A faulty fuel pump will reduce your vehicle’s fuel pressure. This is because the pump is no longer able to move the gasoline or diesel fuel through the engine with the same force that it originally did. Dad’s Automotive can replace your fuel pump when you need it. This usually occurs around 100,000 miles. Aside from a reduction in the fuel pressure, here are other signs that your fuel pump is going bad.
Engine Power Problems
Your engine will struggle to produce power if it is not getting enough gasoline or diesel fuel. In fact, you may notice that your engine has started to lag when you are driving at higher speeds. You may also have noticed that your engine loses power when it is placed under stress, such as when you drive up steep hills. These things point to a malfunctioning fuel pump that cannot provide the extra fuel your engine needs to operate powerfully under these conditions.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, as your engine struggles to produce power, it will burn what little fuel it has. This means that despite the fact that the fuel pump is not supplying the engine with enough fuel, your car, truck, or utility vehicle will actually see a reduction in the gas mileage it gets. The fuel pump can also reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy if it is malfunctioning and pumping too much fuel into the engine. Aside from burning the excess fuel, your engine will also surge.
Overheating and Stalling
The fuel pump can also cause your engine to overheat if the fuel pump motor overheats. Once your engine gets too hot, it may stall. The fuel pump motor cools itself off as it draws the gasoline or diesel fuel out of the tank. If it is malfunctioning and not drawing enough fuel to cool off the motor, it will overheat. You may also hear whining or humming noises coming from the gas tank. These are sounds that a malfunctioning fuel pump will make.
Hard Starts or No Starts
Finally, it makes sense that it will be difficult to start your automobile if the fuel pump is going bad. Obviously, your engine needs enough fuel in the combustion chamber to ignite and run. Lack of fuel can make it difficult to get your car started or you may not be able to get it started at all.
Call Dad’s Automotive in New Era, MI, today if your automobile is experiencing any of the problems listed above.
