If your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s fuel pump begins to malfunction, you will have engine performance problems that we are going to list below. Automobile Diagnostics can test your fuel pump to see if it needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of the fuel pump is about 100,000 miles. If you have at least that on your automobile, you may experience the following symptoms of a dying fuel pump.
A Reduction in Fuel Economy
Whether the fuel pump is providing too little or too much gasoline or diesel fuel to the engine, you will experience a reduction in your fuel economy. This is because the malfunctioning fuel pump is affecting how efficiently your engine can run. An inefficient engine does not get good gas mileage.
A Reduction in Fuel Pressure
Another sign that you have a dying fuel pump is a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel pressure. Fuel pressure can be tested with a special gauge that you can purchase at an auto parts store. The fuel pressure should always be within the range set forth in your owner’s manual.
An Engine That Overheats
A faulty fuel pump can also make your engine overheat. The fuel pump motor uses diesel fuel or gasoline to keep it cool. If the pump is not drawing enough diesel fuel or gasoline out of the tank, the fuel pump motor will overheat and, consequently, so will your engine.
An Engine That Won’t Start
If you cannot get your automobile started, your fuel pump is likely dead. Unfortunately, we will need to replace the fuel pump in order to restore your engine’s performance. You may find it more and more difficult to start your automobile before it dies completely.
High-Speed Engine Sputtering
You probably already know this but the faster you go the more fuel your engine needs. Consequently, if the fuel pump is malfunctioning, your engine might sputter at high speeds because it is fuel-starved.
Power Loss When Under Stress
It can also lose power when it is under stress. Things that place stress on your vehicle’s engine include towing, overloading the vehicle, and driving up steep roads. If your vehicle loses power under any of these conditions, it’s possible the fuel pump is going out.
Sporadic Engine Surges
Finally, sometimes the fuel pump gets stuck in the open position and pushes too much fuel into the engine. When this happens, your engine will surge sporadically.
Call Automobile Diagnostics in Columbus, IN, today if you believe your fuel pump needs to be replaced.
