How does the car engine get fuel to run when in neutral gear and without pressing the gas pedal?

When you start your car engine and it’s in neutral gear without pressing the gas pedal, you might wonder where the engine gets its fuel from to keep running. This is a common question among car owners and enthusiasts, and the answer lies in the intricate design and operation of the car’s fuel system. The fuel system, which includes components like the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors, works together to ensure that the engine receives a steady supply of fuel at all times, even when the car is in neutral and the gas pedal is not being pressed.

Understanding the Fuel System

The fuel system in a car is designed to store and supply fuel to the engine. The fuel tank stores the fuel, while the fuel pump, which is usually located inside the fuel tank, pumps the fuel to the engine. The fuel filter cleans the fuel by removing any dirt or debris, and the fuel injectors spray the clean fuel into the engine’s combustion chambers where it is mixed with air and ignited to produce power.

How the Engine Gets Fuel in Neutral

When the car is in neutral gear, the engine is still running, and it still needs fuel to keep running. This is where the idle air control valve comes into play. The idle air control valve, which is controlled by the car’s computer, allows a small amount of air to bypass the throttle when the car is in neutral. This air mixes with a small amount of fuel that is still being pumped by the fuel pump and sprayed by the fuel injectors, and this mixture is ignited in the combustion chambers to keep the engine running.

Role of the Gas Pedal

The gas pedal, also known as the accelerator pedal, controls the amount of air that enters the engine. When you press the gas pedal, you’re opening the throttle and allowing more air to enter the engine. This signals the car’s computer to increase the amount of fuel being pumped and sprayed by the fuel system, resulting in more power being produced by the engine. When you release the gas pedal, the throttle closes, less air enters the engine, and the car’s computer reduces the amount of fuel being supplied.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the car engine gets fuel to run when in neutral gear and without pressing the gas pedal from the fuel system, specifically the fuel pump and fuel injectors, with the idle air control valve allowing a small amount of air to mix with the fuel. The gas pedal controls the amount of air and, indirectly, the amount of fuel that enters the engine, but even when it’s not being pressed, the engine still receives a steady supply of fuel to keep running.