In a vehicle, the fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. It’s an essential component that helps ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
Electricity powers fuel pumps, and as such, they require proper wiring for optimal performance. Therefore, it’s important to understand the wiring and the color codes for the wires.
Because this knowledge can help make the process easier and safer.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common color codes for fuel pump wires and what they mean.
What are Fuel Pump Wires?
The fuel pump wires are cables in charge of powering your fuel pump. They are linked to the battery and are typically found in the engine compartment.
These wires are covered in insulation and are normally constructed of copper or aluminum. The gauge of the wire is normally between 14 and 16.
The fuel pump is an essential component of the fuel injection system in every vehicle; its failure can result in a variety of problems, including engine knocking.
Therefore, when there is an issue with the fuel pump such as bad wiring, the engine won’t receive enough gasoline to operate. Which can result in several situations you don’t want to go through.
Understanding the fuel pump wire color code is vital, especially when you want to address any electrical issues.
What is the Fuel Pump Wires Color Code?
1. Black or Orange Wire
This is the Ignition or Starter wire. This wire powers a grounded solenoid within the pump relay, activating the fuel pump when the automobile starts.
2. Grey wire
This is the actual fuel pump wire. The grey wire, which is comparatively bigger in diameter and is found on the GM fuel pump or the vehicle wiring harness, connects the fuel pump to the 12-volt battery positive through the fuel pump relay.
The fuel pump would start running for three seconds after the ignition key was turned to the ON position, and you would hear the fuel pump buzzing sound.
Afterward, the fuel pump would turn off. Fuel pump priming maintains fuel pressure in the fuel pipe at the back of the fuel injector, and they normally make it ready for fuel injection when the key is turned to the start position (engine cranking).
3. Purple wire
This is wire is called the fuel level/gauge wire. It transmits a signal to the ECU telling it how much fuel that is left in the tank. The fuel level signal comes from this wire. This wire often has a purple or yellow coating with a white stripe.
The instrument cluster would use a thermistor to measure the float of the fuel gauge and provide a varied resistance value depending on the application.
4. Black & White Wire
The black and white strip wire typically denotes the ground connection to the fuel pump through the vehicle’s ECM. The power supply won’t flow to the fuel pump for operation unless you ground it.
The fuel pump won’t be able to receive any power supply and will continue to be inoperative if you do not ground the fuel pump wire in the chassis frame.
FAQs
What happens if you wire a fuel pump incorrectly?
If the fuel pump wiring on your GM car is incorrect, the fuel pump relay will not provide power to the fuel pump because it will not connect the power supply wire to the fuel pump.
As a result, the fuel pump will not operate and discharge fuel to the engine, and the vehicle will not start. Even if the fuel tank is totally or half full, the indicator may show zero fuel.
What Powers The Fuel Pump?
Your car’s fuel pump is driven by the fuel pump relay, an electrical component that controls current flow to the pump specifically.
Therefore, the fuel pump wouldn’t operate as intended if the relay wire is damaged in any way.
How Do I Find the Exact Fuel Pump Wire Color Code For My Car?
You can consult your car’s service manual’s wiring diagrams to determine the precise fuel pump wire color code for your vehicle. These wiring diagrams show each wire connected to the fuel pump’s exact location and color.
Read: Sway Warning in Toyota
Conclusion
Fuel pump wire color codes vary between different vehicle models. Therefore, knowing the correct color code is crucial for installing or repairing a fuel pump.
These colors indicate the purpose of each wire and help identify them during installation or repairs.
Also, when handling fuel pump wiring, it’s crucial to follow safety precautions and consult the wiring diagram for your specific vehicle model and you must be careful when handling it because it is dangerous when mishandled.