If you hear whining or growling sounds coming from your car, truck, or C/SUV’s fuel tank, you likely have a problem with a malfunctioning fuel pump. J&M Auto Service can replace the fuel pump when it needs it. The average lifespan of this pump is about 100,000 miles. Aside from strange sounds in the gas tank, here are other signs that your fuel system needs a new pump.
Sputtering at High Speeds
Your engine will lag and sputter at high speeds if it does not have enough fuel being pumped into it. The engine needs more fuel when you want it to go faster. Unfortunately, the faster you go the more the engine will struggle to perform.
Sputtering When Under Stress
It will also struggle to perform when it is under stress. Things that can stress out your engine include driving up steep roads or towing a trailer behind your vehicle. The engine needs more fuel pumped into it in these situations, as well.
Unexpected Speed Increases
A faulty fuel pump can cause the engine to pick up speed unexpectedly and sporadically. This can make driving your automobile difficult if not dangerous. If you don’t know what the engine is going to do, you may become the cause of an automobile accident.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
All of these engine performance issues will reduce the gas mileage your vehicle gets. Unfortunately, there’s no way around the reduction in fuel economy. The engine is not running efficiently because it is not being supplied with the right amount of fuel.
Rising Engine Temperature
The pump can also make your engine overheat. This happens because the pump’s motor overheats because there is enough fuel to cool it off. The fuel pump not only starves the engine but also starves itself of much-needed fuel.
Reduction in Fuel Pressure
If you can get your hands on a fuel pressure gauge, do so and test the fuel pressure. Your owner’s manual will specify what the fuel pressure should be. If it is under this number, the pump needs to be replaced.
Inability to Start the Engine
Finally, if the pump is unable to supply the engine with fuel, you will not be able to get your automobile started. Hopefully, you will receive one or more of the signs listed above and have the pump replaced before the engine is dead.
Call J&M Auto Service in Tea, SD, today to schedule an appointment if your vehicle needs to have a new fuel pump installed.