You can expect to get over 100,000 miles out of your vehicle’s fuel pump, but once you reach this coveted mileage milestone, the fuel pump may begin to wear down. Benton Road Auto Repair is going to list the symptoms of a bad fuel pump below. If your vehicle is experiencing any of these problems, it’s possible that your fuel pump needs to be replaced.
Low Fuel Pressure
One sign that points directly to the fuel pump is low fuel pressure. A faulty fuel pump will not be able to generate the fuel pressure recommended in your owner’s manual. If you test your fuel pressure and it is lower than what the numbers should be, you likely need a new fuel pump.
Overheating Engine
One sign that does not point directly to the fuel pump is an overheating engine. It takes a little detective work to trace this problem back to the fuel pump, but a dying fuel pump will cause your engine to overheat. The reason why is simple: The fuel pumps motor is overheating. Once it gets too hot, it transfers the excess heat to the engine.
Poor Fuel Economy
Another sign of a faulty fuel pump is poor fuel economy. The reason why your vehicle ends up with a reduction in its fuel economy is because the fuel pump is unable to supply the engine with the right amount of fuel when it needs it. This directly affects your engine’s efficiency.
Sputtering Engine
You may notice a reduction in your engine’s efficiency when you are going at higher speeds. A common problem with the faulty fuel pump is the engine will sputter at high speeds because it isn’t getting enough gasoline or diesel fuel. Unfortunately, you will have this problem every time you pick up speed until such time as you get the fuel pump replaced.
Stress Power Loss
The same is true with stress power loss. Anytime your engine is under stress, if the fuel pump cannot produce enough fuel for the engine, your engine will lag and stutter. Again, you will have this problem until you replace the dying fuel pump.
Surging Engine
The opposite can also occur. If the fuel pump is stuck in the open position, it will flood your engine with gasoline and the engine will surge as it burns away the excess fuel.
Hard/No Starts
Finally, all of the symptoms above will eventually lead to difficulty starting your automobile. If the fuel pump is not functioning at all, you won’t be able to start your automobile at all.
Call Benton Road Auto Repair in Bossier City, LA, today if you suspect your fuel pump is going out.
