Fuel Pump: Description and Operation

Fuel Sender Assembly (Typical):

FUEL PUMP
The fuel pump used in this vehicle is an electric medium pressure twin turbine pump.

The fuel pump is mounted to the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. The fuel is pumped to the engine at a specified flow and pressure by the fuel pump. Excess fuel is returned to the fuel tank by the return pipe. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers.

The electric fuel pump operation is controlled by the ECM through a fuel pump relay.

FUEL PUMP STRAINER
A woven plastic fuel pump strainer is attached to the lower end of the fuel pump in the fuel tank. The functions of the fuel pump strainer are to filter contaminants and to wick fuel.

The life of the fuel pump strainer is generally considered to be that of the fuel pump. The fuel pump strainer is self-cleaning and normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or water. In which case the tank should be thoroughly cleaned. (See "Fuel System Cleaning.") If the fuel pump strainer is plugged, replace it with a new fuel pump strainer.