If the fuel pump in your car, truck, or utility vehicle is going bad, it’s important to have it replaced as soon as possible. Failing to do so may leave you with a dead engine when you least expect it. Fortunately, in most cases, the fuel pump will give you a warning that it is going bad. Dave’s Auto Repair also advises that the fuel pump’s lifespan is about 100,000 miles, so if you drive an older automobile and notice any of the signs below, your fuel pump is going bad.
Engine Sputtering Trouble
One of the most common signs that the fuel pump is dying is your engine sputtering as you pick up speed. This is an indication that the fuel pump is unable to supply the extra gasoline or diesel fuel that the engine needs to go faster.
Engine Stress Power Loss
Your engine will also lose power when it is under stress if the fuel pump cannot push extra fuel into it. For example, if your engine lags when you drive up hills, this points to a fuel pump problem. Your engine will also lag when you overload it or try to tow a trailer.
Surging/Picking Up Speed
The opposite is an indication that your fuel pump is pushing too much fuel into the engine. In this case, your engine will pick up speed sporadically. This is called engine surging, and it can make driving your automobile difficult due to the unpredictable speeds.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Either engine condition will reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy significantly. If you keep track of your gas mileage, you may start to notice a small difference in how many miles per gallon you get. As the fuel pump continues to die, you will notice a greater reduction.
Reduced Fuel Pressure
You can also test your fuel pressure to see if the fuel pump is going bad. The fuel pump should always generate the recommended fuel pressure rating listed in your owner’s manual. If the fuel pressure is under this rating, the fuel pump is having problems.
Constant Overheating
Finally, your engine may start to overheat constantly if the fuel pump motor is overheating. The fuel pump motor uses the fuel it draws out of the tank to keep it cool. If it is unable to draw the fuel out of the tank, it will overheat.
Dave’s Auto Repair in Goshen, IN, would be happy to inspect your fuel pump, so give us a call today. We can replace the fuel pump if necessary.
