If this part goes out while driving, the car will most likely turn off. You will have to pull over to the side of the road and call a car towing service. If you have an older diesel engine, you can still drive a few miles with a faulty system, but it might be difficult.
Rolling at a low speed and avoiding steep hills might let you reach the next town. But fuel-injected gasoline engines will stop functioning entirely, and you might have to spend the night on the highway. Without gas running through them, these engines cannot function.
Here are some of the biggest fuel pump manufacturers in the space.
| Manufacturer | Headquarters |
| Bosch | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Continental | Hanover, Germany |
| Delphi | Gillingham, United Kingdom |
| Denso | Kariya, Japan |
| Walbro | Cass City, Michigan, USA |
How does a car act when it is going out?
When this part goes out, the car will show various signs. For example, a damaged fuel pump might make a loud noise coming from the gas tank. But this sound can also occur if you are low on fuel or the fuel itself is contaminated.
Additionally, you might struggle to start your car. This part cannot push enough gas to the engine, preventing it from starting. You will notice a different performance if you still manage to start it. Your engine will sputter and stall.
What causes it to go bad?
There are many causes of a bad pump. The most common ones include contamination, overheating, and the part itself wearing out over time. Another cause is:
- rust
- debris
- and dirt particles that clog up your pump filter.
With time, it is making the pump harder to operate efficiently.
This part has many components inside, and these particles will stress and accelerate their wear. Next time you refuel your vehicle, make sure the gas pump is pushing no particles in your car’s tank to avoid a clogged pump.
Here’s what you can expect to pay depending on the issue you’re facing.
| Cause | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wear and Tear on the Pump | $200 – $800 |
| Clogged Fuel Filter | $50 – $150 |
| Faulty Electrical Connections | $100 – $300 |
| Contamination in the Fuel Tank | $150 – $600 |
| Damage to the Fuel Pump Relay or Fuse | $100 – $300 |
| Replacement of the Fuel Pump | $500 – $1000 |
How to check there are issues
You can start by checking the relay. In older fuel systems, the engine doesn’t control this component directly. Instead, it uses a relay. If this relay is broken, this part will stop working.
If the relay is functional, check the fuel pressure regulator. On a continuous system, disconnect the attached vacuum hose and see if the pressure increases on the regulator. The regulator is faulty if the pressure does not increase.
Fuel pumps have an external filter that is very easy to install. Instead of testing it, you should install a new one and see if your problem is fixed. Before replacing the filter, relieve the fuel system pressure while wearing adequate safety equipment.
What if it is new & has issues?
Gas contamination is one of the most common causes of fuel pump failure. With corrosion, debris, and moisture, fuel is ruined and will bring contaminants into the tank. These contaminants will eventually clog essential components, filters, or even the pump itself.
This blockage will stop the fuel flow, making it difficult for your vehicle to accelerate or run properly. At the same time, electrical faults are also responsible for pump failures. Rusted connectors or melted wirings can stop the pump from functioning properly.
