7 Harmful Indicators of a Bad Fuel Pump

Much like your heart pumps blood to your body, the fuel pump in your car delivers gas from the tank to the engine, as well as maintaining the appropriate pressure to keep your vehicle running optimally. If your fuel pump fails (or is well on the way to doing so) it can cause several issues that will clue you in to what the problem is. Check out these harmful indicators of a bad fuel pump so you can keep your ride on the road and get where you need to go. 

How to Know If the Fuel Pump is Failing

Starting Problems

If your car isn’t starting, or you have to attempt to start it multiple times, the fuel pump may be the culprit. Each time you turn your car on, the fuel pump is activated to send fuel to the engine. However, mechanical problems or simple wear and tear can cause the fuel pump to weaken over time, preventing it from providing the level of pressure needed to start the car. 

Decreased Gas Mileage

Keeping track of your gas mileage is a smart way to see if your vehicle is running smoothly, as worsening gas mileage can be an early indicator of problems. If you’re noticing lower gas mileage than usual, it may be because the fuel pump is not delivering the appropriate amount of fuel consistently. Inconsistency from the fuel pump leads to excess fuel in the engine, which is simply wasted. 

Whining Sounds from the Fuel Tank

When the fuel pump is in good condition, the only sound you should hear from it is a soft hum. If you’re noticing a loud whine, something’s up. Check to see if your fuel pump is working or if your fuel is contaminated. Contaminated fuel can wreck your engine, as can a faulty fuel pump. 

Surging

If you feel like your car is jolting or surging forward without you pressing the gas pedal, it could be due to the fuel pump delivering inconsistently pressurized fuel to the engine. 

Sputtering at High Speeds

The same cause (inconsistent or insufficiently pressurized fuel supply) can also cause your engine to sputter and shake, especially when driving at high speeds. 

Stalling at Higher Temperatures

You may also notice that your car stalls when the temperature gauge is higher. While there are a few issues that can cause your car to stall, a worn out or damaged fuel pump is often to blame.

Loss of Power During Stress

Pulling a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or driving up a steep hill can all cause stress on your engine, pushing your car to its max. If your vehicle is losing power and having a hard time with the stress, it may be due to insufficient fuel pressure. As a fuel pump wears out over time, it also loses the ability to accurately regulate the amount of fuel needed for different types of driving. 

If you think the fuel pump is going on your car, don’t wait to replace it! At U Wrench It, we have a wide selection of affordable used auto parts to help you with all of your DIY car maintenance needs.