These are common symptoms of a potentially bad fuel pump: A lack of power when “under load” (at highway speeds or laden with people/cargo). An engine that is hard to start or won't start. An engine that “chokes out” or dies after running for a while or up to temperature.
Sputtering Engine
Your fuel pump doesn't stop pushing gas through to the engine once you've started your vehicle; it also pumps gas to meet your vehicle's speed. If the pump cannot produce a constant stream of gas at higher speeds, your vehicle's engine will sputter and threaten to stall.
Q: Can you drive with a bad fuel pump? A: Because a bad fuel pump could cause unexpected drops in power or even completely shut the vehicle down, we do not recommend driving with the knowledge of a bad fuel pump.
The typical cost for a fuel pump replacement is around $900 to $1,100, depending on the vehicle, its age, and your region. Labor costs range from about $500 to $600, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $400 to $500.
The average lifespan of a fuel pump is 100,000 miles. If your odometer reads more than that and you notice any of the following signs listed below, Crossroads Automotive warns that your fuel pump is most likely going bad.
With the fuel pressure gauge attached, start the engine and let it idle. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the pressure regulator; the pressure should drop approximately 8 to 10 PSI. If it does not, suspect a problem with the regulator or its' vacuum supply.
Fuel pump failures tend to be sudden and unpredictable, with few symptoms to warn the motorist that trouble is brewing. And the higher the mileage on the vehicle, the greater the risk of a fuel pump failure.
Can a fuel pump go out without warning? Absolutely! A car fuel pump will fail without warning more often than you may think. All things related to a car fuel pumps like the injectors, the pressure regulator, and the car fuel pump itself are the part that are most replaced with the fuel system.
Bad Fuel Pump, Fuel Pressure Sensor Can Trigger 'Check Engine' Light, P0087 Code. Your car's “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light can flash on for more than 1,400 different reasons.
How long does it take to replace a fuel pump? In most cases, around two to three hours. However, job times can vary widely depending on how easy it is to access the pump.
Your engine won't start at all – Simply put, if the pump has indeed failed, you will not be able to drive your car. Without fuel, the motor won't be able to run.
By itself, a high-flow fuel pump will not increase power, but it will provide the ability to increase power by providing a higher flow of fuel to the engine when major engine upgrades are performed.
Noise. Your fuel pump always makes a low humming sound, but usually, you can't hear it. If you hear a loud whining noise coming from your gas tank, the fuel pump is going bad. This is also a sign that the gas tank is dirty and contaminated.
Fuel Pressure Test Cost Estimates
The average cost for a Fuel Pressure Test is between $44 and $55 but can vary from car to car.
There's no such thing as an intermittent mechanical fuel pump failure. Any power loss, engine 'choke' problems, etc. are being caused by something else. In a fuel injected engine, electric fuel pumps can fail intermittently.
After 100,000 miles, the failure of the pump is likely enough that if you are replacing a major part in the fuel system nearby, it may be advantageous to replace it at the same time.
Fuel pump failures can be caused by electrical faults, old age (wear) or fuel contaminants (dirt, moisture or bad gas). Fuel pump failures often occur without warning. Fuel pumps, injectors and pressure regulators are the three most commonly replaced fuel system components.
Fuel pump repairs aren't necessarily difficult, but it's relatively complicated to get to the fuel pump, and, like any liquid system, it's important to make sure you don't damage anything or cause leaks.
Replacing the fuel pump isn't hard, per say. If you follow the right guide, or get the owner's manual, and follow it step by step, you'll be able to do the repair. It's completely possible to do with hand tools.
Fuel contamination: Fuel is jeopardized from corrosion, debris and moisture, which can all bring visible contaminants into the tank. Clogged strainers/filters: The aforementioned contaminants eventually clog critical components including strainers, filters and the fuel pump itself.
The P0230 code indicates an issue with the fuel pump. This generic code indicates that there's an issue with the circuit between the fuel pump and the powertrain control module (PCM).
The most common reason a pump fails is wear on the pump from improper lubrication or over-use. The best way to explain a failed fuel pump due to wear and tear is to explain what other reasons may have lead to a failed pump: Most fuel pumps are lubricated by the fuel in the tank itself.