If your fuel pump is not working after being replaced, it may be time to get a new one. This can happen if the old one was faulty or had an issue with its installation. It is crucial to make sure this replacement goes smoothly. Otherwise, you may experience problems like low gas mileage and difficulty starting the vehicle.
What Is a Fuel Pump, and How Does It Work?
A fuel pump is an automobile part that pumps gasoline from the gas tank to the engine by drawing it in through a suction tube and then sending it into the engine’s intake manifold. Fuel pumps are usually located near the gas tank.
There are two types of fuel pumps – mechanical and electric. Mechanical fuel pumps typically last for around 150,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Electric fuel pumps can last much longer as they don’t use any moving parts. Instead, electricity moves through them to create the pressure needed to send gasoline into the engine.
Why Is My Fuel Pump Not Working After Being Replaced?
Incorrect fuel pump installation is a major reason why a newly replaced fuel pump might not work correctly. Besides this, there are other reasons like:
- The fuel tank could be full or need to be drained and then refilled.
- There is a possibility that the new fuel pump was defective from the factory.
- If you are getting an error code on your car’s dashboard, there is a good chance this is causing the issue.
Keep in mind, it can be one of these issues or all three at once.
How Can You Tell if Your Fuel Pump Is Not Functioning Properly?
Several factors are indicative of a malfunctioning fuel pump, like:
- Your car is running rough or stalls out.
- You may hear a clicking sound when trying to start your engine.
- Check for fluid leaks underneath your vehicle by looking at the ground around it and under the hood. Leaking fluids indicate a problem with the fuel pump.
If none of these issues are manifest, then it’s time to let a trained professional take over the car inspection.
What Are Some Potential Causes of a Faulty or Non-Functioning Fuel Pump?
Potential causes for a non-functioning fuel pump include:
- Incorrect fuel pump type for your vehicle model
- Blocked filter or dirt in the tank
- Low fuel pressure
- A drained battery without sufficient charge
- Incorrect octane rating gasoline being used for the vehicle. This can cause problems with any fuel system components.
When installing a new fuel pump, take care not to damage any other parts of the car in the process. Always replace gaskets when putting everything back together, so there are no leaks. Pay close attention to wiring connections on both ends of the connector. Ensure all hoses are connected before testing your new fuel pump by turning on your engine and looking for leaks under the vehicle.
