A fuel pump is a fountain drink machine for cars.
―Jarod KintzIf you have proper knowledge of all the parts of a vehicle and know how to replace a fuel pump, then you just need to invest a bit of time and the money on buying a new pump. However, if you are not confident about the procedure, then you should take your vehicle to a mechanic and get the problem sorted out.
Here, we’ll have a look at the reasons a fuel pump stars giving problems, the signs in a vehicle that point toward this issue, and the cost of replacing this part in a vehicle.
Reasons Leading to Damage
- One of the most important reasons for damage to a fuel pump is rust and dust. Contaminated particles sometimes bypass the inlet filter sock (the device filtering dust and contaminated particles) and infiltrate the fuel pump to cause a jam in it. As a result, it breaks down and the motor also gets overheated.
- The most common problem with electric fuel pumps is that they experience wear and tear on the roller gears, brushes, armature, bearings, and pump vanes. This results in loss of pressure, thereby leading to decreased engine performance.
- Another reason leading to damage to the fuel pump is inadequate supply of fuel in the vehicle for a long time. Fuel actually acts as a lubricant as well as a coolant for the fuel pump. Therefore, if sufficient fuel supply is not ensured, then premature damage is inevitable.
Identifying a Faulty Fuel Pump
- If you are facing problems starting your vehicle, there is a good chance that the fuel pump is defective. At such times, you need to check the fuse of the pump. You will either experience trouble starting your vehicle, or it will not start at all.
- If your vehicle has the problem of stalling, that’s another indication of this problem. This is because, there is a fluctuation in the flow of gas to the engine.
- On the flip side, the same problem of fluctuation of fuel flow can cause the engine to surge, and vehicle speed to increase randomly.
- The pump might also be a problem if the Check Engine light is showing on.
- Lastly, if you hear an excessive whining sound coming out from the engine, then there is a good chance that it is due to a faulty fuel pump.
Cost of ReplacementSo how much does it cost to replace a fuel pump? This can be anywhere between $300 – $700, depending on the brand, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as your location. This will include the cost for buying a new fuel pump (depending on the model, a new fuel pump will cost anywhere around $150 – $500), and the labor charges, which will be charged on a per-hour basis (most mechanics charge somewhere around $150 – $200).
The model of the car plays a huge role in the cost. It goes on to determine the cost of the fuel pump as well as the labor charges. Here are a few examples. For a BMW 750i, the pump would cost around $475 and the mechanic would charge about $175, resulting in a total bill of $650. For a Kia Rio, the same would be $225 and $125 respectively, amounting to a total of $350. If the vehicle is a Ford Focus, the cost would be $275 and $225, totaling to $500. A Mercedes-Benz CL600 fuel pump replacement would cost $350 and $125, amounting to a total of $475. As you can see, the cost differs considerably according to the make. Also, these are just average costs, and will differ somewhat according to location.
If the nearby parts have also been damaged, then they might have to be repaired too. So, those repair charges will also be included in the final bill, which will then increase. In short, the cost will vary depending on the vehicle model, location the replacement is being done at, damage to other parts, etc. If you are confident enough to buy the pump and replace it yourself, you will save on the labor charges. To help you out, here is how to replace a fuel pump yourself. Basic cleanliness and inspection for contaminated particles in the fuel injection system will actually act as a preventive measure against rupture, and will increase the life of a fuel pump.
A faulty fuel pump needs to be replaced immediately, as it can lead to further problems in the vehicle, damaging other parts, and therefore being the cause of poor performance.