The fuel pump is also an important part of the internal combustion engine of any vehicle, which supplies an adequate amount of fuel for engine operation.
But sometimes, due to various reasons, the fuel pump of the engine gets damaged, due to which many types of symptoms related to the bad fuel pump can be seen in the vehicle.
In this article, you will get detailed information about the symptoms of a bad fuel pump, which will help you diagnose a bad fuel pump.
What Is A Fuel Pump?
In vehicles, a fuel pump is an electronic or mechanical component that delivers liquid fuel from the common rail to fuel injectors at high pressure in order to make the fuel more flammable in the internal combustion chamber of the engine.
Often, diesel vehicles have a fuel pump located near the engine that draws fuel from the fuel tank through a vacuum and delivers fuel at high pressure to the fuel injectors.
The main purpose of the fuel pump is to send fuel with high pressure from the fuel tank to the fuel injector. But in some vehicles, the fuel pump is mounted in the fuel tank.
Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump
Common symptoms of a bad fuel pump are difficulty engine starting, noise from the fuel tank, hesitant acceleration, rough engine, low fuel efficiency, smell of unburned fuel, engine stalling, or engine RPM not going up.
Let us know the symptoms of a bad fuel pump in detail so that you do not get confused about its symptoms.
1. Engine Not Starting
If the engine of your vehicle is not starting, this symptom can be caused by bad fuel. A bad fuel pump is not supplying fuel to start your vehicle’s engine. So the fuel pump should be checked when the engine won’t start.
However, there can be many other reasons for the engine not starting. such as a blocked fuel filter, a clogged fuel injector, an electrical fault or a mechanical fault.
2. Rumbling Noise From Fuel Tank
Often, in vehicles with a faulty fuel pump, a rattling sound can be heard from under the fuel tank or back seat. because there is an electric motor in the fuel pump. which sends the fuel under pressure to the fuel injector.
The motor of the fuel pump starts making a loud noise when it rotates due to damage.
Even if the engine of your vehicle is running, the fuel pump still makes a sound. If these symptoms appear, the fuel pump must be checked.
3. Hesitation Acceleration
A bad fuel pump can cause a vehicle to hesitate during acceleration. because more fuel is required during acceleration.
But the fuel pump is unable to supply fuel according to the acceleration of the fuel injectors in the engine. Due to this, the vehicle starts having problems with hesitation due to a bad fuel pump.
4. Smell Of Unburnt Fuel
Due to a bad fuel filter, the smell of unburnt fuel starts coming from the vehicle’s cabin or exhaust. A bad fuel pump doesn’t force fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber with enough pressure. Due to which the combustion process of the engine starts getting interrupted.
And due to the low pressure of the fuel, it is not ignited in sufficient quantity, due to which the smell of unburned fuel starts coming from the vehicle. Exhaust emissions from unburned fuel can also cause eye irritation.
5. Engine Stalling
Many times the engine suddenly starts shutting down while the vehicle is moving down the road. Because a bad fuel pump does not supply the engine with the required amount of fuel continuously.
And when the fuel supply stops in the engine while it is running, the engine starts shutting down suddenly. However, there can be many other reasons for an engine to stall. like an electrical or mechanical fault.
6. RPM Not Going Above A Certain Point
If you over accelerate your vehicle due to a bad fuel pump. Then the RPM of your vehicle does not go above a certain reading in the cluster meter. even if you press the accelerator pedal all the way down. This happens because higher fuel pressure is required to increase the engine’s RPM.
But a bad fuel pump does not send fuel above the specified fuel pressure to the injectors. Due to this, fuel is not supplied as per the requirement for acceleration.
Fuel Pump Location
The fuel pump is often located in the fuel tank of vehicles. But in some vehicles, the fuel pump is connected to the engine, so the fuel pump sends fuel with high pressure to the fuel injectors.
How Does A Fuel Pump Work?
The fuel pump delivers high-pressure fuel to the fuel injectors to power the engine, causing the fuel injectors to spray high-pressure fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber over the piston, making the fuel more flammable and burning faster in the engine’s combustion chamber. ignites, allowing the engine to successfully start and provide power.
Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
Fuel pump replacement costs depend on the make and model of the vehicle.
On average, fuel pump replacement costs in cars can range between $200 and $900, which also includes a mechanic’s labor costs. This estimated cost does not include taxes and fees.
The cost of a fuel pump can range from $150 to $600, and the labor cost to have a mechanic replace the fuel pump can range from $50 to $300.
However, the replacement cost of the fuel pump is more expensive in heavy diesel vehicles and expensive cars. Because these fuel pumps are of more complex technology, changing them is also a complex task.
FAQ’s
Q. What does the fuel pump do?
A vehicle’s fuel pump delivers fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Due to this, the fuel combustion process in the engine is completed.
Q. How much does it cost to fix a fuel pump?
Fuel pump replacement costs can average between $200 and $900, including mechanic labor costs. Replacement is a good option if the fuel pump is bad. because you may have to face many problems in the future with the repaired fuel pump.
Q. Can you drive with a bad fuel pump?
If your vehicle’s engine is starting due to a broken or faulty fuel pump. then you can drive the vehicle with it. But remember, this is a temporary solution.
Because your vehicle can stop anytime and anywhere, So getting the fuel pump replaced by a mechanic is a good option when the fuel pump goes bad.
Q. Can a fuel pump fail suddenly?
Yes, a fuel pump can fail suddenly. However, in some cases, the motor of the fuel pump may give you the first signal with a loud noise.
Banty is the owner of Autorepairszone.com & is also a vehicle mechanic by profession. We have almost 12 years of experience in the field of automotive repair, and we strive to provide you with accurate information about vehicle malfunctions and repairs based on our experience.