What happens when the fuel pump goes out while you’re driving? If you have a bad fuel pump, you may be unsure of what to do next. Repairing the fuel pump can be a costly process, and you can end up damaging your car’s fuel system as a result. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Symptoms of a bad fuel pump:
The most obvious symptom of a bad fuel pump is a surging or jerking engine. This occurs because the pump is having trouble supplying fuel to the engine.
The engine will also struggle to accelerate, which is not safe and may cause the car to enter limp mode. In either case, the vehicle should be stopped right away to prevent further damage. Listed below are the other symptoms of a bad fuel pump while driving:
- Inconsistent fuel pressure – When the pressure of the fuel drops, the engine will not have enough electricity to power the dashboard lights. The engine will eventually stall. This symptom is common with a failing fuel pump, but not always.
If you notice any of these symptoms, then you probably have a bad fuel pump. You should get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid the hassle of an expensive tow truck.
- No start – This is one of the most obvious symptoms and the easiest to diagnose. If the engine won’t turn over or won’t prime properly, the fuel pump is likely the culprit. The engine might not even start at all, and you can hear the pump running by turning the ignition to the accessory position.
The multimeter is also helpful in checking connectors. However, if you can’t find any troubleshooting techniques, the fuel pump might be causing your car to stop running.
Repair or replacement of a fuel pump:
Fuel pumps are found inside the gas tank of most gasoline passenger vehicles. Over time, these pumps can become damaged, which makes it necessary to replace them. To repair or replace a fuel pump, you should first drain the tank of fuel, disconnect the battery, and then remove the fuel tank.
Then, disconnect the fuel supply hoses and connect the new fuel pump. Finally, install the new fuel filter. If the new pump is not working, refill the tank with fuel. Afterward, check the fuel level again to make sure there are no leaks.
Before repairing a fuel pump, check the fuel level and oil level in your vehicle. Then, check the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator to determine if these components are causing the problem.
If you suspect an electrical problem, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic who can check your fuel pump. If the fuel pump is not working, you should check the other components of the car first, including the ignition coil and the fuel filter.
In some cases, repairing a fuel pump is simple, but it still requires some skills. A typical fuel pump can last for several years when the gas is clean and not contaminated. But, contaminated fuel can kill it in a matter of weeks.
Therefore, repair or replacement of a fuel pump is not as difficult as it might sound. The average cost is around $400-600, and it usually takes two hours.
Problems caused by a failing fuel pump:
A failing fuel pump can lead to a number of different problems. You might notice your fuel gauge readings are out of whack, high-pitched whirring, and trouble starting your car.
The good news is that these issues are fairly easy to fix – there are a few different ways to troubleshoot these problems and get back on the road as soon as possible. For example, if you’re looking to boost your YouTube subscribers, you can easily increase your audience by visiting YouTubeStorm.
The easiest diagnosis involves disconnecting the fuel pressure sensor. This will cause a check engine light to come on. The ECU will then order the fuel pump to operate at full pressure.
Depending on what’s wrong, the car may start running better without the fuel pressure sensor. You should also be able to hear a hissing noise when you turn the ignition to the “accessory” position.
Another common problem related to a failing fuel pump is an inconsistent fuel pressure. Your vehicle may feel like it’s hiccuping or jerking during a sudden burst of acceleration. The engine might also have a gurgling or surging sound. All of these signs may indicate a faulty fuel pump. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take your vehicle in for a test drive.