened to a 2012 Ford Focus where a replacement of the fuel pressure regulator was done and resolved within less than two hours. The pressure after the change came within the right range, and the car began running well.
In other cases, the problem isn’t with the pump itself but rather with the electrical connections or relay that feed power to the pump. A faulty relay, for example, may not allow the Fuel Pump to achieve the required pressure. A mechanic might test the relay for continuity using a multimeter, which costs between $10 and $50, to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
If all these components are good and pressure problems still exist, then the problem could be in the fuel tank. The fuel line could be kinked or the sender unit damaged. Further disassembly of the tank may be required.