What Are the Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump?
Here are some bad fuel pump indicators demanding a fuel pump replacement:
1. Weird Sounds
Whining from the fuel tank can indicate a fuel pump failure. Backfires and sputtering engines can also suggest a malfunctioning fuel pump.
In general, any pinging or knocking sound from your car is never good, so always pay attention.
Note: Any sound issues may trigger the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.
2. Diminished Engine Performance
There could be a loss of power if your car’s fuel pump can’t provide the engine with sufficient fuel. Also, high or low fuel pressure due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator may cause surging or sputtering. A less noticeable fuel pump problem can be a decrease in fuel efficiency.
In any of these cases, you may need a new fuel tank pump.
3. Difficulty Starting
If the fuel pump assembly can no longer supply the required fuel to the engine, your car will experience starting difficulties. Start-up may take a few seconds longer than usual, or you’ll need a few attempts to get the engine cranked.Â
Ignore the issue, and eventually, your car simply won’t start. So don’t ignore a fuel pump replacement.
4. MisfiringÂ
Many things can cause misfiring, including a malfunctioning fuel pump.Â
If the engine isn’t getting adequate fuel, it won’t have the proper air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber — leading to inefficient combustion. This results in a misfire.
5. Unable to Maintain Speed
If the engine is choking or struggling to maintain speed, you may think you’re out of gas. Check the fuel pressure gauge. If the gauge shows fuel in the tank and the car’s choking, you have a failing fuel pump.
6. OverheatingÂ
A faulty fuel pump can overheat. If you have an overheating fuel pump issue, the vehicle might run for 15-30 minutes before overheating and stalling. After letting your engine cool, it’ll run again, only to halt as the issue repeats.
7. Engine Surges
A failing fuel pump can send too much fuel to your engine. This will result in the engine surging, which means the vehicle picks up and then drops speed — making driving dangerous.
8. Low Fuel Pressure
Test your fuel pressure to spot the cause of a faulty fuel pump.Â
Is the pressure low?
It could be due to a bad fuel pump or damage to the gasket sealer, hindering the pump’s ability to deliver sufficient fuel to the engine. You can buy a fuel pressure gauge to measure the pressure or let a mechanic help you.
Note: You can find the recommended fuel pressure in your owner’s manual.