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How Do You Know if You Need a New Fuel Pump?

How Do You Know if You Need a New Fuel Pump?

Are you wondering if you need a new fuel pump? Contact Rick & Ray’s to learn all about our services.

Your car’s fuel pump brings fuel from the gas tank to the engine. As you can imagine, it’s a vital part of how your vehicle operates. If damage or mechanical malfunctions occur to the pump, your vehicle’s operation will be compromised.

That’s why you should know the warning signs that signal a failing fuel pump. Early diagnosis and repair is key. When you can catch the symptoms of a bad fuel pump, you can then bring your car to a trusted mechanic so they can fix the problem before it becomes more serious and costly.

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Here are some signs that you need a new fuel pump:

The Engine Stutters

If the engine starts to jolt and stutter when driving along at a steady clip, it may mean the pump is struggling to provide enough fuel to the engine. As such, the engine may have difficulty keeping up a certain speed. This is a dangerous situation, as it impacts how much control that you have over your vehicle. Immediate attention by a mechanic is necessary.

The Engine Surges

If you start to notice sudden surges of speed when driving, this could be happening because the fuel pump is supplying too much fuel to your engine. Keep in mind, unexpected engine revving is dangerous. Your engine could get flooded if your fuel pump is sending it too much fuel, leading to a stall-out while on the road. And don’t think you can’t experience engine surges and stuttering at the same time. You can!

You Have Reduced Fuel Efficiency

A malfunctioning fuel pump can impact your vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency greatly. When excessive or inadequate amounts of fuel are being sent to your engine, it won’t work at max efficiency. As it works overtime to run the way it was designed to, the engine will burn more fuel than is necessary.

If you have noticed a sudden decrease in mileage but you haven’t changed your driving habits, the fuel pump may be the culprit. Getting the fuel pump replaced early on will save you the high cost of filling your tank more frequently than usual.

You Hear High-Pitched Noises

If you’re hearing high-pitched whines or squeals originating from the engine while driving, this could signal excessive wear to fuel pump components. You would be wise to pay attention to those screeches because they are a warning sign that more serious mechanical failures are coming. Your mechanic can replace the pump so you can avoid more expensive and serious problems later on.

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Overheating Engine

If your fuel pump is on its way out, it can overheat, which causes your engine to overheat. An overheated pump will stall the engine. You should pull over immediately if you see signs of overheating.

You Have Low Fuel Pressure

This will require you to test your fuel pressure, and you can easily pick up a gauge at an auto parts store. You’ll need a friend to help you. Read the gauge while they rev the engine. You can find the recommended fuel pressure by reading the owner’s manual.

Your Engine Won’t Start

If you are having trouble starting your engine, a damaged pump may be to blame. That’s because the pump can’t move enough fuel to the engine, which means you likely have to continually crank the engine before it turns over – if at all. In the case of total pump failure, your car will not start at all. So if you are in the middle of nowhere, or in a rush to leave for work, you’ll be stranded.

Just be aware that there are many other issues that could contribute to an engine not starting, so it’s smart to just take your vehicle to a mechanic for proper troubleshooting and diagnosis. Make note of anything you were doing prior to the engine not starting. Your mechanic will need all the input they can get to make an informed diagnosis.

Contact Rick and Ray’s Auto Plaza

Not sure if you need a new fuel pump? That’s where our mechanics come in! Bring your vehicle in for troubleshooting and a consultation. We can let you know if you need a fuel pump replacement or repair. Just contact us in Fort Worth TX at 817-609-4293. For your convenience, we are located at 2425 Cullen St. in Fort Worth, TX, with business hours of Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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