Yes, a dead fuel pump will make it impossible to start your car, truck, or C/SUV. This is because the engine is not getting any gasoline or diesel fuel. You might be warned of the pump’s impending doom if it has suddenly become difficult to start your automobile. Aside from this problem, Hightech Automotive lists the other signs of a faulty fuel pump below.
Constant Engine Overheating
Another sign that your fuel pump is dying is your engine overheating all the time. The reason why the engine overheats is that the pump motor overheats and transfers the excess heat to the engine. Replacing the pump will restore your engine’s normal temperature.
Engine Stress Power Loss
Your engine needs extra gasoline or diesel fuel when it is operating under stressful conditions. For example, it takes more fuel to drive up hills than it does to drive on level ground. If you lose power under stressful engine conditions, the fuel pump is not pushing extra fuel into the engine.
High-Speed Engine Sputtering
The same is true when you drive at higher speeds. It takes more fuel to go faster. If the pump is unable to supply the excess fuel needed to drive at higher speeds, your engine will start to sputter and struggle to maintain the speed at which you wish to drive.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
A dying fuel pump will also reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy because the engine cannot run efficiently without the proper amount of fuel to sustain operation. Unfortunately, when the engine struggles, it goes through the gasoline or diesel fuel more quickly and you will need to fill the tank more often.
Reduction in Fuel Pressure
A reduction in the fuel pressure is also an indication of a malfunctioning fuel pump. When the fuel pressure is reduced, the engine does not get enough fuel to sustain operation. You can purchase a fuel pressure gauge and test your fuel pressure to see if it is low.
Surging/Sudden Speed Spurts
Finally, a malfunctioning fuel pump can also cause your engine to pick up speed suddenly and surge. This is an indication that the pump is pushing excess fuel into the engine when it doesn’t need it. Unfortunately, the only solution to this problem is to replace the faulty fuel pump.
Call Hightech Automotive in Forest City, NC, today to schedule a service appointment if you are having any of the problems listed above.