The average lifespan of the factory fuel pump in your import is 100,000 miles. Once you achieve this mileage milestone, your fuel pump might go bad. Car Doctors Auto Repair can replace your import’s fuel pump when it needs it. Here are signs that the fuel pump is going bad.
An Inability to Get Your Car Started Easily
The fuel pump is responsible for getting the diesel fuel or gasoline from the tank to the engine. If it is unable to do this because it is malfunctioning, you will find it difficult to get your car started. In fact, you may not be able to get the automobile to fire up at all.
An Overheating Engine That Stalls Eventually
If you do get your vehicle started, it may stall after the engine overheats. This can happen because the fuel pump motor is overheating. The fuel pump uses the diesel fuel or gasoline to keep the motor cool. If the faulty pump is unable to pull enough liquid out of the tank, the pump motor will overheat and transfer this excess heat to your engine. Consequently, your engine will overheat and stall.
Low Fuel Pressure That Isn’t Within the Recommended Rating
Another sign that your fuel pump is going out is a reduction in your import’s fuel pressure. If you take a look at your owner’s manual, you will see the recommended rating for the vehicle’s fuel pressure. If you test the fuel pressure and it is not within this rating, the fuel pump is not generating enough fuel pressure. This is definitely a sign that there is a problem with the fuel pump.
Poor Fuel Economy That Is Consistent Yet Unusual
Additionally, you will notice a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. Unfortunately, this reduction in fuel efficiency will be consistent. In other words, you will have poor gas mileage until you replace the faulty fuel pump. The reduction in the fuel efficiency will be noticeable, i.e., unusually low.
Sputtering at High Speeds or When Under Stress
Finally, a malfunctioning fuel pump can make your engine sputter at high speeds or when it is under stress. This is because your import’s engine needs extra fuel in the combustion chamber when you are driving faster or when you are driving up steep hills. If the dying fuel pump is unable to push more fuel into the engine, your vehicle will sputter and struggle to maintain speed.
Call Car Doctors Auto Repair in Athens, GA, today if your import is experiencing any of the problems listed above.
