When you slide in behind the wheel, you have a million things going through your mind. What’s for dinner. When to pick up the kids. How to plan for tomorrow’s meeting at work. The phone calls you need to make.
But then, you turn the key, and the engine sputters. You know your car well – this is not how it normally behaves. Something’s off.
So you turn the key with a fresh mind, all thoughts on the problem at hand. What’s wrong? You start taking notes. Maybe you hear it trying to start – could it be the starter? It hesitates – could it be the battery? The fuel pump isn’t something most drivers turn to in this situation. But it’s a real possibility.
Let’s look at a fuel pump
The average fuel pump can last up to 200,000 miles or more. It isn’t something you’ll be replacing regularly, which is why it’s the last thing drivers turn to when considering what’s wrong with their car.
Of course, that can be influenced by a variety of things. Driving habits, fuel quality, maintenance – it all impacts the health of your car. Things do go wrong.
A fuel pump is a crucial component in a vehicle’s fuel system. Its primary function is to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. It has to do this at the correct pressure and volume to ensure optional engine performance. How does it do this?
The fuel pump draws fuel from the tank and pushes it through the fuel lines to the engine. This process ensures a consistent and adequate supply of fuel to the engine’s fuel injectors or carburetor. From there, it maintains the required pressure in the fuel lines, which is essential for the proper atomization of fuel by the fuel injectors. If the pressure is too low, the engine may not run efficiently or may not start at all.
By providing a steady supply of fuel, the fuel pump ensures that the air-fuel mixture in the engine is appropriate for combustion. This mixture is necessary for the engine to produce power.
In short, no fuel pump, no fuel, no going anywhere. Your car needs a fuel pump for operation. Therefore it’s important to maintain it throughout your car’s life, and to repair it as needed.
What can go wrong with a fuel pump?
If your fuel pump has problems, you’ll notice it in performance. A faulty fuel pump will show up in one way or another. Typically, we find drivers notice it by:
Wear and tear
A fuel pump is built from multiple parts. At any point in time, one or more of those parts can wear down and cause a performance issue.
Electrical issues
Problems with the electrical connections or wiring to the fuel pump can cause intermittent or complete failure. This includes issues like blown fuses, faulty relays, or damaged wiring.
Clogged fuel filter
A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the pump, causing it to work harder than necessary and potentially leading to premature failure.
Contaminated fuel
Dirt, debris, or water in the fuel can damage the fuel pump. Contaminants can cause wear on the pump’s internal components or block the fuel intake.
Fuel sediment
Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the fuel tank. If the fuel level is frequently low, this sediment can be drawn into the fuel pump, causing damage or blockages.
Overheating
The fuel pump relies on fuel in the tank to keep it cool. Running the vehicle on a low fuel level consistently can cause the pump to overheat and wear out more quickly.
Faulty pressure regulator
The fuel pressure regulator ensures the fuel pump delivers fuel at the correct pressure. If the regulator malfunctions, it can cause the pump to work inefficiently or fail.
Internal leaks
Internal leaks within the pump can reduce its ability to generate the necessary pressure, leading to poor engine performance and eventual pump failure.
Damage
Physical damage to the fuel pump, such as from an impact or accident, can impair its function.
Some issues can take longer to show up than others. But when you notice it, it’s important to address the issues quickly. Fast action prevents issues from growing and becoming bigger problems down the road.
Are there things you can do to maintain your fuel pump over time?
Yes. Thousands of parts come together to create your car. Each part has a purpose, a reason for being placed somewhere within your vehicle. If you care for your car and regularly maintain it, you’re more likely to catch small issues before they escalate. For a fuel pump, that means:
Regularly replacing the fuel filter
A clean fuel filter prevents contaminants from reaching the fuel pump. Replace the fuel filter according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended schedule, usually every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.
Use high-quality fuel
Fill up with high-quality gasoline from reputable stations to reduce the risk of contaminants entering your fuel system. Avoid using fuel from older, lesser-known stations where the fuel quality might be compromised.
Avoid letting the fuel tank dropping below a quarter full
Running the vehicle with a low fuel level can cause the fuel pump to overheat since the fuel helps cool the pump. Keeping the tank at least a quarter full ensures the pump remains submerged and cool.
Avoid contaminants
Be cautious when filling up to avoid dirt, debris, or water entering the fuel tank. Make sure the gas cap is always secured tightly to prevent contaminants from getting in.
Regular maintenance
Stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, which includes checking and replacing various components that can affect the fuel pump, such as fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulators, and the entire fuel system.
Practice good driving
Avoid aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can put additional stress on the fuel pump.
Keep a watchful eye out
Pay attention to any signs of fuel pump issues, such as difficulty starting, engine sputtering, stalling, or unusual noises. Early detection and repair can prevent further damage.
Fuel pump repair as needed
Notice an issue? Schedule an inspection. The quicker you bring your vehicle in, the faster we can fix the problem and get you back on the road again.
It’s the best way to ensure the longest life possible from your car.