A faulty fuel pump can cause all sorts of problems with your automobile. Del Hatt Automotive advises that a fuel pump lasts about 100,000 miles before it begins to malfunction. Once the fuel pump goes bad, there will be a fuel-delivery problem into the engine. Here are six signs that your fuel pump is malfunctioning. Do not worry. We can replace the fuel pump if it needs it.
1. An Engine That Picks Up Speed
Sometimes, when the fuel pump goes bad, it pushes too much diesel fuel or gasoline into the engine. When this happens, your engine will pick up speed in spurts as it burns away the excess fuel. These speed increases are unpredictable and make driving your automobile stressful.
2. An Engine That Will Not Start
The opposite can also occur. If the fuel pump dies completely, you won’t have any fuel delivery into the engine. When this happens, you will be unable to get the engine started in your car, truck, or utility vehicle. Unfortunately, the engine will be dead until you replace the fuel pump.
3. Constant Overheating Engine
Another sign that your fuel pump is malfunctioning is an engine that overheats constantly. The reason why your engine is running too hot is that the fuel pump motor is overheating. This heat can be transferred to the engine and increase its temperature above 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Engine Performance Problems
Your car may also suffer from engine performance problems that affect its performance when you are driving at fast speeds or when the engine is under stress. The engine needs additional fuel under these conditions, and if the fuel pump cannot supply that fuel, the engine will sputter.
5. Reduction in Overall Fuel Pressure
The fuel pump is what generates the fuel pressure in your automobile. If the fuel pressure is reduced, this is a sign that the fuel pump is going bad. You can test your fuel pressure by purchasing a special gauge at an auto parts store. The pressure should be within the recommended limits in your owner’s manual.
6. Reduction in Overall Gas Mileage
Finally, all of these things will cause a reduction in your vehicle’s overall gas mileage because the engine is either burning too much fuel or struggling to run. It’s a simple fact of efficiency. When the engine is not running efficiently, it burns more diesel fuel or gasoline.
Del Hatt Automotive is the best auto service shop in Poughkeepsie, NY, so call us today if you believe that your fuel pump is going bad.
