The fuel pump is responsible for pumping fuel to the engine so that combustion takes place in the cylinders. If the pump has problems, it will directly affect the pressure of the injected fuel. This may also cause various other inconveniences, such as the car won’t start. Some basic signs of a bad fuel pump may require replacement or maintenance at an early stage.
Let’s read here to know the common signs of a bad fuel pump:
Fuel Pump Failure Symptoms
Although mechanical and electronic pumps operate on different principles, the failure signs of both types of pumps are similar. Here discussed are the bad fuel pump symptoms that you may notice while driving:
Car Crashing or Dying
If the fuel pump pressure is irregular (low), it is common for the vehicle to have constant failures. This is because the engine does not receive the correct amount of fuel, which compromises power. It is possible that the car also dies in some situations precisely because of the low fuel level.
Loss of Power When Lifting or Towing a Load
When driving uphill or towing a load puts extra strain on your engine. It also requires more fuel to achieve ultimate performance. These tough situations put more strain on your pump. If the pump is worn, it cannot maintain a constant flow of fuel to the engine, resulting in a loss of power.
Problem When Accelerating
Another sign of a bad fuel pump is that the car often loses power when trying to accelerate. Acceleration requires more fuel, causing the fuel pump to work harder. If the pump is faulty, it may not be able to keep up with the increased demand and will drain the engine. Additionally, there could be a loss of vehicle power due to a clogged fuel filter. In such a case, the fuel filter should be cleaned or completely replaced.
Car Stutters at High Speeds
If you are driving at high speeds and notice engine or car jerking, then it’s a sign that the fuel pump is faulty. This problem occurs when the fuel pump cannot provide a constant flow of fuel to the engine. Sometimes air enters the engine when it is supposed to receive fuel. This interruption of the fuel supply causes the engine to undergo several violent shocks, causing jolts.
Car Won’t Start
If you ignore all the other signs of a bad fuel pump, eventually it will stop working altogether. Once your fuel pump stops working completely, fuel will stop flowing to the engine. When you try to start the car, you will only hear the starter motor running but without fuel, the engine cannot run. Of course, there could be other explanations why your car starts for a second then dies. To verify that the fuel pump is faulty, check the pressure in the fuel system with a pressure gauge. If it reads zero, your pump is probably faulty.
What to Do When There Are Problems with the Fuel Pump
When you notice that there are problems with the fuel pump, it is best to take the vehicle to a workshop. The problem can extend to other components if you keep driving your car with the defective pump. The consequence will be expensive repairs and maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance
According to professional technicians, it is important that you periodically replace the fuel filters to increase the life of the fuel pump. This should normally be done after every 15,000 kilometres driven.
Also, check that the fuel station is supplying quality fuel to preserve the performance of the pump. Low-quality fuel can cause wear and damage to the pump.
Fuel pumps are installed in all vehicles that come with internal combustion engines. Most fuel pumps are built to last, but over time when the vehicle goes into heavy consumption, they get damaged. You might need to replace the fuel pump if your vehicle is showing any of the above symptoms. Also, if you are planning to buy a used car in the UAE, make sure it doesn’t have any of the aforementioned car fuel pump problems.
If you find the guide informative, stay tuned to the UAE’s favourite car blog for more repair tips
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