Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump

The technological advances in automobile engineering have facilitated greater developments in the pumping mechanism used in a vehicle. Modern vehicles usually have an electric fuel pump which is located close to the fuel tank. Some of the vehicles fuel systems consist of a fuel pumping mechanism divided in two different parts. The pump in the fuel tank is used to pump fuel to another pump located on the frame rail in the front, on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Working of a Fuel Pump

The knowledge of pump functionality is essential to know the symptoms of a bad fuel pump. There are fuel injectors in an automobile used to supply fuel to all the concerned auto parts. These injectors are to be constantly supplied with fuel under a constant pressure and volume. The injectors have small needle sized holes at the tip, to inject fuel in to the various systems. On ignition, a computerized system opens up these holes for fuel supply. In case of a breakdown, or turning off the ignition, the supply is automatically cut off. The time period for which the supply is maintained on ignition depends on the part under operation, and can vary according to the needs of the sensor.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump

Fuel pumps stop working due to a variety of reasons. Once this happens, the supply to the injectors is automatically stalled and the vehicle stalls as well. The effect is similar to the problem of running out of gas. Another problem associated with the pump is proper functioning of the electrical mechanism of the pumping system. The electrical supply consists of devices like the relay and the fuse. If the fuse or the relay develop problems or blows off, it will again result in breakdown, as the driving mechanism for fuel supply is cut off.

Another major symptom of a bad fuel pump is overheating. If the fuel pump gets heated frequently and within few minutes of turning on the vehicle power, it is a sign that the pump needs replacement. A bad fuel pump will also show signs of frequent stopping or intermittent breakdown. It will work for around 15-20 minutes and stop working. Once, the vehicle is allowed to remain idle for around 30 minutes, the engine gets cooled off and the pump functions normally. Such a problem is an indicative sign of a bad fuel pump.

If the flow to the fuel injection system is not constant, the engine may develop problems. Signs include a hesitant start or a stumbling problem on ignition. If small, unwanted debris or grainy particles enter the pumping system it can cause vehicle breakdown, thus, abrupt stopping of a vehicle can also be considered a symptom of a bad fuel pump. If the filtering mechanism develops a problem or gets struck up with impurities, the engine will show symptoms like rough firing and fickle working. A reduction or drop in fuel supply to the engine causes symptoms of a low power engine and working problems if the problem persists for a long time.

In order to maintain smooth functioning of the vehicle, working of the fuel pump must be at the highest performance level consistently. Part of the effort should be directed to ensure that auto warranty and auto insurance papers and formalities are updated, if the need arises to stake claim for any compensation. It is the responsibility of the automobile owner to prevent fuel pump problems and if symptoms of a bad fuel pump do show up, they must be attended to on top priority.