What issue can a faulty fuel pump cause in an engine?

A faulty fuel pump can lead to difficulty in starting the engine because the fuel pump's primary function is to deliver fuel from the tank to the engine at the appropriate pressure. If the pump fails or operates weakly, it may not provide enough fuel for combustion, resulting in hard starts or the engine not starting at all. This situation typically occurs because the engine requires a specific fuel-air mixture for efficient operation, and a malfunctioning pump disrupts this balance.

When the fuel delivery is compromised, even if the ignition system and battery are functioning correctly, there simply may not be enough fuel reaching the engine cylinders to support starting. Thus, this issue directly impacts the engine’s ability to crank and run properly, leading to frustration for the driver and potential for further diagnostic issues down the line.