A fuel pump can stick for one or many reasons and can easily become bad starting or stalling of the engine. One of the common causes of this problem is electrical failure. The fuel pumps always require a constant 12-volt power supply for operation, and any voltage drop will eventually serve to make the pump fail to engage. If it operates below 10 volts, the pump may not get enough power to turn on and thus could seize. The seizing of the pump does not take place because of regular checks that were provided for the battery and wiring connections to provide power without fluctuations.
Fuel contamination is another probable cause of a seized fuel pump. Debris, rust, and other contaminants can block the fuel filter or even the pump itself. Once fuel filters are not replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, they become blocked and thus the pump has to work harder, resulting in failure. In worse scenarios, a clogged filter may make the pump seize up completely and not be able to deliver any fuel to the engine.
Other factors that eventually can cause damage with the pump include running the vehicle on low fuel. Fuel pumps rely on gasoline for cooling and lubrication, and when fuel levels are kept below a quarter of a tank, the pump can overheat. Indeed, according to some studies, driving with your fuel level low can cut the life of a pump as much as 30% and make it more apt to stick. Keeping appropriate fuel levels in your tank will help you maintain better performance and the longevity of the pump.
Another cause of the pump getting stuck is mechanical failure within it. After a certain time, the inner parts may wear down and seize up with use. For example, if the pump runs well past 100,000 miles without serving, then the motor may be worn out and completely fail. At this time, replacement is the only way to regain fuel delivery.
Regular maintenance is something that may greatly help in avoiding problems with the fuel pump. For example, keeping at least a quarter of a tank of fuel, changing fuel filters when needed, and checking electrical connections may help to maintain fuel pump functionality. Diagnose as soon as possible any stuck Fuel Pump problems and address the causes of the trouble to avoid bigger problems later.