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Fuel to your vehicle is comparable to the importance of the vascular system to a human being. Your car’s engine needs a regular stream of fuel to keep it running efficiently. Without a reliable fuel pump, your fuel would stay in your gas tank, unable to reach the engine.
In this article, we’ll discuss the purpose of a fuel pump, the warning signs of a failing fuel pump, causes of bad fuel pumps, and how you can remedy fuel pump issues.
Your vehicle’s fuel system stores and supplies the fuel for its engine. The key components to a fuel system include the fuel pump, gauge, tank, filter, fuel lines and fuel injectors.
Fuel pumps are generally located inside the fuel tank, which can be located externally or internally. The fuel pump generates a consistent flow of fuel to the engine, and unused fuel is returned to the tank. This reduces the chance of fuel getting too hot since it is never kept close to the engine for long.
The most obvious sign of something wrong with your vehicle is the check engine light turning on, but let’s cover some other warning signs of a fuel pump gone bad:
● Car Won’t Start: If your fuel pump can’t send fuel to the engine, your car won’t start.
● Sputtering: If your vehicle starts but is running rough, the engine might not be getting enough fuel. Your car may even die on you.
● Car Dies Under a Heavy Load: If your car dies while carrying extra weight, it could be because the fuel pump cannot handle the stress of the extra load.
● Inconsistent Acceleration: Your car’s acceleration might be inconsistent, and may even accelerate on its own due to an overage of fuel.
● Diminished Fuel Consistency: If your fuel pump is damaged, it cannot send the correct amount of fuel to the engine, causing a diminished fuel consistency.
● Heightened Engine Temperature: The stress of the gas pump being damaged could cause your engine to become overheated.
Many of the causes of fuel pump damage are preventable, so it’s important to educate yourself on how to take proper care of your vehicle’s fuel pump. Here are the main causes of fuel pump damage:
Low-quality fuel damages the fuel pump. It pays to pump quality gasoline into your vehicle, as an expensive repair bill easily overrides any savings you may have made by pumping cheaper, low-quality gas into your car.
Debris that enters the pump wears the commutator and brushes on the motor. As the commutator and brushes wear, the motor pulls more amperage to produce the same pressure. Additional amperage can burn the connectors inside the fuel pump.
Debris and contaminants eventually clog critical components of the fuel pump. This impairs the flow of fuel, which affects the vehicle during acceleration.
To avoid fuel pump issues, always fill your tank completely when re-fueling at the gas station. With in-tank pumps, gasoline doubles as a coolant, so a tank that is consistently low on gas will be subject to extra heat. Also, change the fuel filter according to your car manufacturer’s recommended timeframe. A clogged filter could create pressure within the fuel system.
To check if your fuel pump is working correctly, open the fuel door, remove the cap and turn on the car’s ignition. Put your ear next to the fuel door and listen for a humming sound. If you don’t hear a humming sound, the pump is likely not working.
The best way to address a damaged fuel pump is to have it replaced at Huron Automotive in Green Bay, WI. Our certified mechanics are qualified and prepared to handle any issues with your vehicle. Our up-to-date diagnostic tools and equipment enables us to get the job done right. We want your experience to be as easy and stress-free as possible. You can enjoy many amenities at Huron Automotive, including:
● 24-hour drop-off
● Free WiFi
● Freshly brewed coffee
● Complementary water
● Shuttle service
● and more
Earning your trust and getting your car back on the road again is our top priority. Call us to make an appointment or visit one of our two locations today.
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