We have all been there, when we are driving and suddenly our car starts acting weird. It’s not always easy to figure out the exact cause, especially when you open the hood full of complicated components that you don’t understand.
One important part that people often miss out on is the fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for pumping gas from the fuel tank to the engine, ensuring your car has a steady supply of fuel, without which your car won’t simply be able to run.
But how do you know if the fuel pump is failing?
Here are the 10 signs of failing Fuel Pump –
1. Sputtering Sounds
Engine might start making sputtering sounds white you are driving fast.
Fuel pump plays a crucial role in making a steady flow of fuel from the gas tank to the engine.
When it’s not working properly, the engine could get an uneven amount of fuel which can mess with the engine’s performance causing it to make sputter noise.
Your engine needs constant flow of fuel, if the engine receives fuel inconsistently, it’s going to struggle to maintain its performance.
2. Hard to start your car
The main job of a fuel pump is to get the fuel to the engine when you turn the key.
If the its is not working right, it can delay or might not even give enough fuel for it to start.
3. Less power while going uphill
You feel less power while going uphill
Your engine needs extra fuel when you are going uphill to generate the power it needs to perform the task.
If it isn’t working properly, it might fail to supply additional fuel. You would feel dragged or hard to maintain the speed as well.
4. Drop in Gas Mileage
When the pump isn’t working efficiently, it may not provide the right amount of fuel it needs to run smoothly.
This can cause your car to need more gas than usual, meaning you might end up visiting gas station more often.
If you notice, these visits are getting more often than usual, it’s time you check on that fuel pump.
5. Car speeds up suddenly
You might experience a sudden speed without hitting on the gas pedal.
This can happen when your engine isn’t receiving a steady amount of fuel. Sometimes it may send more fuel and you will experience a steady speed.
This unexpected boost can catch you off guard. If you experience this happening often, you need to check your fuel pump to prevent any potential accidents on the road.
6. Loud Noise
You hear loud noise near the gas tank
This is the kind of sound that’s different from the usual sound your car makes. This happens when the fuel pump is working harder than it should to send fuel to the engine.
It’s going to sound high pitched, never ending. It may even sound like mosquito buzzing around.
7. Engine Light
The most obvious sign that something’s not right with fuel pump is when you see the “Check Engine” sign turned on on your dashboard.
8. Car Stops When It’s Hot
You car stops when it gets hot outside.
When it’s hot outside and you are driving continuously, the fuel pump can get heated.
If its not in good shape, it can work less efficiently, or evens top working for short period of time until it cools down. You can feel it’s stalling at low speeds.
Check the pump if it’s stalling more often on hot days.
9. Decrease Fuel Pressure
If you have a fuel pressure gauge nearby, you can check the pressure if it’s in the normal range. If something’s wrong with your fuel pump, it might fail to maintain the proper pressure.
10. Car Doesn’t Starts At All
It takes significant amount of fuel to start your car. If there’s something wrong with your fuel pump, the fuel won’t get supplied to the gas engine and the car won’t start at all.
If you experience this frequently, it’s time give it a check.
Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
Fuel Pump Replacement Cost anywhere between $200 to $1000 depending on your car’s model.
On an average it goes around $300 to $600 for most cars. Dealerships might cost you more while independent repair shop owners might get you a better deal.
Luxury and high end cars might cost you more than $1000.
Check out Nova Motor Edge for more car reviews and all things automotive.
No responses yet