Is Your Fuel Pump About to Fail? These 5 Signs Say Yes
Your car’s fuel pump plays an important role in keeping your engine running smoothly. I’ve had a few vehicles where the fuel pump started to fail, and your car just doesn’t run like it should. Not to mention, it could leave you stranded if you neglect it long enough. So, how can you tell when it is about to fail? Here are five signs to look for.
1. Engine Sputters at High Speeds
Engine sputtering is never a good sign. When you are at highway speeds and notice sputtering, your fuel pump might be about to go. This happens when the pump can’t consistently supply the engine with the fuel it needs under pressure. You might notice the sputtering come and go. It might also be more significant when you are accelerating or going up a hill. It’s tempting to shrug this off as a temporary, small issue, but it could be a sign that something is wrong with your fuel pump.
2. Trouble Starting the Car
Another key sign that your fuel pump is about to kick the bucket is having trouble starting your car. Maybe it takes longer to start (or doesn’t start at all). This could be an issue with your fuel pump! When the pump isn’t supplying enough fuel to the engine, it will struggle to start. Initially, the engine might just take longer to crank up than usual. However, if you ignore this, the problem can get worse. This is especially true after the car has been sitting for a while, as a weak pump may lose fuel pressure when idle.
3. Sudden Loss of Power Under Load
When your vehicle loses power during acceleration, climbing hills, or carrying heavy loads, it may be due to a failing fuel pump. Under these conditions, the engine demands more fuel, and a weak pump can’t meet the pressure requirements. This causes the car to hesitate, bog down, or feel like it’s straining. You might also notice poor throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal has little effect.
4. Decreased Fuel Efficiency
A failing fuel pump can affect how efficiently your engine burns fuel. When the pump doesn’t deliver fuel at the right pressure, the engine control unit may overcompensate by injecting more fuel than necessary. This leads to lower miles per gallon and more frequent trips to the gas station. You may not notice it right away, but if your fuel economy suddenly drops, don’t ignore it.
5. Whining Noise From the Fuel Tank
If you hear a high-pitched whining or humming sound coming from the area around your fuel tank, that’s a warning sign. A normally functioning fuel pump makes a quiet hum, but when it’s going bad, the noise becomes louder and more noticeable. This sound may be most obvious when the car is idling or first started. It could mean the pump is working harder than it should due to wear or clogging.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Stranded
Generally, fuel pump failure doesn’t happen overnight. Being privy to the symptoms and taking action as soon as possible could make a huge difference. If you’re noticing any of these signs with your car, don’t ignore them! It could leave you stranded. Take it to the shop and how your fuel system checked out before it becomes a major inconvenience.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.