Methods are provided for controlling a lift fuel pump configured to provide pressurized fuel to a direct injection fuel pump that further pressurizes the fuel to be sent to a plurality of direct injectors. Control strategies are needed that provide reliable and robust operation of the lift fuel pump by selectively providing current to the pump while optimizing energy consumption. To maintain a desired range of lift fuel pump operation, methods are proposed that involve sending current pulses to the lift fuel pump and switching to continuous current when fuel vapor is detected at an inlet of the direct injection fuel pump.