What are the signs of a failing fuel pump?
2 Answers
There are several signs that indicate a failing fuel pump: 1. Wear of the centrifugal pump impeller leads to reduced fuel supply pressure and weak acceleration. 2. Carbon brush wear causes the fuel pump to stop, making it impossible to start the engine. Below are some symptoms after the fuel pump fails: 1. When the pump core is damaged, there is no sound of the fuel pump operating when turning the ignition key while the fuel supply system is working. 2. If the pump body is damaged, fuel pressure cannot reach the specified value due to pressure leakage. 3. Do not wait until the fuel warning light comes on before refueling, as the fuel pump relies on gasoline for heat dissipation. When the fuel level is too low, it cannot effectively cool and dissipate heat, reducing its service life.
As an experienced driver who has been behind the wheel for many years, common warning signs before a fuel pump fails include difficulty starting the car—it takes a while to start up when igniting, or even requires multiple attempts. There's a sudden loss of power while driving, and when pressing the accelerator, the engine may gasp or shudder. Sometimes, the car unexpectedly stalls, especially noticeable when going uphill or under heavy load. A continuous humming or noise coming from the rear seat or beneath the fuel tank is also a warning signal. Ignoring these symptoms can worsen the problem, leading to a complete pump failure and skyrocketing repair costs. That's why I head straight to the repair shop as soon as I notice these signs to avoid bigger troubles.