Fuel Pump Replacement Cost

Is your fuel pump bad and urgently needs a replacement? Are you wondering what fuel pump replacement costs so as to get an estimate of what you will be charged at the auto repair shop?

Look no further because you are at the right place. We have analyzed the current cost of fuel pump replacement this year from numerous mechanics, and have included them in this article

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about fuel pump replacement, how to pick the best mechanic for your fuel pump replacement, is fuel pump replacement something you can do on your own? if so, how is it done? We also give you tips on how to save on a fuel pump replacement

Let’s get started!

We often don’t feel so concerned when our car engine is working correctly; this is natural because what exactly should we be bothered about when our car is running great, particularly the car engine.

We expect it to function correctly at all times. Most time, we don’t even know nor care what’s happening behind the scene.

One of the essential things that happen behind the scenes is the fuel movement from the fuel tank into the car engine while passing through the fuel line and getting combusted in the engine to enable the car to move.

The fuel pump is in charge of allowing this movement to happen. The importance of a fuel pump can not be overemphasized. The fuel pump can be located outside the fuel tank, or it could sit on the fuel tank.

Its duty is to draw and transfer fuel from the fuel tank to the connecting line between the fuel tank and engine and then finally move the fuel to the car’s engine.

The fuel pump can also serve as a filter that filters out unwanted substances from the fuel before moving it to the tank and finally to the car engine.

A Mechanical fuel pump is found in old cars, while an electronic pump is found in new vehicles; they both make up the two primary types of fuel pump.

The electronic fuel pump comes with various modern tools such as the diaphragm and electromagnetic switch; they both help move the fuel to the car engine.

A mechanical fuel pump uses a unique crankshaft to draw and transfer fuel to the engine.

Both electronic and mechanical fuel pumps are dependable and can be very active even after the car has gone up to 100,000 miles.

However, their disadvantage is that they can pull out from position, and when this happens, your vehicle won’t be able to move as fast as it should.

At some point, it will no longer move because the engine will no longer receive fuel, and there won’t be any combustion.

Also Read: Oil Pump Replacement (Cost & Steps)

Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms

1. Car Experiences Hiccups

The food your car need is fuel. Just like humans, when we eat, we get energized to accomplish tasks; in the same way, when your car has enough fuel, it will be able to meet your needs.

When you place your feet on the accelerator of your car, and you notice hiccups, that could be a potential sign of a fuel pump problem.

This could be because of bad fuel, or the fuel pump lacks enough pressure to move the fuel into the combustion unit.

2. Vehicle Misfires

The car will not start when the combustion chamber lacks enough fuel to induce an explosion, the car will not start.

It will be challenging to get to the ignition even when it does, low fuel pressure due to fuel pump problems can cause your car to sound like a heavy-duty vehicle or Misfire. Such an experience is always connected with a faulty fuel pump.

3. Car won’t Start or Sudden Shut Down of the Engine

As earlier stated, your engine needs fuel to function, and when there’s no fuel or a low amount of fuel, it will either stop working or start malfunctioning.

When the fuel pump gets bad, fuel won’t be able to find its way to the engine; this will cause the car not to start or abrupt engine shutdown.

Book an appointment with your mechanic when you notice such a symptom.

4. The Vehicle Backfires

Your engine requires a certain amount of fuel at a given interval to function correctly; when this amount of fuel drops due to a bad or faulty fuel pump, the engine will start backfiring.

Also, excess fuel can cause backfiring because the exhaust pipe will consist of lots of unburned fuel.

5. The Check Engine Light Comes On

The unique beauty of modern cars is the integration of sensors. These sensors help notify the driver of a problem by displaying or Illuminating a special kind of light on the dashboard.

One such type of sensor is called the fuel sensor pressure. This sensor monitors the fuel pressure, and whenever it notices irregularities or faults, it sends the signal to the ECU and triggers the check engine light.

Using the OBD2 scanner, you can check the error code on the check engine light and run a diagnosis to ascertain the actual problem.

6. White or Black Smoke From the Exhaust

When you start noticing the emission of black smoke from your vehicle, primarily if it is not powered by diesel, you should be very concerned because engine damage is possible.

Your car engine could be getting a rich fuel mixture due to a bad fuel pump, and this can cause the emission of black or white smoke.

In some instances, it could be a lean mixture caused by the faulty fuel pump. However, this is not common in vehicles.

Also Read: White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears (Causes & Solutions)

7. Underperformance of the Turbocharger

A turbocharger provides additional power to a car by compressing air so that it can take a turbine.

Though not all vehicles come with a turbocharger, those that do could give out fuel pump-related symptoms.

There’s a turbo lag on a turbocharger; this is the time the turbos use for spooling air; when there is lots of turbo lag, the fuel pump may be faulty.

8. The Spark Plugs Will Quickly Wear Out

The internal engine parts get cool down by using fuel as a coolant. However, too much lean air-fuel mixture can result in high temperatures in the inner parts, causing the spark plugs to be very hot.

When the fuel pump is bad, the internal working condition of the engine is affected.

Since the minor component in the engine is prone to quicker damage, it is good to say that when you start noticing your spark plug dies quickly and often before it should, then the problem is more likely as a result of a damaged or bad fuel pump.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuel Pump?

A faulty or damaged fuel pump can be very painful to your bank account and car. In addition, fuel pump replacement cost is not pocket friendly. Depending on your location and car model, it ranges between $250 and 1,200 dollars.

This price includes the cost of the parts and labor costs. Fuel pump replacement costs for expensive cars with modern engine complex designs could be as high as $2,500.

Factors That Affect Fuel Pump Replacement Cost?

Ideally, fuel pump replacement cost is based on the car model, the professional or mechanic you use, and your location. However, there could be other factors that may influence the fuel pump replacement cost. Such factors are

• Is the problem with the fuel pump physical or just a small issue.
• Driving the car with a faulty problem, thereby creating more damage while doing so.
• Can the spare part of the pump easily be bought within your locality? If not, it could influence a hike in price.
• If the old fuel pump unit requires the movement of some parts, then it could give rise to more problems and even raise the cost of replacement when it gets damaged.

Can I Carry Out a Fuel Pump Replacement Myself?

There is a lot of complexity that comes with replacing a fuel pump. Unlike another simple part of a car engine that can be replaced by a none professional, the fuel pump replacement is tricky.

Fuel pump replacement requires removing the fuel tank, which is also a delicate procedure. It will require external heavy equipment such as elevators and jacks, to which only a professional may have access.

The problem could even be more complex and inflammable if the tank is complete. With these complexities, you should get a well-trained professional to carry out the fuel pump replacement.

If by any means you want to do it yourself, get a fire extinguisher around.

How Long Does a Fuel Pump Replacement Take?

It could take as much as one to six hours to replace a fuel pump. Based on the car make and model, and the speed and efficiency of the mechanic, this time may vary.

Take, for example, a car that is difficult to access the fuel tank top, where the fuel pump is located; it will be difficult to accomplish such a job in a short time.

Therefore the time can be as high as 6 hours. On the other hand, cars such as the Honda model will take a shorter time because of the easy accessibility of the car fuel pump.

Can I Drive With a Bad Fuel Pump?

You can’t, and you should not drive with a bad fuel pump because it’s hazardous. A faulty or broken fuel pump will cause your car not to start because fuel will no longer find its way to the combustion chamber.

If the fault or damage happens while the vehicle runs, it will shut down your vehicle.

If you observe any of these symptoms while driving, please pull over and call a nearby mechanic to look at it. Don’t drive with a broken or faulty fuel pump.

Also Read: Tie Rod Replacement Cost

How Long Does a Fuel Pump Last?

The fuel pump can last as much as 100,000 miles of car coverage; there are cars with a fuel pump that has lasted for about 200,000 miles and still working perfectly. So what could be the reason why some fuel pumps last more than others? There are many factors to this, but one significant reason this happens is how you keep your gas level. If your gas level is always above or at least a quarter full, then there is a high possibility that your car fuel pump will last longer.

Below are some recommendations to keep your fuel pump running for as long as possible:

1. If you don’t keep your fuel tank at a quarter full, the fuel pump may heat up after drying out and even crack. Therefore always keep your fuel tank at a quarter full or completely full.
2. Overheating happens due to no gas to cool the pump, and overheating can cause damage to the fuel tank, shortening its life. Therefore do not allow overheating; always ensure there’s gas.
3. Debris and dirt can cause damage when picked up by the fuel pump; therefore, frequent changing of fuel filters will help trap this dirt and debris and protect the fuel pump from damage.
4. Ensure that your seal and the gas cap are working very fine; if your gas cap is not covered or adequately covered, dirt and debris can find their way into the tank through it and damage the fuel pump.
5. Gas stations that are not properly maintained can have water or rust on the nozzles of their gas pipe; this can cause problems to your fuel system and could even damage your fuel pump. Therefore avoid such gas stations or had pumped.
6. The tank will work more appropriately and efficiently if there is enough gas in the tank; this is because there’s pressure on the pump due to increasing weight. Pressure assists the fuel pump to work efficiently; in the absence of pressure, the fuel pump will have to do more work which can damage it.

What Could Be the Problem if My Fuel Pump Isn’t Bad?

Sometimes you will notice your car shows bad fuel pump symptoms, but a closer look will say otherwise.

If you observe that your fuel pump is okay, but the symptoms of a faulty fuel pump are still showing, Here could be some other possible problems.

1. You could have an empty tank without knowing, maybe because your fuel gauge is bad. So be sure that there is fuel in your tank; lack of fuel can damage the fuel pump
2. dirt and debris may have clogged the fuel filter, restricting fuel from moving to the combustion chamber. Change the fuel filter when it is due for a change.
3. Your timing belt may be bad because the life span has elapsed, causing Difficulty in fuel intake. The life span of a timing belt is around 5-7 years.
4. A wet vacuum line is a sign of a faulty vacuum line; if not replaced, it can affect the fuel pump and cause general engine poor performance.

How To Replace A Fuel Pump

Check out this video for tips on how to replace a bad fuel pump

Frequently Asked Questions – Fuel Pump Replacement Cost