A fuel pump has to be replaced when it is no longer able to provide the correct amount of fuel supply to the engine. It will highly affect the performance of the vehicle. The typical lifespan for a fuel pump lies within a range from 100,000 up to 150,000 miles. But this may differ in certain factors, like poor quality fuel, high heat, or debris within the fuel tank. Symptoms can include things such as an engine stalling, a rough idle, or difficulty starting the vehicle. For instance, owners reported that with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, the truck would not start or would stall frequently when the fuel pump was on its way out, especially in hot weather conditions, and it required replacement when the vehicle reached 120,000 miles.
Another symptom of a faulty fuel pump that needs replacement is a loss of fuel pressure. The standard fuel pressure for most vehicles ranges from 30-80 psi, depending on the type of engine and model. If it is lower than this range, then the engine will not be able to get adequate amounts of fuel, which in turn causes poor acceleration or hesitation. Indeed, for a 2014 Honda Accord, a drop of just 5 psi was all it took to develop noticeable driveability problems, such as sluggish acceleration and poor fuel economy. This is often due to a clogged fuel filter, failing fuel pump, or faulty pressure regulator. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some studies indicate that 13% of fuel pump failures result from wear on the internal components of the pump, which leads to insufficient fuel delivery.
Noises emanating from the fuel tank are another indication of a possible faulty fuel pump. Generally, loud whining or buzzing noise, especially at idle, is symptomatic of a failing fuel pump. This occurs when the internal parts of the pump begin to wear out, forcing it to work harder to pump fuel. In one report by Consumer Reports, some car owners related how their fuel pumps had made noise 25% louder just as the system started to fail; to some of the drivers, it sounded like “screeching.” More often than not, noise signals that the pump has almost reached its life span and must be changed immediately before damage escalates.
The failure of a fuel pump could also be attributed to an engine stalling or the loss of power during a drive. This happens when a pump can no longer support the correct flow of fuel, thus making the engine run lean or stall out completely. For example, there were a series of recalls for the 2009 Ford F-150 for repeated failures of the fuel pumps that caused the engine to stall and resulted in unexpected losses of power. In some cases, it was able to be traced back to a faulty fuel pump relay or a damaged wiring harness, which would finally end with the full replacement of the fuel pump.
As automotive expert and former mechanic Tim Allen once said, “You never know how much you depend on a fuel pump until it stops working.” A failing fuel pump can result in a sudden loss of power, which is not only frustrating but potentially dangerous. If any of the symptoms listed above appear, it’s best to test the fuel pump pressure with a gauge. The replacement should, therefore, be done if the readings are too low or the pump makes some strange noises. A bad fuel pump replacement costs normally between $400 and $1,200, depending on a car make and model. It’s worth the investment, considering it will save one from further engine damage and ensure reliable performance.
For more detailed information concerning fuel pumps and how to replace one, please see: Fuel Pump.