Common Causes of Low Fuel Pressure
Low fuel pressure can be caused by any of several underlying issues, some of which are more serious than others. Those who are familiar with such possible underlying causes tend to have a better idea of ​​where to focus their time and energy to resolve the issue. Below are some of the most common causes of low fuel pressure:
1) Clogged Fuel Filter (Symptoms of Clogged Fuel Filter)
When your vehicle’s fuel filter becomes clogged, it can cause a clog in the fuel system itself, preventing your engine from reaching ideal fuel pressure.
2) Fuel Pressure Regulator Failure
When your engine’s fuel pressure regulator fails in the “open” position, it can certainly cause a drop in overall fuel pressure. This occurs when excess fuel is pumped back from your engine’s fuel lines into your vehicle’s fuel tank.
3) Weak Fuel Pump (Bad Fuel Pump)
A weak or failing fuel pump can also cause a significant drop in fuel pressure. Engine performance will certainly suffer if the pump in question is unable to generate adequate pressure. This type of failure is relatively common when fuel pumps start to deteriorate.
4) System Leaks
When there is a leak of any magnitude, the overall pressure within the fuel system is almost always affected. The biggest concern with this type of issue is the safety risk that an external fuel leak poses. Therefore, it is very important that any vehicle with a fuel leak has the engine shut off until it is resolved.
5) Fuel Injector Leaks (Symptoms of Bad Fuel Injectors)
In some cases, fuel injectors may not seat properly after an injection cycle. This will result in persistent fuel loss. As a result, pressure throughout the system can drop to a level that causes operational failure and driving-related symptoms.
6) Electrical Interference
General lack of fuel pressure can also be caused by an electrical failure in the vehicle’s fuel system. Fuel pump relay and circuit breaker/fuse failures are relatively common. Additionally, damaged wiring/connectors are also responsible for many of these issues, as is a failed fuel pump control module.
Can I continue driving with low fuel pressure?
No, you should not drive if your vehicle is experiencing fuel pressure problems. This is due to the numerous consequences that can result from driving in such conditions, many of which relate to general inability to drive.
Attempting to run with less than specified fuel pressure will cause intermittent stalling and starting problems, making it more likely that your vehicle will become stuck. This type of problem, even stalling at high speeds, poses a very real danger to personnel safety and health.
There are also several mechanical issues to consider when operating a vehicle engine without sufficient fuel pressure. Lack of sufficient fuel pressure will result in a “lean” condition. Running an engine in a lean condition for an extended period of time can cause valves to burn out and eventually deteriorate one or more pistons, all of which can be very costly to repair.
In either case, the root cause of your vehicle’s low fuel pressure should be thoroughly diagnosed and addressed at the first opportunity possible. This will eliminate unnecessary risks and prevent the possibility of costly damages. If you don’t feel comfortable self-diagnosing such issues, or you simply don’t have the time, you should make an appointment with a trusted auto repair shop as soon as possible.
