5 Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump

Nov 15, 2023

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Bennett Oghifo

Many components work together to ensure your vehicle runs properly. The spark plugs, pistons, and crankshaft turn gasoline into usable horsepower. The brake pedal, brake lines, calipers, and discs combine to bring your car to a stop.

And the electrical system relays signals from various switches to the headlights, taillights, sound system, and heating and air conditioning. But what transfers fuel from the gas tank to give your engine the power it needs to accelerate and cruise?

A vehicle's fuel pump delivers the petrol in the tank to your engine, so it can create a spark and generate horsepower for any type of driving. And if your fuel pump starts to go bad, it could cause many issues that lead to a decrease in engine performance.

But what are the signs of a bad fuel pump? What are the ways of repairing fuel pumps? Let's look at the subject of failing fuel pumps and how to know when yours goes bad.

What is a fuel pump?

The fuel pump is a vital part of your vehicle's mechanics that sends the gas in the tank through the fuel system and into the engine. During this process, the gasoline passes through a fuel filter into the fuel injectors and then combusts inside the cylinders.

Without a pump, gasoline would have no way of reaching the engine, and the pistons without enough fuel to provide power to the driveline. On older vehicles, mechanical fuel pumps use plungers or diaphragms to transport fuel to the carburetor, which then sprays it into the cylinders.

But on modern vehicles with electronic fuel injection systems needing higher fuel pressure, electric fuel pumps are more suited to the task. Modern cars usually have electric fuel pumps mounted inside the gas tank and powered by a DC electric motor. Electric fuel pumps also reduce fire risk because they’re covered in cool gasoline and installed far from the engine.

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Symptoms of a bad fuel pump

1. Engine runs poorly

If you’ve owned your vehicle for several years or have experience behind the wheel in general, you probably know what a well-running engine sounds like. When all of the systems on an engine work together, it idles quietly at a low RPM, accelerates without hesitation, and easily cruises on the highway.

But if an engine isn't receiving adequate gasoline from the fuel pump, it doesn't have what it needs to produce power and work as intended, and you’ll feel and hear the difference.

When you start your car, and the engine sputters or exhibits an uneven idle, it might not be receiving the amount of fuel it needs or not at the proper rate. Not only does this make for an unpleasant drive, but it could cause internal engine damage.

2. Vehicle doesn't start

It's a hassle when you need to be somewhere, and your car won't start. And although the origin of an engine not firing up might be several things, from the battery to the ignition coils, a malfunctioning fuel pump is one of the more likely causes.

3. Overheating engine

An overheating engine may also be a symptom of a malfunctioning fuel pump. A bad fuel pump may overheat and inadequately deliver gas to the engine, causing it to run hot and turn off while on the road.

In this scenario, your vehicle may start back up after overheating and shutting down, only to do the same thing a half-hour later. This scenario is a common sign of a bad fuel pump.

4. Can't sustain speed

Smooth, consistent engine performance requires a healthy supply of fuel. And when a fuel pump goes bad, not enough gasoline reaches the engine, taking away its ability to run at a constant RPM.

When you’re driving at a steady rate of speed and notice an engine misfire or loss of power, it could be a defective fuel pump. It may feel like the engine's running out of gas when, in fact, the fuel pump isn't delivering what's in the fuel tank.

5. Decreased fuel efficiency

It costs money to fill up your gas tank and achieving optimum mileage helps lower your expenses. It's a good feeling to find different ways to extend gas mileage, whether by going easy on the accelerator or keeping your tires properly inflated.

But if you notice your car using more gasoline than what you’ve come to expect, it could be a fuel pump problem. In this situation, the pump may be sending too much gasoline to the engine, prematurely using up what's in the tank. The fuel pump is just one of the many components required for reliable, safe driving. And when you’re in the market for a used car, you want one that's fully inspected, with all parts in excellent condition, that’ll stand the test of time.

Nigeria Auto Guide 4th Edition to be Released Soon

Bennett Oghifo