If your car’s fuel pump has started to go bad, you should still be able to start it by using one of the three methods outlined below.
What Is The Purpose Of A Fuel Pump?
Your vehicle’s fuel pump is responsible for pumping fuel from the tank to the engine. The pump can be either electrically or mechanically powered. A mechanical component will utilize a low-pressure system to move fuel from the tank through the carburetor. This will typically be located on the outside of your gas tank.
Electrical fuel pumps, meanwhile, send a strong, positive electrical current through the fuel lines. This ultimately forces the fuel out of the tank and into the engine.
Regardless of the type, all fuel pumps are there to maintain the crucial air-to-fuel ratio that creates the combustion process in internal combustion engines. When dealing with a bad fuel pump, the engine will receive too much fuel or too little fuel. Your vehicle will not start at all if the fuel pump fails altogether.
How To Start Your Car With A Bad Fuel Pump
The most responsible way to start a faulty fuel pump is to apply manual external pressure. Try the methods below to start your car with a bad fuel pump.
Step 1. Manual External Pressure
- This method manually replicates the pressure that’s needed to start the car by simply applying an external pressure source.
- Do this by hooking up an air pump to the gas tank, running it until the tank becomes pressurized.
Step 2. Consistent Engine Temperature
- Extremely high temperatures are usually a sign that a fuel pump is failing.
- One thing you can do is to attempt to let the engine cool down.
- This allows the fuel pump to reset without needing pressure.
Step 3. Attach Fuel Pressure Gauge
- If applicable, attach a fuel pressure gauge to your car’s engine.
- This allows you to diagnose whether the pump is truly going bad.
What Are The Signs Of A Bad Fuel Pump?
Once you understand what a fuel pump does, you may also start to recognize when it’s gone bad. Here are a few common indicators of a faulty fuel pump.
Difficulty Starting
If the engine has a hard time starting or cracks, it’s possible the fuel pump could be suffering from wear and tear. As time goes on, the fuel pump is exposed to contaminants that can eventually wear the engine down. Most fuel pumps are designed to last about 100,000 miles.
Stalling When Hot
If your engine sputters or your vehicle stalls, the fuel pump could be to blame, especially when it is hot outside.
Loud Whining Noise
A loud whining noise coming from the fuel tank is typically the most obvious sign of fuel pump failure. This noise signals that the engine is not receiving enough fuel from the tank.
Power Loss
The fuel pump is likely to blame when the car starts to lose power when accelerating or driving uphill.
Poor Fuel Economy
If your gas mileage suddenly starts decreasing, the fuel pump may feature a faulty valve. The faulty valve could allow more fuel than necessary to escape your tank.
Live In The Scottsdale Area? Get Your Inspection Done At Bridwell Automotive Center!
Get your road trip inspection and preparation service done at Bridwell Automotive Center, located at 7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 or call (480) 948-4781 for more information.
