Let’s talk about what the fuel pump does before we get into the signs that yours is going bad. The fuel pump has the word “pump” in its name because it pumps the gasoline from the tank into the fuel injectors. Without this part, you wouldn’t get any gasoline into your engine. Clark’s Car Care can replace your pump, which lasts about 100,000 miles, if you notice any of the following problems.
High-Speed Sputtering
The faster you go the more fuel you need. If your pump cannot push the fuel through when you press down on the accelerator, your engine will sputter as it struggles to pick up and maintain higher speeds. Your engine isn’t getting the gas it needs, which is why it’s sputtering and struggling.
Overheating Engine
If your engine is overheating yet your cooling system is fine, it could be the pump motor that is causing the problem. Your fuel pump relies on gasoline to keep the motor cool; it acts as a coolant, if you will. Driving on empty draws air instead of fuel through the pump and overheats the motor.
Stress-Induced Power Loss
Things that stress out your car, truck, or utility vehicle including overloading it, towing heavy loads, and driving up steep inclines. If your vehicle loses power under these conditions, you might have the same fuel-starved condition that causes it to sputter at high speeds. It’s not getting the extra gas it needs.
Sudden Power Increases
Oddly, another sign of pump trouble is surging. This happens when the engine gets too much gas. The pump could be pushing too much gasoline through and flooding the engine or it could be stuck in an open position. The excess gas will cause your car to pick up speed sporadically.
Frequent Fill-Ups
Whether your engine isn’t getting enough fuel or it’s getting too much, you’ll end up filling your tank more often until you replace the pump. The reason why is simple: Inefficient gas delivery causes your engine to burn more gasoline in order to produce power.
Dead Engine
Finally, if the fuel pump is clogged shut or the motor has died, you won’t be able to start your automobile at all. The fuel pump will not deliver the gasoline needed to the engine so it can begin combustion. You might have problems starting your car before it dies completely.
Clark’s Car Care can replace your pump if it needs it. We are the best service shop in Naperville, IL, and we’ll get you in and out of our shop in no time so you can be on your way to the rest of your day.