Fuel pump replacement
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Fuel pump replacement
How much does a fuel pump replacement cost?
Everybody knows that vehicles require fuel to run, and that you need to fill up your fuel tank when it is low to make sure you don’t run out – but do you ever give a thought to what moves the fuel from the tank to the engine?
This critical component is known as the fuel pump, and it lives inside the fuel tank.
A fully operational fuel pump is usually quiet in operation and allows the engine to perform at its best, but when it starts failing or not working at its best, drivability and fuel economy suffers.
A completely failed pump will not transfer any fuel at all – leaving your vehicle stranded waiting for a tow truck.
The average price for a Fuel Pump replacement starts around the $350 mark and can go all the way up to $900+ depending on your fuel type and engine performance.
What is a fuel pump?
In the days before fuel injection, the fuel pump was a mechanical component located in the engine bay which often used the movement of the engine itself to pull fuel from the tank to the carburetor.
With the advancements in electronic fuel injection and electronic engine management, the fuel pump evolved into an electric pump located in the fuel tank.When the ignition is switched on, battery power is sent to the fuel pump, which operates for 3-4 seconds to build fuel pressure in the fuel lines. When the engine is cranked over, this pressure allows the engine to start and the fuel pump continues to supply fuel to the engine to keep it running.
When the ignition is switched on, battery power is sent to the fuel pump, which operates for 3-4 seconds to build fuel pressure in the fuel lines.
When the engine is cranked over, this pressure allows the engine to start and the fuel pump continues to supply fuel to the engine to keep it running.
Symptoms you may need to have your fuel pump replaced
- Vehicle cranks over but does not start
- Engine hesitates under acceleration
- Check engine light is on
- Reduced performance and increased fuel consumption
How the fuel pump is replaced
- Confirm fuel pump has failed
- Remove inspection plate inside vehicle, or remove fuel tank from vehicle
- Remove fuel pump assembly and replaced failed fuel pump
- Refit fuel pump assembly and refit tank if required
- Start vehicle and inspect for any fuel leaks
- Road test vehicle to ensure correct operation
Tips to remember
- Some vehicles have the fuel filter located with the fuel pump, inside the fuel tank. When replacing the fuel pump on these vehicles, it is also recommended to replace the fuel filter to remove any contamination from the fuel system.
- The fuel pump relies on an adequate supply of fuel to keep it cool, so running the fuel tank until it is showing ‘empty’ on the fuel gauge constantly can put unnecessary stress on the fuel pump and can cause premature failure. Therefore, it is best to keep the level of fuel inside the tank at ¼ and above as often as you can.
How Important is this repair?
Your vehicle relies on fuel to keep it running, and a failed fuel pump can leave you stranded on the side of the road, or cause your engine to cut out without warning.
This puts not only you, but other motorists in danger – so it is best to have your fuel pump replaced as soon as an issue is noticed.
