Symptoms of fuel pump failure often show up as any number of noticeable engine and performance issues. One of the early signs is long cranking before starting. A failing Fuel Pump may not be able to produce the required fuel pressure, typically 40-60 psi for fuel-injected vehicles leading to long cranking or multiple attempts to start. This happens because the pump is incapable of providing even fuel flow for the engine to run on, ultimately resulting in an imbalanced air-fuel mixture that cannot combust effectively.
Lack of Power: If the pump suddenly loses power, especially when you are accelerating or driving up a hill, this could be a sign that it might fail. If the pump is unable to maintain the necessary pressure, then it will not be able to supply sufficient fuel for the engine to run properly, and as a result your car may experience harsh acceleration or stalling. If the fuel pump fails to deliver any fuel, causing the engine to stop, this is a safety concern and will need urgent attention. When a fuel pump starts to fail, the result can lead to poor gas mileage as drivers may find themselves getting only 10%-15% fewer miles per gallon (MPG) per tank than usual due to uneven fuel delivery which in turn forces the engine control module (ECM) not only monitor but also adjust its fuel injection rates.
A fuel pump makes loud whining or humming noise, due to more sound made in the restricted space which can also be true of noisy fuel tank in the area. Typically, the fuel pump will operate quietly and you may have an internal wear or sulfur contamination. Internal components of a pump can degrade over time, which will create friction and noise too. Doing this burns out the pump and cuts its life expectancy from a typical 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) to just over half that if it’s stressed regularly.
Carroll Shelby was famously know to remark that “The cleaner your machine, the longer it will run”. So by keeping an eye out for these symptoms you can save yourself a lot of time, otherwise it will lead to unexpected breakdowns at the steering wheel pump. Should symptoms remain, trust a new Fuel Pump instead to keep performance reliable, avoiding additional engine complications and maintaining the best fuel economy. Being proactive in checking for signs of the pump begin to fail can save your vehicle and by extension, save you from costly repairs.