You can expect to get about 100,000 miles out of your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s factory fuel pump. Once you have reached this coveted mileage milestone on the odometer, the fuel pump is at a higher risk of going out. Journey Auto Repair is going to list the seven problems that are caused by a malfunctioning fuel pump. We can replace your fuel pump if necessary.
A Reduction in Fuel Pressure
One of the first things that happens is your engine’s fuel pressure is reduced by the faulty fuel pump. You can purchase a fuel pressure gauge at an auto parts store and test the fuel pressure yourself. If you would prefer, we can test the fuel pressure for you.
An Engine That Surges
Sometimes, a faulty fuel pump can actually increase the fuel in the engine. When this happens, your engine will pick up speed erratically and unexpectedly. You might think you changed your foot pressure on the accelerator, but you didn’t.
Engine Stress Power Loss
A fuel pump that is going bad cannot push enough gasoline through to the engine to help it when it is under stress. Consequently, your engine will lose power and your vehicle will noticeably slow down. One example of the engine being under stress is if you are towing a trailer.
High-Speed Sputtering
The fuel pump also pushes more gasoline through when your engine is going at high speeds. If it is malfunctioning and the engine doesn’t have enough fuel, it will sputter at these high speeds. You might also experience hesitation when you try to accelerate.
A Reduction in Fuel Economy
These engine performance problems reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy. Whether the fuel pump is pushing too much or too little fuel into the engine, your engine will run inefficiently. Consequently, your overall gas mileage will take a hit.
An Overheating Engine
A strange indication that the fuel pump is going bad is if your engine overheats constantly. This is a sign that the fuel pump motor is overheating because the pump is not drawing enough fuel out of the tank to cool it.
An Engine That Won’t Start
Finally, we may be stating the obvious, but if the fuel pump dies and is unable to draw fuel out of the tank, your engine will not start.
Don’t worry. As we said above, Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, can replace your fuel pump if it needs it, so call us today.