8 Most Common Fuel Pump Failures: Signs And Solutions!

The fuel pump maintains pressure in the fuel lines so that there is always a constant flow of fuel to the engine. This ensures that the injectors work properly, and also allows for fuel storage in a tank below and several feet from the engine. The pumps can present certain problems in the vehicle, continue reading and learn what are common fuel pump faults.

Common fuel pump failures

All the components of a vehicle can present faults and inconveniences, no part of the car is exempt from showing certain problems, and some can be more severe than others. Here we will show you a list of common problems that a fuel pump can present.

fuel pump inside

1. Fuel pump check valve problems

You may well discover the drawbacks in a fuel pump check valve in time and thus be able to avoid certain major failures in the car. A fuel pump check valve has been a component of a mechanical pump, found on many cars that were previously produced. Keep reading about the faulty fuel pump check valve.

2. Faults from a bad fuel pump relay

When an engine loses power or won’t start, the problem may be in the fuel delivery system. The fuel supply system encompasses the parts of the car that keep a steady supply of running gasoline for the engine. If you can’t get power to the fuel pump, it may be due to a bad relay. A bad relay is part of the common faults of the fuel pump. Read more about the fuel pump not receiving power.

3. Engine runs poorly, overheats and damages spark plugs

Part of diagnosing the root cause of a fault is thinking about all the ways the different parts of your car work together., and what might happen to certain parts when other dependent parts are damaged or deteriorate. Well, given the above explanation, you should know that a bad fuel pump can damage spark plugs. Read more about the spark plugs damaged by a faulty fuel pump.

4. Failures due to a broken fuel pump

The fuel pump is an essential component of a car. Without a properly functioning fuel pump, proper fuel pressure cannot be supplied to the engine. Discover how to avoid problems caused by a broken fuel pump by detecting the problem early and acting as soon as possible. Learn more about the steps to discover the problems for a broken fuel pump.

5. Fuel pump leak problems

If a fuel pump stops working properly, it can stop the engine. Knowing the warning signs of a fuel pump malfunction can allow you to have the pump replaced in a timely manner. It is necessary to learn to detect leaks in the fuel pump to prevent a bad moment. Keep reading about the problems by fuel pump leaks.

6. Sounding fuel pump

A common issue with fuel pumps in cars is a screeching or high-pitched sound emanating from the fuel pump that could also be like the sound of a whistle, which could be heard when the vehicle is running. Read more about the problems indicated by a sound in the fuel pump.

7. Excess fuel due to damaged pump

Fuel pump issues almost always result in a drop in fuel pressure, which could mess with fuel economy – but just not in the way you think. Although if there could be an excess of gasoline due to a bad pump. Keep reading about the excess gasoline due to a faulty pump.

8. Problems with the fuel pump relay

The fuel pump relay, a device usually mounted under the dash that turns the fuel pump on and off, can cause problems that negatively affect the operation of the car. Continue reading about the faults with the relay of the fuel pump that can present a vehicle.

Signs of fuel pump failure

Without a fuel pump, your car simply wouldn’t run properly. If your vehicle’s fuel pump begins to fail, there are several warning signs to be aware of.

1. Loss of power

The most common symptom of a fuel pump failure is a loss of power while driving.This happens because there is less pressure in the fuel lines and the engine is receiving less gas or intermittent streams of gas. This can happen while driving down the highway at high speeds, going up a hill, or when pressing the accelerator to pull away from a standing stop.

A loss of power can also be attributed to faulty oxygen sensors or engine problems, but often it’s the fuel pump, especially on older vehicles.

2. Engine misfire at start

Another sign of a bad fuel pump is an engine failure that causes the car to wobble. This most often occurs when driving on the highway or at speeds greater than 50 miles per hour.

In reality, the engine that lacks fuel would be damaged and then would start again, the cause is the drop in fuel pressure. Sometimes moisture and condensation get into the tank and cause a similar problem.. However, don’t be fooled. Most of the time, this is a sign that the fuel pump is going bad.

3. Won’t start

A no start condition can be one of the most commonly mistaken symptoms of a bad fuel pump, as many mechanics will tell you this can be caused by the solenoid or the spark plugs. However, it is often a sign that the fuel pump is going bad, and represents one of the common fuel pump problems and failures.

If your battery is charged and the car’s starter is on (you hear the engine straining to start), but the engine won’t turn over and start, it’s probably due to a lack of fuel from the pump. To be sure, check your spark plugs and change them if necessary. Then you have to inspect and replace the fuel pump.

4. Empty gas tank

Pay special attention to the fuel pump if your car has stalled due to an empty gas tank. When the gas tank gets empty, it stresses the pump and can cause it to fail. Always keep the car full and never try to drive with an empty tank.

Solutions and maintenance

The fuel pump can be fixed so to speak, given the damage or problem it has. You can also do certain preventive maintenance.

1. How to prime a fuel pump and carburetor

Both carburetors and mechanical fuel pumps are not the most common fuel delivery systems today, which could mean that you may not be familiar with their particularities. If you have these components in your car, you should know how to prime a carburetor and fuel pump.

2. How to test a fuel pump

There’s a chance that at some point you may need to test your car’s fuel pump to make sure it’s working properly. A fuel pump is essential for a vehicle to function effectively, as it helps to supply fuel to the engine. Keep reading and learn what are the steps to properly test a fuel pump.

3. How to clean the fuel pump

There is a possibility that you can perform maintenance on the fuel pump yourself if you notice any problems in time. Regardless of the fuel pump you have in your car, you can always perform certain preventive care. You can continue reading in the following link and learn how to clean a car fuel pump properly.

4. How to change a fuel pump relay

The fuel pump relay helps your car start by pressurizing the fuel system for the first few seconds before the oil pressure level takes over. A damaged or deteriorated fuel pump relay indicates that the fuel system cannot create enough pressure to send gasoline to the engine, so the vehicle will not start, if this happens you should change them. Learn more about the steps to replace fuel pump relay.

Is it safe to drive with a fuel pump problem?

It’s still generally safe to drive, but the pump can cause the engine and catalyst to overheat. A complete fuel pump failure can leave you stranded on the road, but many times a car won’t start before you start driving.

However, if the fuel pump problem involves leaking gasoline or vapors, it is not safe to continue driving and should be checked out by a mechanic immediately.