How a Faulty High-Pressure Fuel Pump Affects Lexus Performance near Marlborough

In modern Lexus vehicles, the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is a crucial component of the fuel delivery system. It is found in direct-injection engines, where the fuel is directly injected into the combustion chamber.

The high-pressure fuel pump receives fuel from the low-pressure pump and pushes it into the combustion chamber at very high pressure. This breaks the fuel into very minute fuel particles, resembling the mist. This atomized fuel mixes with oxygen very easily. This results in efficient combustion, which increases the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, the high-pressure fuel pump enhances fuel efficiency, optimizes throttle response, and reduces harmful emissions.

Several reasons contribute to the damage of the high-pressure fuel pump. These include low fuel quality, fuel contamination, lack of lubrication, mechanical wear and tear, electrical issues, a clogged fuel filter, and driving habits.

Common Signs of High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

In direct-injection engine models of Lexus, the high-pressure fuel pump plays a critical role in facilitating efficient combustion and ultimately increasing the engine’s efficiency. That’s why failure in the pump also primarily results in engine-related signs. These malfunction signs are;

• The most common symptom of high-pressure fuel pump failure is the engine’s stuttering or hesitation during acceleration. A faulty pump fails to facilitate the increased combustion needed by not pumping the fuel into the combustion chamber. This causes the engine to stutter and hesitate.
• The performance of the engine is reduced due to improper fuel injection resulting from the failure of the high-pressure fuel pump.
• A faulty HPFP often fails to provide sufficient pressure on the fuel, which is needed to start the engine. Thus, it causes difficulty in starting the engine.
• The improper fuel injection affects the volume and the physical state of the fuel entering the combustion chamber. Additionally, the lower power output prompts the engine to work harder to meet its power needs. This increases the engine’s fuel usage, and a sudden drop in fuel efficiency can be observed.
• Engine stalling and rough idling occur when the high-pressure fuel pump becomes damaged, particularly during vehicle slowing.
• When the damage worsens, the malfunctions intensify, which ultimately causes the check engine light to illuminate.

Effect of High-Pressure Fuel Pump on Engine

A malfunction in the high-pressure fuel pump affects many critical engine components in Lexus. When the fuel pump fails to deliver fuel with adequate pressure, the optimal air-fuel mixture is not attained. This results in the engine running on lean conditions, which means the chamber has less fuel and more oxygen. This causes intense combustion that increases the temperature rapidly. This increased temperature causes damage to engine components such as pistons, cylinder walls, and valves, or sometimes even seizes the engine.

Improper combustion allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust system. This fuel gets heated up in the exhaust system and damages the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is one of the most expensive and labor-intensive repairs on the Lexus.

An engine that stalls or hesitates suddenly while driving poses a severe safety risk to the driver. Handling mishaps, especially at intersections or on highways, poses a serious safety hazard to the driver and others on the road.

Where to Repair The High-Pressure Fuel Pump Issue in Marlborough

If you are experiencing signs of high-pressure fuel pump failure in your Lexus near Marlborough, visit our auto repair shop, Professional Automotive, for a thorough diagnosis and replacement. We employ highly experienced technicians who have exclusive factory training for various makes and models, like Lexus. We use the latest diagnostic equipment and brand-specific software to provide our clients with the best quality repairs for their issues.

In all our repairs, we use OEM-made parts or premium aftermarket alternatives when needed. Most of our works have a same-day turnaround. Since 1994, we have been working on various vehicle models, including domestic, Asian imports, and European vehicles.

We stand by our work by providing our customers with a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty on our parts and labor. We also offer loaner cars while your car is getting repaired at our shop. From 19 Mechanic Street, we have been working with vehicle owners in Marlborough and its surrounding cities, including Hudson, Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury, Westborough, Stow, Bolton, Berlin, and Framingham.

* White Lexus ES Car image credit goes to: YuriyVlasenko.