When you hear the term “fuel pump”, you may imagine the pump at a gas station, but that’s not the type we mean in this article. Did you know your vehicle has a fuel pump? It is likely you’ve never had to think about this component since many modern vehicles have electric pumps which last significantly longer than their predecessors. Fortunately, there are some noteworthy symptoms drivers will experience if the fuel pump is faulty or failing .
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If you like being able to drive your car, you won’t get far without that pesky fuel pump. That’s because this pump is responsible for consistently delivering fuel to the engine and therefore ensures the car’s ability to move. A majority of drivers won’t make the connection that the strange sounds or sputters they’ve been experiencing are a sign of imminent fuel pump failure, but once you know, you won’t forget. Depending on the age of your vehicle you are using on one of the following pump types:
Mechanical pumps rely on the motion of the engine to run. A diaphragm is usually mounted to the outside of the fuel tank which expands and contracts. This creates a low pressure that forces the fuel from the tank to the engine. If your vehicle has a carburetor, it is likely using a mechanical pump. The most common issue contributing to failure is when the diaphragm is damaged.
Electronic Pumps are frequently located inside of the fuel tank and requires an electromagnetic motor to force fuel to the engine at a very high pressure. These are usually linked to the electrical system and contains multiple moving parts and pieces which are prone to failure over time. If your vehicle uses a fuel injection system, your car is using an electric pump.
Fuel pumps are not usually inspected without cause, which is why it is so important to follow a regular maintenance schedule. The average fuel pump should last well beyond 100,000 miles but if you experience any of the following signs, avoid driving and schedule an appointment now!
There are a variety of reasons why a vehicle won’t start – from the battery to the engine. However, in the event the fuel pump cannot deliver the gasoline to the engine, the car will not cooperate. Confirm the lights are working, fluid levels are at appropriate levels, and rule out other issues as you can.
If you are driving at highway speeds and experience a sudden jerking or sputtering sensation, you may have a failing fuel pump. This problem occurs when the fuel pump cannot deliver a smooth, consistent flow of gasoline to the engine. Periodically, your engine receives air instead of the anticipated gas. This results in a sort of “hiccup” in the engine.
This is another sign that may point to a variety of issues, but when experienced along with the other noted, can be a clear indicator of a failing pump. If you have noticed you are needing to fill up a little more than normal, confirm there are no major changes in your driving behavior, and head into AAMCO Utah right away. Anytime your vehicle starts burning through gasoline at a faster rate, there could be a problem under the hood.
When the fuel pump is failing, the fuel itself is not being properly regulated and the car may experience sudden bursts as a result of too much fuel being injected. Alternately, you may find that as you press the gas pedal, your speed is not increasing as expected because gasoline is not reaching the engine as needed. Whether you suspect the fuel pump is the culprit, or you’re not certain, this symptom should not be overlooked for long as it could result in hazardous driving conditions.
Whether you need seasonal maintenance or a bigger car repair service, trust AAMCO Utah with your vehicle. From an oil change to any other car maintenance service you may need, we can get it taken care of so you can drive confidently again.
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The post Warning Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
