Fuel pump replacement is a necessary part of your car's maintenance. A fuel pump transfers fuel from your tank to your engine. It supplies the fuel at a constant pressure to ensure that the engine is running smoothly. Mechanical or electronic fuel pumps are standard in your vehicle.
A mechanical pump has a diaphragm mounted on the outside of the fuel tank that expands and contracts, creating a vacuum system that expels fuel out of the gas tank and into the engine. Electronic pumps use an electromagnetic motor inside the fuel tank that forces fuel into the engine at a high pressure. Cars with carburetors contain mechanical pumps while vehicles with fuel injection systems have electric pumps.
The motion of the engine directly drives a mechanical pump. Since mechanical pumps contain few moving parts, they tend to be reliable and easy to diagnose and fix. The most common problems with mechanical pumps occur when the diaphragm is damaged in some way, which throws the pressure system off kilt.
Electronic pumps contain increased complexity and include multiple moving parts. Electronic pumps are linked to electronic control systems. Because of this, electric pumps are more prone to failure. Any part of the control system can fail and lead to fuel pump issues.
SYMPTOMS OF FAILING FUEL PUMPS
The symptoms of failure are similar in both types of pumps, although mechanical and electronic pumps fail for different reasons.
- CAR JERKS OR SPUTTERS AT HIGH SPEEDS
- YOU LOSE POWER WHEN ACCELERATING
- YOU HAVE BEEN LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING UPHILL OR TOWING A LOAD
- YOUR ENGINE SURGES
- YOUR ENGINE WILL NOT START
IF YOU THINK YOU NEED A FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT
If you have encountered any of the symptoms of a failing fuel pump, it is best to bring your car to us at DJ Foreign Auto Care. Other mechanical problems can cause some of the symptoms of a bad pump. Our shop can perform tests to isolate the exact cause of the problem. If no other sources seem likely, they will confirm the fuel pump replacement diagnosis with a variety of procedures.
We will begin by checking your car’s electrical system. Mainly, the fuses that direct power to your fuel system. Blown fuses are well-known but inexpensive to replace. If the fuses are not damaged and fixing them does not solve the problem, our mechanics will then check the voltage on the pump itself. Using a multi-meter, the mechanics will measure the voltage drop on either end of the fuel pump to determine the problems with the pump itself.
Your fuel pump is an indispensable part of your car, providing your engine with a constant quantity of the fuel it needs to keep you driving. Like any device, however, fuel pumps eventually wear out after thousands of miles of use. If your car struggles with weak or unreliable power, it may be time to replace the fuel pump on your vehicle.
For all of your European car maintenance needs including fuel pump replacement, you can count on the experienced automotive professionals at DJ Foreign Auto Care! Check out our Specials page for money saving discounts on our repairs or services. We are located at: 2626 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.