The fuel pump, the heart of a vehicle’s fuel delivery system, is a crucial component that enables proper operation of a vehicle’s engine. A faulty fuel pump not only starves the engine of fuel, but also damages various components of the fuel delivery system. Therefore, it is very essential to identify and replace it as soon as it gets damaged.
how to identify
The fuel pump is a crucial component that pumps fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Unless it is working properly, the engine cannot get enough fuel for combustion. Therefore, even a minor problem can result in a major problem. Here are some signs of a bad fuel pump.
• Boot Trouble – The immediate signal is a boot trouble. The car starts, but the engine won’t start. Even if it starts, it will stop after a certain distance. It acts as if there is no fuel in the tank.
• Strange Sounds – You will hear strange hissing sounds from the pump when you try to start the vehicle.
• Engine Stall – You may also experience frequent engine stalls. It heats up very quickly and causes frequent breakdowns.
• Engine Misfiring – Frequent engine misfiring at higher speeds and sluggish performance when climbing hills are two more signs of a bad or misfiring fuel pump. Misfires can occur due to insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
The same signs are associated with other engine related problems. Therefore, it is better to check before replacing it.
confirm fail
Low or no gasoline in the fuel tank can cause the same symptoms, as there will not be enough fuel. So check if there is enough gasoline in the tank and then restart your vehicle. If you are still experiencing the above signs, you may suspect it.
The other way to confirm the fault is to listen to the sound once you start your vehicle. Insert the key and turn it to the second position. In this position the engine does not start. But it should produce a soft sound from the fuel cabinet. This sound comes from the electric fuel pump as it prepares to draw and pump the fuel. If you don’t hear this sound, you can doubt it.
Once you’re sure your fuel pump is dead or malfunctioning, it’s best to replace it right away. But while you’re doing it yourself, you need to take care of a few things. Are here:
• Do it in a well-ventilated area: Safety is very important when replacing any component of the car. Be sure to replace it in an open area that is well ventilated. Also have a fire extinguisher within reach; will help you in an emergency.
• Make sure pressure is removed: To support electronic fuel injection, electric fuel pumps deliver fuel at higher pressures; the fuel is highly pressurized to produce high power. Even when the engine is off, there will be some pressure in the pump. You must ensure that the pressure is relieved before replacing it. You can do it by removing its fuse. Make sure the engine is off when you are doing this.
Also disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent sparks while removing the entire fuel pump system from the fuel engine.
• Carefully remove and install – In general, there are two fuel pumps: one in the fuel tank and one between the fuel lines under the car. So you have to remove both separately. Carefully remove all screws before removing it. Once you remove them, disconnect the fuel lines and block them properly to prevent gas leaks. Now install the new one and connect the fuel lines again. After the installation is complete, start the engine and make sure there are no leaks.
