Sylvie Willis
Fuel pump replacement is diagnosed by testing the pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator. This will confirm whether the pump has failed or whether the regulator is faulty. A fuel system pressure testing tool is required for this. Other symptoms of a faulty fuel pump include a lack of power when under load, an engine that is hard to start or won't start, and an engine that chokes out or dies after running for a while or up to temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis process | Bring the engine up to temperature and then do a fuel pressure check |
| Symptoms of a potentially bad fuel pump | Lack of power when "under load" (at highway speeds or laden with people/cargo) |
| Engine that is hard to start or won't start | |
| Engine that "chokes out" or dies after running for a while or up to temperature | |
| Sputtering engine and a "lean mixture" check engine code | |
| Testing | Testing pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator |
| Using a fuel system pressure testing tool | |
| Using a fuel pressure gauge |
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What You'll Learn
Testing pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator
However, it is important to ensure that the testing tool is accurate. If an inexpensive fuel pressure test gauge is used, false readings are possible. If you don’t have a good quality testing tool, it is recommended to invest in a professional tool or work with a shop to get your fuel system pressure tested.
The diagnosis process for a fuel pump problem also involves bringing the engine up to temperature and then doing a fuel pressure check. A fuel pump replacement should be accompanied by a fuel filter replacement and a check of the pump’s connectors (on both sides of the plugs) to ensure they are not burnt or overworked.
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Checking for a sputtering engine and a 'lean mixture' check engine code
A sputtering engine and a lean mixture check engine code may indicate a fuel pump problem. To diagnose this, bring the engine up to temperature and then do a fuel pressure check. Testing pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator will confirm either a pump failure or point towards a faulty regulator. You can take your vehicle to a technician for this test or purchase a fuel pressure gauge at an auto-parts store and do it yourself.
A sputtering engine is a sign of a lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This can happen if you have a clog somewhere in the fuel system that impedes the delivery of fuel into the chamber. For example, your fuel filter or fuel lines might be clogged. Clogged fuel injectors can also prevent your engine from running smoothly and cause a lean fuel mixture.
A lean air-fuel mixture, as indicated by code P0171, translates into reduced engine power and compromised performance. While this doesn’t create a do-not-drive scenario, it’s a problem that requires immediate attention to minimize the risk of damage to critical components.
Determining if a fuel pump is to blame for a lack of power under “load” is often about ruling out other possible issues. Your first step in diagnosing a fuel pump problem is figuring out if your vehicle has a mechanical fuel pump or an electric fuel pump. Carbureted vehicles have mechanical fuel pumps, with few exceptions. So, if your vehicle has a carb, you probably have a mechanical fuel pump. On most vehicles made after 1990 (and quite a few made after 1986), the fuel pump is likely electric and located inside the fuel tank.
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Figuring out if your vehicle has a mechanical or electric fuel pump
Testing pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator will confirm either a pump failure or point towards a faulty regulator. A fuel system pressure testing tool is essential equipment for diagnosing a faulty fuel pump. You can take your vehicle to a technician for this test or purchase a fuel pressure gauge at an auto-parts store and do it yourself. Near the engine, there should be a fuel pressure valve where you can attach the gauge.
A lack of power when "under load" (at highway speeds or laden with people/cargo), an engine that is hard to start or won't start, and an engine that "chokes out" or dies after running for a while or up to temperature are all common symptoms of a potentially bad fuel pump. If you have a sputtering engine and a "lean mixture" check engine code, that may indicate a fuel pump problem. The diagnosis process here is to bring the engine up to temperature and then do a fuel pressure check.
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Testing fuel system pressure
The first step in diagnosing a fuel pump problem is to determine whether your vehicle has a mechanical or electric fuel pump. Most vehicles made after 1990, and quite a few made after 1986, have electric fuel pumps located inside the fuel tank. If your vehicle has a carburetor, it likely has a mechanical fuel pump.
Once you have identified the type of fuel pump, you can proceed with testing the pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator. This will help confirm whether the issue is a pump failure or a faulty regulator.
To perform the test, you can either take your vehicle to a technician or purchase a fuel pressure gauge and do it yourself. Near the engine, there should be a fuel pressure valve where you can attach the gauge.
It is important to note that replacing a faulty fuel pump is not a simple task. It involves dropping the fuel tank, removing and replacing the fuel pump assembly, and then testing all the work. Additionally, a fuel pump replacement should be accompanied by a fuel filter replacement and a check of the pump's connectors to ensure they are not burnt or overworked.
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Checking for common symptoms of a bad fuel pump
There are several common symptoms of a bad fuel pump. Firstly, a lack of power when 'under load', which means at highway speeds or when the vehicle is laden with people or cargo. Secondly, an engine that is hard to start or won't start at all. Thirdly, an engine that 'chokes out' or dies after running for a while or up to temperature. Another symptom is a sputtering engine and a 'lean mixture' check engine code.
To diagnose a fuel pump problem, the first step is to figure out whether your vehicle has a mechanical or electric fuel pump. Most vehicles made after 1990 (and some made after 1986) have an electric fuel pump located inside the fuel tank. If your vehicle has a carburettor, it probably has a mechanical fuel pump.
You can then test the pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator. This will confirm whether the pump has failed or if the regulator is faulty. A fuel system pressure testing tool is essential for this. You can take your vehicle to a technician for this test or purchase a fuel pressure gauge at an auto-parts store and do it yourself. Near the engine, there should be a fuel pressure valve where you can attach the gauge.
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Frequently asked questions
Common symptoms of a potentially bad fuel pump include a lack of power when "under load" (at highway speeds or when laden with people/cargo), an engine that is hard to start or won't start, or an engine that "chokes out" or dies after running for a while or up to temperature.
The first step in diagnosing a fuel pump problem is figuring out if your vehicle has a mechanical fuel pump or an electric fuel pump. Carbureted vehicles have mechanical fuel pumps, with few exceptions. So, if your vehicle has a carb, you probably have a mechanical fuel pump. On most vehicles made after 1990 (and quite a few made after 1986), the fuel pump is likely electric and located inside the fuel tank.
Testing pressure in the lines between the fuel pump and the fuel pressure regulator will confirm either a pump failure or point towards a faulty regulator. A fuel system pressure testing tool is essential equipment for diagnosing a faulty fuel pump. You can take your vehicle to a technician for this test or purchase a fuel pressure gauge at an auto-parts store and do it yourself. Near the engine, there should be a fuel pressure valve where you can attach the gauge.
Determining if a fuel pump is to blame for a lack of power under "load" is often about ruling out other possible issues. Testing the engine for a "lean mixture" check engine code may indicate a fuel pump problem. The diagnosis process here is to bring the engine up to temperature and then do a fuel pressure check.
Replacing a faulty fuel pump is not a simple task. It involves dropping the fuel tank, removing and replacing the fuel pump assembly, and then testing all work. A fuel pump replacement should also be accompanied by a fuel filter replacement and a check of the pump’s connectors (on both sides of the plugs) to ensure they are not burnt or overworked.
