If you are wondering how long your car’s fuel pump will last, we have the answer for you: 100,000 miles. You may get more mileage out of the fuel pump than that, but Guaranteed Auto Air & Repair advises that once your vehicle’s odometer turns to this honorable mileage milestone, the fuel pump is more inclined to malfunction. Here are seven signs that your fuel pump has gone bad.
1. Noticeable Engine Power Loss
One of the things you may notice right away is that your engine will lose power under certain circumstances when it never lost power before. These circumstances are when you are driving at high speeds and when the engine is under stress. The engine requires more fuel in these conditions. A faulty fuel pump may be unable to provide the additional fuel.
2. An Engine That Picks Up Speed
Another sign that your fuel pump is malfunctioning is if your engine picks up speed in spurts unexpectedly. This is called a “surging” engine. The fuel pump may be pushing too much fuel into the engine by accident. This will make your engine surge.
3. A Reduction in the Fuel Economy
Whether the engine is lagging or surging, you will notice a difference in your car, truck, or C/SUV’s fuel economy. This is because the malfunctioning fuel pump is causing the engine to run inefficiently. When this happens, it uses more fuel.
4. Stalling at High Temperatures
If your engine has been overheating and then stalling lately, the fuel pump could be the underlying problem. A dying fuel pump’s motor will overheat, and, in some cases, transfer this excess heat to the engine. Consequently, the engine will overheat and stall.
5. A Reduction in the Fuel Pressure
A faulty fuel pump will also be unable to generate the fuel pressure needed to sustain efficient engine operation. A reduction in the fuel pressure points to the fuel pump. We can test your fuel pressure at our shop or you can do it at home.
6. Difficulty Starting the Automobile
If you are having problems starting your automobile, the fuel pump may not be supplying the engine with fuel. At first, it may just be hard to start the engine. Eventually, you will end up with a dead engine that won’t start at all.
7. Whining Noises in the Fuel Tank
Finally, a dying fuel pump will make whining noises in the fuel tank. These noises may be hard to hear at first, but they make it louder the more the fuel pump malfunctions.
Guaranteed Auto Air & Repair in Rockledge, FL, can replace your car’s fuel pump if it needs it. Call us today for an appointment.