11 Warning Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump

Is your car having trouble? A bad fuel pump might be the problem. If you neglect it, it may worsen and result in more expensive repairs. This article will inform you of ten simple symptoms that your fuel pump might be failing and why you should repair it soon.

You can avoid common problems with fuel pumps through regular maintenance and proper care. If you notice any signs that are not normal for fuel pumps, consult a professional mechanic to inspect the fuel pump.

What is a Fuel Pump?

The fuel pump transfers gasoline from the tank to the engine and ensures the engine gets the proper amount of fuel at the right pressure. Ensuring proper care is vital for your vehicle to operate efficiently.As mentioned, proper maintenance and timely repair help in keeping the fuel pump in an optimum, efficient, and safe condition. 

This ensures that your vehicle operates smoothly and prevents more severe issues from occurring later on. It is essential to closely monitor this component to avoid the expense of a more serious repair in the future.

Warning Signs of A Failing Fuel Pump

Engine Sputtering

When you accelerate or drive at high speeds, engine sputtering or power loss can become noticeable. This issue often becomes more apparent when you press the accelerator pedal, especially if you press it fully.

Surging

Mostly power surges happen due to fuel pressure changes, which means that the engine gets different amounts of fuel at different times. If you observe the engine suddenly gaining or losing power when you accelerate or when you drive at high speeds. Random changes in power while driving can be a sign of a bad fuel pump. It’s important to take your car to any service centre for inspection and regular check-ups.

High-Pitched Whining Noise

A constant whining noise with a higher pitch coming from the rear near the fuel tank could mean your pump is faulty. This noise often gets louder when the fuel level is low because the pump has to work harder to pull fuel. Over time, the noise might get worse, which could be a sign that the pump is worn out.

Trouble in Starting

If you try multiple times to start your car engine, it may eventually start. The issue might be due to a damaged fuel pump. A defective pump can prevent the proper flow of fuel needed for the engine to ignite and function properly when starting.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

If the pump fails, the car’s fuel efficiency will quickly drop. The engine has to struggle to provide the needed amount of fuel. This results in poor fuel economy, forcing the driver to refuel more frequently due to reduced mileage.

Engine Stalls 

Some other signs that may suggest the fuel pump is failing include the engine stalling frequently or responding strangely at low speeds. Stalling occurs because the engine is not being supplied with more fuel; hence, it cuts off. This is a potentially dangerous situation, particularly if the car is being driven, and indicates that the fuel pump could be faulty and may require service.

Check Engine Light

When the engine malfunctions light blinks on the dashboard. This light is there to notify the driver that there is something wrong with one or several of the engine components or the fuel system. It denotes an abnormality in one or many aspects of the engine and the fuel system. If this light is not addressed and assessed, then other serious issues may occur, so it is best to act on this and find out the root of the issue.

Gasoline Odour

If you observe a gasoline smell inside or around your car, it might be a sign of a fuel leak in the pump or lines. A bad fuel smell is an indication of leakage. It’s important to show a mechanic to check it out to find and fix the leak.

Black Smoke from Exhaust

A deficient fuel-air mixture at the emission of black smoke may be caused by damage to your car’s fuel pump. It usually means the engine is getting too much fuel. It’s important to have the pump checked and repaired to avoid further problems. This causes an inefficient combustion of fuel, resulting in the formation of black smoke.

Engine Overheating

Specifically, when there is a high increase in the engine temperature, it is advisable to check the it and understand the original reason. This can lead to poor performance and even cause engine failure. It’s important to check your car pump as soon as possible.

Dirt or Debris

Often, the fuel filter might not be able to trap all the particles in the fuel,  allowing some to enter the pump. When blockage worsens, the pump finds it difficult to send fuel to the engine, causing the engine to perform poorly and possibly even fail. 

Ensure the fuel tank is clean and replace the fuel filter to prevent this problem and keep the vehicle functioning properly.

Conclusion

Keeping proper functioning of a fuel pump is an important aspect that will determine the smooth running of every car. To avoid more serious problems and expensive repairs, it is advised that owners pay attention to fuel pump symptoms and have their vehicles checked by a professional at least once a year. If you require the best and most superior car services, rely on the expert care from our service centre.

Our car repair workshop offers the best car repair services for all your car requirements with a complete range of services from simple tasks such as an oil change or tire rotation to complex services like engine repair, testing, or diagnosis. 

Our priority is to make sure that your brakes, transmission, and electrical systems are well maintained.