We here at Eddie’s Auto Repair cannot tell you exactly how long your fuel pump will last, but you should get at least 100,000 miles out of it. After this time, if your vehicle is doing any of the six things listed below, it’s probably time to have a new fuel pump installed.
1. Problems With the Engine Performance
The most noticeable symptom of a faulty fuel pump is problems with your vehicle’s engine performance. Specifically, your automobile will have difficulties maintaining high speeds and maintaining power when the engine is under stress. If your engine lags under these conditions, it may not be getting enough fuel from the fuel pump.
2. Unpredictable Engine Surges
The opposite can also happen with a malfunctioning fuel pump. In this case, your engine will get extra fuel that it does not need. When this happens, the engine burns away the excess fuel and picks up speed while it does it. In other words, your engine will surge even though you didn’t press down on the accelerator.
3. A Reduction in Fuel Economy
Both of these problems will cause a noticeable reduction in the gas mileage your automobile gets. Unfortunately, you will have to fill the tank more often because the engine will use excess fuel in order to try to compensate for its power loss. If the fuel pump is pushing too much fuel into the engine, it will burn it away.
4. A Reduction in the Fuel Pressure
Another sign that the fuel pump is going bad is if your fuel pressure is reduced. The pump is responsible for this pressure. If you test the fuel pressure and it is under the recommended minimum rating, it’s a safe bet that it’s time to replace the fuel pump.
5. An Overheating Engine That Stalls Frequently
Your engine may also overheat and stall frequently if the fuel pump is going bad. What is actually happening is that the fuel pump motor is overheating because it can’t draw enough fuel through it to cool it down. This will make your engine overheat and stall.
6. Hard Starting or a Dead Engine
Finally, if the fuel pump is dead, you will not be able to start your automobile. It may give you warnings before it dies completely and you may find it difficult to start your automobile. Once the fuel pump dies, however, you’ll have a dead engine.
Call Eddie’s Auto Repair in Kingston, TN, today if your vehicle is showing any of the signs listed above. We can test the fuel pump and replace it if necessary.
