If you drive an automobile that has 100,000 miles or more on it, there will come a time when you need to replace the fuel pump. The average lifespan of the fuel pump is 100,000 miles. This pump is the pump that pulls the gasoline out of the tank and pushes it through to the engine. Clark’s Car Care lists the signs of a dying fuel pump below so you know them.
High Speed Sputtering
The fuel pump can malfunction by becoming clogged, stuck in the open position, or ending up with a dead motor. If the fuel pump is clogged or the motor is faulty, you may not have enough fuel in the engine and, as a consequence, the engine will sputter at high speeds. You may also notice that your engine has difficulty picking up speed when you accelerate.
Overheating Engine
When the fuel pump draws the gasoline out of the tank, the gasoline flows through the pump and keeps the motor cool. If there isn’t enough gasoline or diesel fuel being pulled out of the tank, the fuel pump motor will overheat. When this happens, your engine overheats and stalls quickly.
Reduced Fuel Pressure
You can test your fuel pump by checking your vehicle’s fuel pressure. Pick up a fuel pressure gauge at the auto parts store and check the recommended fuel pressure in your owner’s manual. Test the fuel pressure and if it is lower than the recommendation, your fuel pump is likely malfunctioning or dying.
Stress Power Loss
As with problems at high speeds, if the fuel pump is not pushing enough gasoline through to the engine, you may also notice power loss when your vehicle is under stress. What we mean by stress are things that require additional engine power such as driving up a very steep incline.
Reduced Gas Mileage
A fuel pump that is stuck in the open position can reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage significantly because it is pushing too much fuel through to the engine. You may also notice that your engine surges unexpectedly.
Unable to Start Car
Finally, if your fuel pump has died completely, you won’t be able to start your car. You may end up having difficulties starting your car before it dies completely.
Call Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, today if you believe your fuel pump is going out. We’d be happy to inspect the pump and replace it if necessary.