Fuel Pump Problems: Is it Time for a New Fuel Pump?

A fuel pump plays a pivotal role in the operation of your vehicle. the fuel pump forces fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. If the fuel pump fails to work, your engine will receive less fuel, or in some cases no fuel at all. Here’s a list of how to diagnose fuel pump problems.

Diagnosing Fuel Pump Problems

  • Your Car Won’t Start If your car won’t start it may be because fuel cannot reach the engine due to a malfunctioning fuel pump. The car might start if the fuel pump is able to get a little bit of fuel to the engine, but it might stall.
  • Test the Fuel Pump To test if it is the fuel pump that is the problem, suggests conducting a test in a quiet environment. If you turn the ignition to the “on” position, also known as the “accessory” position, you should be able to hear a clicking or buzzing sound. If you don’t hear a noise, then your fuel pump may be why your engine won’t start.
  • Use a Fuel Pressure Gauge Another way to test the fuel pump is to check to see how much fuel, if any at all, is reaching the engine. This test can be performed by a tech or by you with a fuel pressure gauge, which is readily available at auto parts stores, you just attach the fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure valve. Determine the recommended pressure for your vehicle, which can be found on the mityvac website. If the reading on the gauge is less than the recommended pressure, then you may need a new fuel pump.