Symptoms And Common Failures Of The Fuel Pump (Gasoline)

The purpose of your fuel pump is self-explanatory. This part pumps the fuel from the tank to the engine, so if it doesn’t work properly it can be problematic. But don’t worry, because here we will show you the signs and common fuel pump failures , so that you are aware of any failure.

Well, we know that the fuel pump is a fundamental part of any car, since without it the car would not work, but it is also prone to breakdown.

Common fuel pump symptoms and failures

It should work for thousands of kilometers, but like all parts, over time the possibility of stopping working is higher. To avoid being stranded 200 miles from home, watch out for the following common gas or fuel pump failures:

1- The engine sputters

One of the best indicators of impending fuel pump failure is a sputtering engine having power issues. This is because the pump cannot deliver a fuel at the right pressure to feed the hungry engine.

You’ll first notice it at high speeds, with the car giving a sudden lurch and then resuming normal performance. Don’t just pass it off as a bad spark plug, as ignoring this signal could cause your engine to malfunction.

2- Increase in temperature

The temperature in your car can help predict fuel pump problems, so always keep an eye on the gauge. If you see the temperature rise accompanied by the car shutting down, this could mean that the fuel pump motor is having problems .

One way to check this further is if the car stalls again after restarting with the clutch well engaged then this is a clear sign that the part is malfunctioning and you may need to replace the fuel pump.

3- Loss of power

Do you notice that your car loses power in stressful situations such as climbing hills, towing or accelerating? A weak fuel pump simply won’t be able to power the engine properly, and an interrupted flow of gasoline or diesel indicates that the pistons won’t fill up to operating level.

Note that this issue could also point to a faulty oxygen sensor or deeper engine issues, but if your car has a lot of miles on the dash, it’s more likely to be the fuel pressure regulator or fuel lines. made out of fuel.

4- Lack of performance

A faulty fuel pump delivers an inconsistent flow of fuel, which not only means a lack of performance, but also that your engine could be getting too much gasoline or diesel at any given time.

If your car feels like the accelerator pedal has been depressed randomly when you’re cruising, it’s a sign of danger. The culprit is normally uneven resistance within the part due to fatigue and continual wear.

5- Noise coming from the fuel tank

A first indication that the fuel pump is suffering is a loud whine emanating from the fuel tank area. The fuel pump is not a silent part , and will usually produce a quiet hum when working efficiently, however if this increases to a noticeably audible volume then you have a problem.

Check that there is enough fuel and that the fuel is not contaminated as this can also cause noise, and if you find such issues then you may be looking at a bad pump.

6- Difficulty starting the car

If you know the battery is fully charged and you can hear the starter motor firing, but your car is still struggling to start , then the engine is most likely cranking but suffering from a lack of fuel from the pump.

Since this part runs continuously when the ignition is on, a weak pump will not be able to give the engine the fuel it needs to get going. If you are experiencing this problem then do a little detective work to check for the faulty spark plugs and replace them if necessary. However, if they are working normally, you can safely assume that your pump is failing.

7- Other factors to take into account

In addition to the main warning signs, these red flags can also indicate some common bad fuel pump symptoms:

• Decreased Mileage – If the pump relief valve is damaged, the engine could receive excess fuel, resulting in fewer miles per gallon.
• Fuel Pressure Gauge: While a friend is revving the engine, check the value on the pressure gauge against the number in your owner’s manual. Anything less than indicated means there is a loss of pressure from a weak pump.
• Premature Spark Plug Failure – The intermittent supply of fuel from a failing pump can put stress on other engine systems, causing the spark plugs to fail much prematurely.
• Turbocharger Issues – If the turbocharger seems to be taking longer than normal to fill with air, it could be a problem with the fuel pump.
• Hard Engine Shutdown – If you notice the engine stalling randomly or not starting properly, take it to a shop to have the pump checked.
• Engine Timing – Does the car misfire regularly and backfire? Timing issues are a good way to confirm your suspicions that the fuel pump is failing when accompanied by other symptoms.
• Check Engine Light Comes On: In modern cars, the sensor system detects problems with the fuel pump, which notifies the ECU and causes the check engine light to come on.
• Black smoke from the tailpipe: Non-diesel cars should never expel black smoke. If you notice dull colored fumes coming from your gas powered car, this is yet another indicator that the fuel pump is failing.

To end

It is equally important to protect the fuel pump from premature wear. Avoid using cheaper fuel to fuel your car, as it may contain impurities that will wear out the pump prematurely. Also, if the car is running low on fuel or near empty, this vital part will be put under additional stress.