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What Happens When the Fuel Pump Goes Out? 

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What Happens When the Fuel Pump Goes Out? 

Driving a car offers you the freedom to travel around and see the places you love. However, cars are full of different mechanical components, and if one of those components fails, it can be difficult to deal with. One component that people often struggle with is fuel pumps. 

When the fuel pump goes out, it disrupts fuel flow to the vehicle’s engine. As a result, this lack of fuel can cause the engine to stall. You will also not be able to start your car if the fuel pump goes bad.

Keep reading for an in-depth view of what happens when the fuel pump goes out in your car. I’ll explain the signs to watch out for and how you can best monitor and maintain your fuel pumps to prevent them from going out in the future and causing damage to your car. 

What Are the Signs of the Fuel Pump Going Out?

Fuel pumps are a vital aspect of your internal combustion engine. When the fuel pumps misfire, it can be a cause for concern, and you’ll need to resolve the issue quickly to prevent further damages from occurring. But what are the signs to watch out for that indicate the fuel pump is deteriorating. 

Here are the signs that your fuel pump is going out: 

  • Car is not starting. 
  • Power loss when towing. 
  • Stalling while driving.
  • Inconsistent fuel supply.
  • Poor fuel efficiency. 
  • High pitch noise coming from the fuel tank.

If you notice any of these signs in your car, it’s likely worthwhile investigating the condition of your fuel pumps. You can do this at home, or you can bring your vehicle to the mechanics for a checkup. 

See below for a breakdown of the signs that your fuel pump is on the way out. 

Read: How to Start a Car With a Bad Fuel Pump

Car Is Not Starting 

The engine in your car needs fuel to run. The machine also needs fuel to start. Fuel pumps feed energy into the motor, so it can start and continue to run. Therefore, when the fuel pump is faulty, the engine may not recover enough fuel to get started. As a result, you won’t be able to start the car. 

Power Loss When Towing 

Some drivers use cars to tow heavy vehicles and trailers from time to time. If you’re hauling a heavy load with faulty fuel pumps, you’ll likely lose power as you drive. The extra strain on the engine causes the fuel pump to come under stress and underperform when damaged. 

Stalling While Driving 

Internal combustion engines work by creating small controlled explosions that generate power in the machine. However, this process also heats up the engine. When the fuel pumps are damaged, this added heat can cause them to further malfunction. As a result, the engine will stall, and you won’t be able to drive, at least until it cools down. 

Read: What Are the Symptoms of Fuel Tank Vent Blockage?

Inconsistent Fuel Supply 

The fuel pumps offer the engine with a fuel supply. However, when the fuel pumps are damaged, they’ll deliver either too much or too little fuel. As a result, the engine may start volunteering when there’s insufficient fuel. In contrast, you may receive a surge in power as too much energy is in the engine. 

Poor Fuel Efficiency 

If you notice that your car isn’t getting as many miles to the gallon as it was before, it could be down to an issue with the fuel pumps. Fuel pumps play an integral role in supplying the engine with the correct amount of fuel. As a result, when they fail, the engine may use more fuel than is necessary, hurting the car’s fuel efficiency. 

Read: Bad Fuel Pressure Sensor Symptoms

High Pitch Noise Coming From the Fuel Tank

Another sign that your fuel pump isn’t working as it should is a high-pitched ringing noise coming from your fuel tank. However, this sound may also be caused by low fuel levels in the tank or impurities in the fuel. Nevertheless, a ringing sound from the fuel tank indicates an issue with the fuel lines or pump. 

What Happens When the Fuel Pump Goes Out When Driving?

When the fuel pump goes out in your car while driving, the car would stall or break down. This happens when the engine is starved of fuel. The fuel pumps supply the energy, so when it goes out, the machine won’t be able to retain power or function as it won’t have any fuel inside. 

Fuel pumps are essential aspects of your car’s engine. As a result, when the fuel pump goes out, you’ll likely not be able to start or drive the vehicle. The machine will stall or lose power, and the only way to get the vehicle moving again is by carrying out repairs or bringing it to the garage. 

How Do You Check Whether Your Fuel Pump Is Working? 

By this point, you’re well aware that fuel pumps going out is cause for concern. However, I’ve yet to discuss how you can check at home yourself to see the condition of your fuel pump. So can you check the condition of the fuel pump at home, or is this a job for the professionals? 

To check whether the fuel pump is working, lift the hood on the car and get someone to start the engine while listening for the fuel pump to turn on. The fuel pump will make a noise if it’s working. If it’s not working, it’s damaged or malfunctioning and needs repair. 

You can also assess the condition of your fuel pumps by attaching a pressure gauge to the engine and starting it. If the pressure is low, the fuel pumps are likely the cause of the issue. If you bring your vehicle to a garage, the mechanic will also use this tool to assess the functionality of the fuel pumps

Read: How Often Should The Fuel Filter Be Changed?

How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Fuel Pump?

It costs anywhere from $100 and $1,000+ to replace a fuel pump. Replacing it yourself can cost as little as $100 as this is the starting price for a fuel pump. However, pumps can be much more expensive. Meanwhile, labor costs are involved in replacing a fuel pump at a garage, raising the price. 

The cost of replacing a fuel pump will vary greatly depending on what type of car you drive. It may be more expensive to replace the fuel pump in some modern or high-performance vehicles, while in cheaper old cars, replacing a fuel pump is much more affordable. 

You can also expect to pay at least $200 for the labor costs of a mechanic replacing the fuel pump in your car. However, that cost can vary depending on where you live.

Keep in mind that incorrectly replacing your fuel pump can cause problems down the road. If you are unsure of what you are doing, it may be best to go to a professional even though it is more expensive up front than to risk further costs and damage later on.

Read: Car Won’t Start but Lights and Radio Work

How To Fix a Fuel Pump Without Replacing It?

Replacing a fuel pump can easily cost you in excess of a thousand dollars. As a result, you may be searching for a cheap and easy fix for your fuel pumps. Is there a way to replace your fuel pump at home without paying extra for a replacement? 

To fix a fuel pump without replacing it, you need to assess the condition of the fuel pump with a pressure gauge. Next, you should remove any dirt build-ups and ensure there are no contaminants in the fuel. 

In most circumstances, fuel pumps will need replacing when they’re damaged. The fuel pump is an integral aspect of your car’s engine, and repairs or replacement shouldn’t be attempted at home unless you have the required tools, experience, and equipment for the task. 

Poor repair or replacement work carried out on the fuel pumps in an engine could lead to safety concerns or cause further damages that’ll require expensive repairs. Therefore, this repair is best left to qualified professionals.

Final Thoughts 

When the fuel pump goes out, it’ll likely cause the engine to receive inconsistent or insufficient amounts of fuel. As a result, the engine won’t start or will die while you’re driving. Driving with a faulty fuel pump may also damage the engine, requiring further repair work. 

It’s challenging to repair a damaged fuel pump. Therefore, it’s best to replace the damaged piece. The cost of replacing the fuel pump can range from $100 to over $1,000 depending on where you live and the make and model of your vehicle.

Read: Fuel Induction Service – What Is It and How Its Done?

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