Whining noises coming from the fuel tank are a sign that the fuel pump is going bad. Ashton Automotive & Performance can replace your car, truck, or C/SUV’s fuel pump when it needs it. Usually, that’s at about 100,000 miles. Aside from whining sounds, there will be other signs that the fuel is malfunctioning. We are going to list these signs below for your information.
Engine Performance Issues
Your engine will lose power if the fuel pump is unable to supply enough fuel to it. For example, as you pick up speed, the engine requires more fuel to maintain the higher speed. If your engine sputters at higher speeds, the fuel pump is going bad. The engine will also lose power when it is under stress or surge if the fuel pump is malfunctioning and sending extra fuel into the engine.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
No matter the engine performance issue, your vehicle will not get good gas mileage when the fuel pump is dying. This is because the engine is either being fuel-starved or fuel-stuffed. The engine will burn through what little fuel it has quickly if it is being fuel-starved. If it is fuel-stuffed, it will burn away the excess fuel. As you can see, you can’t win. Both problems will reduce your fuel economy.
Reduction in Fuel Pressure
A malfunctioning fuel pump will also cause a reduction in the vehicle’s fuel pressure. If your automobile is not performing as it should be, it’s possible that the engine is dealing with low fuel pressure. You can test the fuel pressure to make sure it isn’t below the minimum rating. Or, bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to our shop so we can test the fuel pressure. Low fuel pressure means a dead fuel pump.
Overheating and Stalling
This sign of a faulty fuel pump is kind of strange but true. The fuel pump motor will overheat if the pump is not drawing enough fuel through it. The overheated motor will transfer the heat to the engine. As you can imagine, the excess heat from the fuel pump’s motor will cause the engine to overheat. If the engine gets too hot, it will stall. Who knew a malfunctioning fuel pump could cause such a problem?
Difficulty Starting the Car
Finally, you will have problems starting your automobile if the fuel pump is going bad. The engine may be hard to start because it is fuel-starved, i.e., there isn’t enough fuel in it. It may also be hard to start if it is flooded with fuel. If the fuel pump dies completely, the engine will not start at all.
Call Ashton Automotive & Performance in Killeen, TX, today if you are having any of the problems listed above. We will replace your fuel pump if it’s dead.
