Yes, all cars, trucks, and utility vehicles have fuel pumps unless they are electric automobiles. The average lifespan of the fuel pump is 100,000 miles. Once your vehicle has reached this coveted milestone, it’s possible that you will begin having problems with the fuel pump. LP & Sons Auto Care lists the signs that your fuel pump is going out below. Bring your vehicle to our shop as soon as possible.
A Reduction in Fuel Economy
When the engine is not getting enough fuel, it cannot run inefficiently. Unfortunately, this affects your vehicle’s fuel economy. It’s possible that the fuel pump is malfunctioning and not sending enough fuel into the engine or too much fuel into the engine. Either way, you will notice that you are heading to the service station more often than normal.
An Engine That Is Too Hot
The fuel pump uses the gasoline or diesel fuel that it pulls out of the tank to cool its motor. If the fuel pump is dying and unable to draw enough fuel out of the tank to keep the motor cool, it will overheat. Unfortunately, the hot fuel pump motor increases the temperature of your vehicle’s engine and it will overheat, as well.
High-Speed Engine Sputtering
Any time the engine does not get enough fuel it struggles. A faulty fuel pump can make it difficult to supply the fuel the engine needs to operate at high speeds. When this happens, you will notice that your vehicle sputters the faster you go because the fuel pump is not sending enough fuel to the engine.
Power Loss When Stressed
The same thing happens when your vehicle is under stress. The engine needs more gasoline if you are towing a trailer behind your car, truck, or utility vehicle. It also needs more gasoline if you have overloaded the vehicle and when you are driving on steep roads.
Inability to Start the Engine
One sure sign that your fuel pump has died is an inability to start your vehicle’s engine. You may receive a warning prior to the dead engine. It may get increasingly difficult to start your automobile every day.
Low Fuel Pressure
Finally, another sure sign that your fuel pump is dead is a reduction in the fuel pressure. Testing the fuel pressure can be a DIY job with the proper gauge. If you’d prefer, we can test it for you.
Call LP & Sons Auto Care in DeLand, FL, today if you believe your fuel pump is going out.