Sometimes, components fail regardless of how persistent you might be in timely vehicle maintenance. It’s never a fun scenario, and one that can be particularly scary and stressful if it happens while you are driving.
Your vehicle’s fuel pump is a critical part of the fuel system, ensuring the vehicle can receive fuel to operate. Keep reading to learn what can happen if a fuel pump stops functioning properly, and what you should do if it fails entirely.
Fuel Pump Failure Symptoms
As a general rule, fuel pump failures announce themselves in a number of ways, but nearly always involve some kind of significant performance reduction. These are some of the tell-tale signs of a bad fuel pump:
- Engine Sputtering At High Speeds: A failing fuel pump can cause the engine to sputter or hesitate when a vehicle is accelerating or running at high speeds.
- Difficult Engine Start: A weak fuel pump makes it harder to start, particularly if the vehicle has been sitting for some time.
- Stalling And/Or Sudden Loss Of Power: If a fuel pump fails to supply proper fuel to the engine, a vehicle can stall or experience sudden power loss.
- Surging Or Bucking: A faulty fuel pump may cause a vehicle to surge or buck while driving, especially under acceleration or at high speed.
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Unusual Fuel Consumption: If a fuel pump is not functioning properly, the engine can work harder to deliver proper throttle response, resulting in irregular fuel consumption.
What Should You Do?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and suspect your vehicle’s fuel pump is failing, the first thing you should do is stop driving.
Turn on your hazard lights and safely pull over to the side of the road or better yet, into a parking lot. Then, turn off the vehicle to help prevent further damage to the engine if the fuel pump has indeed failed.
If you have it, contact roadside assistance for help. If not, you may need to call a tow truck to take your vehicle to a mechanic for repairs.
Continuing to drive a vehicle with a failing fuel pump can cause further damage to the engine or result in a dangerous situation if the engine stalls while driving. Don’t ignore the warning signs. If you suspect fuel pump failure, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
Fuel System Diagnosis
Once your vehicle is in the hands of a qualified technician, he or she can perform a thorough inspection of the fuel system to confirm a central diagnosis, along with any contributing issues. If the fuel pump itself is found to be faulty, the technician will either repair or replace the component, depending on the severity of the problem.
If you are comfortable performing some DIY diagnosis work yourself, then you can confirm whether or not your vehicle’s fuel pump has failed by working through a proper process of investigation.
Remember to approach any form of automotive maintenance or repair with caution and
How To Confirm Fuel Pump Failure
Bear in mind that some of these steps may not apply to your vehicle, so it's best to consult the vehicle owner's manual before you start off on a wild goose chase.
- Listen For Fuel Pump Operation: When you turn the key to the "on" position, you should hear the fuel pump cycle. If you do not hear anything, it could indicate a failed fuel pump.
- Check For Fuel Leaks: Inspect all fuel lines and connections for any leakage. If a leak is evident, the fuel pump may not be supplying enough fuel to fire the engine.
- Check Fuel Pressure: Use a fuel gauge to validate fuel pressure at the fuel rails. If the pressure is lower than the manufacturer's specification, it could indicate a failing fuel pump.
- Check Fuel Pump Fuse: If you suspect a fuel pump failure, check the fuel pump fuse. If the fuse has tripped or failed, replace it and attempt to restart the engine.
- Check Fuel Pump Relay: If the fuel pump relay is faulty, it could prevent the fuel pump from running. Test the relay using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning properly.
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Execute A Fuel Pump Power Test: Use a power probe to measure electrical draw at the fuel pump. If the current measurement is higher than the manufacturer's specification, it could indicate a failing fuel pump.
Why Do Fuel Pumps Fail?
While most fuel pumps fail due to age or poor maintenance practices, there are other factors that can contribute to the issue.
These can range from something as simple as using the wrong grade of fuel to more serious issues like electrical problems, wherein faulty wiring, corroded connections, or blown fuses prevent the pump from functioning properly.
Similarly, bad habits can be to blame. Regularly operating the vehicle with a low gas tank forces the fuel pump to work harder to pull fuel from the bottom of the tank. An overworked fuel pump runs hot, and can eventually overheat and fail.
Additionally, dirt, debris, and other particulates accumulate in the fuel tank over time which can clog fuel pumps, thereby leading to failure. This is why running the vehicle on a low tank can be dangerous, as the pump must pull whatever fuel it can get – i.e., the sludge at the bottom of the tank.
As you’ve probably noticed, fuel pump failure can be the result of a combination of factors and, in fact, usually is. That’s why it is important to be mindful of your vehicle's fuel system in order to avoid early failure.
Fuel System Maintenance to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure
So far, we have covered various steps and considerations relating to complete fuel pump failure. However, in order to avoid this kind of calamity, there are also some maintenance tips that can further reduce the potential of a failure. Here are some of them:
- Change The Fuel Filter: The fuel filter is designed to trap contaminants and debris that can damage the fuel system. It's recommended to replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles (or per manufacturer's recommendations).
- Keep A Clean Fuel Tank: Dirt and debris can accumulate in the fuel tank and cause damage to the fuel system. It's important to keep the fuel tank clean by periodically removing any debris or sediment. This can be done by using a liquid fuel cleaning treatment.
- Regular Tune-Ups: Regular engine tune-ups can help keep a fuel system running efficiently and prevent problems.
Regular investigation of your vehicle's fuel system should be a top priority in your maintenance routine. Most manufacturers recommend using a high-quality cleaning treatment every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, you should also factor in the vehicle’s specifications and mileage, as well as your own driving habits and patterns of usage.
In cases where your fuel system is severely clogged or experiencing performance issues, a deep-cleaning service may be necessary. This involves removing and cleaning fuel injectors, fuel lines, and other components of the fuel system, and is usually performed by a professional.
Remember, investing in the upkeep of your fuel system today can save you from costly repairs and replacements down the road. Fuel pumps fail, sometimes regardless of what you do. Following the steps above, however, can at least get you to the side of the road safely and with only a modicum of muss and fuss.