Pump some iron. Just make sure you pump your fuel first.
A fuel pump brings fuel from the gas tank into the engine. It’s one of the most frequently used parts of your car. Yet few people know what a fuel pump does.
Many people don’t know when their fuel pump breaks or what to do when it does. If you learn what happens before a fuel pump failure, you can prepare against one. Here are five common fuel pump failure symptoms.
1. Your Engine Sputters
Your fuel pump may struggle to maintain a high fuel supply when you drive at high speeds. This can cause your engine to sputter.
Your engine may not sputter constantly. You may be driving, your engine sputters, but then you resume control.
This is another sign of a failure with your fuel pump. It is pumping fuel, but not at a high rate.
Your fuel pump should pump fuel at a constant rate. If it isn’t, you need to get it fixed.
2. Your Engine Gets Hot
Your fuel pump provides fuel, and fuel provides energy for your engine. Without fuel, your engine will stress and start overheating.
While you are driving, keep an eye on the temperature of your engine. You will need to monitor the gauge. You cannot feel the heat of your engine in the air.
If it starts rising, you may have a fuel pump failure while driving. This can cause an accident. Pull over as soon as you notice a steady increase in your engine temperature.
3. Your Steering Wheel Feels Stiff
Your steering wheel can stiffen up for many reasons. An aplustransmission.com article describes how many steering systems leak fluid. This causes steering wheels to seize up.
But your fuel pump could also harm your steering wheel. Your pump creates pressure in your system, allowing your wheel to turn. When the pressure drops, your wheel cannot turn.
4. Your Fuel Pressure Drops
Your fuel pump controls your fuel pressure. If it starts dropping, that means your fuel pump may not be working.
Your fuel pump may fail if your transmission is not well-connected. Your transmission filter keeps particles out of transmission fluid. If the filter clogs, the fuel pressure will drop.
Your fuel pressure rising is another sign of failure. But fuel pressure dropping is more common. Keep an eye on your gauges, and take breaks to allow your fuel pump to adjust to the road.
5. You Lose Power
You should be able to shift into every gear with no issue. If your transmission fails to shift, your fuel pump may be failing.
You may experience sudden surges before losing power. This is another sign that your fuel pump is failing. A clog may be moving through your system, allowing a little fuel to flow every now and then.
Get Familiar With Fuel Pump Failure Symptoms
Get your motor running, and head out on the highway. But make sure all the parts in your car function. Get familiar with fuel pump failure symptoms so you can avoid a sudden breakdown.
Pay close attention to your engine. If it sputters or gets hot, your pump may not be working. Your wheel feeling stiff is another important sign of a fuel pump failure.
Your fuel pump will cause your pressure to drop and your car to lose power. Monitor your gauges and don’t overwork your fuel pump.
Check out the rest of our blog for more articles that will help you stay informed about common car problems.