The fuel pump is key to this process and ensures that fuel is transported to the rest of the engine quickly and efficiently.Checked 2026-08-16
Fuel pump
The pump that moves fuel from the tank toward the engine at the pressure its injection system requires.
Also called: in-tank pump · low-pressure fuel pump · high-pressure fuel pump · HPFP
What it means
Definition
A low-pressure electric pump commonly sends fuel from the tank toward the engine. Direct-injection engines also use a mechanically driven high-pressure pump to raise pressure further before the injectors. ‘Fuel pump’ therefore needs a location or stage on systems that have more than one.
Why a buyer cares
What it changes
A no-start or low-pressure reading does not say which pump failed. The diagnosis should identify the requested pressure, measured pressure and whether the fault is in supply, high-pressure generation or control.
In practice
Where you meet it
On fuel-pressure tests and estimates using in-tank, low-side, high-pressure or HPFP.
Two things that look alike
Not the same as
The pump supplies pressure and flow; the injector controls delivery into the engine.
Read next
Related terms
Fuel injector
An electronically controlled valve that meters fuel into the intake port or combustion chamber.
Gasoline direct injection (GDI)
A fuel system that sprays petrol straight into the cylinder instead of into the intake port.
Port fuel injection (PFI)
A fuel system that sprays petrol into the intake port, upstream of the cylinder.
Where this comes from
Sources
Pump arrangement and target pressures are vehicle-specific.