One thing a fuel pump relay will do is actually improve the starting of the vehicle by offering a reliable pathway of electricity to the fuel pump. Once the ignition is turned on, the relay opens up a path that lets flow the current from the battery to the fuel pump, letting it operate at full capacity. A good relay helps the fuel pump maintain adequate pressure, typically in the range of 30 to 80 psi depending on the vehicle, so the fuel delivery response would be instant and smooth, especially upon initial startup. The faulty relay may result in intermittent power supply to the fuel pump, leading to hard starting, delayed ignition, or failure of the car to start altogether.
The fuel pump relay can wear out after a high mileage; this could lead to problems in starting since the contacts inside the relay wear, thereby gaining electrical resistance. As a result, enough power may not reach the fuel pump to reach required pressure. It may be that an ageing relay-which for many makes could be changed around 100,000 miles-will assure efficiently delivered power to ensure that the fuel pump runs right. A new relay costs from $20 to $50, well within the realm of affordability when considering improved starting performance.
The cold weather further heightens the role of the relay: low temperatures reduce the battery output, putting further pressure on the electric system. Thus, a failing relay may not be able to feed constant voltage into the pump at sub-zero temperatures. In very cold climates, the advantage of a new or good quality relay is felt more by drivers: proper fuel flow is guaranteed even in less-than-optimal conditions.
A relay with an amp rating a little higher than normal can be useful in high-performance applications. For instance, the fuel system makes greater demands on performance vehicles or those vehicles that have modifications to allow for increased power. An upgraded relay will support consistent fuel delivery during starts and handle the extra current draw.
As said by Carroll Shelby, one of the most famous automotive experts, “Horsepower sells cars, but torque wins races.” A good quality fuel pump relay assists in the role of both power and torque-thanks to a strong start and fuel delivery. For more detailed information about Fuel Pump relays and reliable ones, log onto Fuel Pump.