Fuel Pump Replacement Quick Facts
- A faulty fuel pump may be the reason for struggling to maintain speed, engine overheating, sputtering, or the “check engine” light illuminating.
- Fuel pump replacement is moderately complicated and may involve removing the fuel tank if no access panel exists in the passenger compartment.
- Parts and labor costs for fuel pump replacement vary depending on the vehicle, age, and geographic region.
A fuel pump delivers gas or diesel to an engine’s combustion chamber and usually provides many years of trouble-free operation. Once in a while, though, you may find one that needs replacement. How would you know for sure?
This guide will tell you the signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump, how it works, and replacement costs.
What Are Fuel Pump Warning Signs?
- Unable to maintain speed. The feeling of the engine “choking” or struggling to maintain speed. This condition may cause you to think you are out of gas, despite the gauge showing fuel in the tank.
- Overheating. Another indicator of failure is engine overheating. A failing fuel pump may overheat, and due to its inefficiency, cause the engine to overheat. A vehicle where this type of failure may be imminent might operate for about 15-30 minutes before stopping. After allowing it to cool, you may find that it runs again, only to repeat the failure as the engine heats up. It’s another warning sign the fuel pump is not long for this world.
- All kinds of sputtering. Noises, backfires, and sputtering engines indicate a fuel pump gone bad. Typically, electronic fuel pumps won’t make a noise unless they begin to fail. An inconsistent fuel flow may cause internal engine problems, leading to hesitation when starting the vehicle or upon acceleration.
- Engine light comes on. Any of these issues may be accompanied by the “Check Engine” light illuminating on the dashboard.
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Is It OK to Drive With a Bad Fuel Pump?
Driving with a bad fuel pump can create premature wear and tear on your engine, lowering the car’s value. A faulty pump can cause sudden engine power loss, which could lead to a traffic accident or another dangerous situation. Whether for financial or safety concerns, have the car inspected when you first notice symptoms of a fuel pump not working correctly.
How Do You Test a Fuel Pump?
The best way to test a fuel pump for repair or replacement is to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership.
How Does a Fuel Pump Work?
Mechanical fuel pumps were once standard, sometimes attached outside the fuel tank. With the advent of electronic fuel injection, mechanical fuel pumps are relics, replaced by electric fuel pumps, which generally get mounted inside the fuel tank. The pump creates positive pressure that forces fuel through the gas lines to the engine. A pump in the tank submerses it in cool liquid and puts it far from the engine, making it less likely to start a fire.
A modern fuel pump uses a direct-current (DC) electric motor to draw fuel from the tank. The pump sends gas through the fuel injectors to mist into the cylinders. The fuel mixes with air, and a charge from the spark plugs creates combustion. A filter on the pump’s intake sifts any impurities to prevent them from entering the fuel lines and contaminating your engine.
Electronic fuel pumps deliver various benefits, including reduced fuel consumption thanks to continuous metering from the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). A second benefit is the pre-delivery of fuel because the engine revolutions (RPM) are no longer responsible for operating the pump. This predelivery enables new vehicles to use auto start and stop systems, saving fuel by stopping the engine and restarting it instead of maintaining a continuous idle.
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Where Is a Fuel Pump Located?
Electric fuel pumps are generally mounted inside a vehicle’s fuel tank.
What’s Involved in Fuel Pump Replacement?
Once the mechanic has removed the faulty fuel pump, they attach the mounting brackets to the new pump and install it in place of the old one. A good practice at this point is to replace the fuel filters. Finally, the mechanic fills the fuel tank and tests for leaks.
This job is moderately complicated and is best performed at your dealership’s service department or repair shop.
What Is the Fuel Pump Replacement Cost?
The typical fuel pump replacement cost is $1,000 to $1,300, depending on the vehicle, age, and region. Labor costs range from about $600 to $700, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $500 to $600. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.
If you need a fuel pump replacement, see what your vehicle’s fuel pump will cost using our Service and Repair Pricing Guide and find the closest car shops to do the work.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
