How long does a fuel pump job take?
While there are some older vehicle models on the market where a fuel pump change could take as little as 30-minutes, with the vast majority of modern vehicles, it is going to take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. This is pretty much the entire working day for most garages.
Installing a fuel pump can be difficult – especially if you've got a full gas tank. Plus, because fuel is flammable, the task can be dangerous. If you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure to take the necessary precautions and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
The average cost for a fuel pump replacement is between $220 and $1,062, depending on vehicle and age. Labor costs are estimated between $124 and $260, while parts are priced between $95 and $854. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.
A failing/failed fuel pump will cause major performance and drivability issues with your vehicle. If your fuel to air ratio is off and the cylinders aren't getting enough fuel, then the pistons aren't firing and your engine is struggling to move the vehicle forward.
On average, this will take somewhere between 2-3 hours. We'll average it out to 2 hours of labor – even though this can sometimes be much more. On average, you should expect to pay between $400-$600 dollars on average to have your fuel pump repaired at the mechanic.
If the fuel pump gets clogged or dies, it cannot transfer gas to the engine. When this happens, you won't be able to start your car, truck, or SUV at all.
Getting a brand new fuel pump at AutoZone ensures your engine receives the right amount of fuel, so it doesn't overflow and break. AutoZone provides exceptional replacement fuel pumps for many vehicles, including a fuel pump replacement for Civic sedans as well as Chevrolet Camaro fuel pumps.
Good quality fuel pump sets can cost between $200 to $1000. Labor costs are $150-$350. More expensive vehicles with complex designs can cost $2,500 to have a fuel pump replaced. Here is a chart from YourMechanic.com that shows the average cost of fuel pump replacement for different vehicles.
When you replace a fuel pump, you should also install a new fuel filter. (Here's how to change a fuel filter in four easy steps.) Check the fuel line running from the fuel tank to the pump, and replace it if it's cracked or leaking.
Fuel pump failures tend to be sudden and unpredictable, with few symptoms to warn the motorist that trouble is brewing. And the higher the mileage on the vehicle, the greater the risk of a fuel pump failure.
What causes a fuel pump to fail?
The top reasons for fuel pump failure are contamination, overheating, and the gears in the the fuel pump wearing out over time. Rust, debris, and dirt are three common particles that can somehow enter the gas tank and be fed towards or through the intank fuel filter and possibly into the fuel pump.
By itself, a high-flow fuel pump will not increase power, but it will provide the ability to increase power by providing a higher flow of fuel to the engine when major engine upgrades are performed.
Rust, dirt, or debris in the gas tank can kill a fuel pump very quickly. Rust occurs on older steel tanks while after 8-10 years, plastic tanks start to break down. Diagnosing a dead fuel pump is usually fairly easy, which will save you on testing and diagnostic costs.
There's no such thing as an intermittent mechanical fuel pump failure. Any power loss, engine 'choke' problems, etc. are being caused by something else. In a fuel injected engine, electric fuel pumps can fail intermittently.
AutoZone makes checking fuel pressure easier than ever. Get a fuel pressure test kit and check the fuel pump and fuel system on your ride today. If you've ever wondered how to test a fuel pump, you may have assumed it was a pretty complicated job.
A bad fuel pump may overheat and inadequately deliver gas to the engine, causing it to run hot and turn off while on the road. In this scenario, your vehicle may start back up after overheating and shutting down, only to do the same thing a half-hour later. This scenario is a common sign of a bad fuel pump.
Common signs include a whining noise, hard starting, engine performance issues, and an inability to start the car.
- You Might be Experiencing Fuel Pump Failure if Your Car Jerks or Sputters at High Speeds. ...
- Your Fuel Pump Might Be Failing if You Lose Power When Accelerating. ...
- Your Fuel Pump Might Be a Problem if you are Losing Power While Driving Uphill or Towing a Load.
A damaged fuel pump might make a loud, whining sound that you'll hear from your gas tank. The pump may also make this noise if you're low on fuel or the fuel in your tank is contaminated. The normal noise your pump makes is a low hum. Loud whining indicates there is a problem.
Can a fuel pump go out without warning? Absolutely! A car fuel pump will fail without warning more often than you may think. All things related to a car fuel pumps like the injectors, the pressure regulator, and the car fuel pump itself are the part that are most replaced with the fuel system.
What do I need to know before replacing a fuel pump?
- Engine Stuttering. One of the clearest indications that your vehicle's fuel pump isn't working as it should is engine jolts and stutters while you drive at a steady speed. ...
- Engine Surges. ...
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency. ...
- High-Pitched Noises. ...
- Engine Won't Start.
The labor to replace the in tank fuel pump and the inline fuel filter that should be replaced with the fuel pump will take 4 to 5 hours labor.
Fuel pumps are meant to last around 100,000 miles, but most people never have to replace their fuel pumps. They are typically built to last since they are positioned in a hard-to-access place within your fuel tank.
If a fuel pump isn't installed correctly, it either won't work at all or won't supply enough fuel to the engine. When the fuel pump isn't working right, your engine isn't getting the amount of fuel it needs to run well. Your engine loses power and fuel efficiency.
Today's newer cars typically include the fuel filter as part of the fuel pump assembly – and you'll need to replace it every 5 years or around 30-50k miles. I recommend you check your owner's manual for the specific service interval, as it does vary between makes.
- Never let your fuel level get below 1/8th to 1/4th of a tank.
- Change your fuel filter at 30,000 mile intervals (most vehicles)
Four common problems after changing a fuel pump
Difficulty starting the engine. Engine running or idling roughly. Fuel gauge isn't working properly. Odd noises.
- Engine runs poorly. If you've owned your vehicle for several years or have experience behind the wheel in general, you probably know what a well-running engine sounds like. ...
- Vehicle doesn't start. ...
- Overheating engine. ...
- Can't sustain speed. ...
- Decreased fuel efficiency.
Fuel pumps are not a regular maintenance item, so they generally are replaced only on an as-needed basis. Some owners replace them before they fail as preventive maintenance, but unless the pump is showing signs of failing, there is little reason to do so.
Car Won't Start or Starts and Shuts Off
Now that enough time has elapsed, that tired fuel pump can't deliver enough fuel to start the engine, or keep it running once it's started.
Do fuel pumps fail suddenly?
Fuel pump failures tend to be sudden and unpredictable, with few symptoms to warn the motorist that trouble is brewing. And the higher the mileage on the vehicle, the greater the risk of a fuel pump failure.
The top reasons for fuel pump failure are contamination, overheating, and the gears in the the fuel pump wearing out over time. Rust, debris, and dirt are three common particles that can somehow enter the gas tank and be fed towards or through the intank fuel filter and possibly into the fuel pump.
By itself, a high-flow fuel pump will not increase power, but it will provide the ability to increase power by providing a higher flow of fuel to the engine when major engine upgrades are performed.
Fuel pumps have been known to last for over 200,000 miles in some cases. After 100,000 miles, the failure of the pump is likely enough that if you are replacing a major part in the fuel system nearby, it may be advantageous to replace it at the same time.
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Should your vehicle shut off after a crash, you may restart your vehicle:
- Switch off the ignition.
- Switch to start position.
- Switch off the ignition.
- Switch on the ignition to re-enable the fuel pump.
- If vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.
A weak fuel pump may throw off your car's air/fuel ratio, causing the engine control module (ECM) to turn on the check engine light. In some cases, pump electrical issues may trigger the light as well.
Overheating shortens the life of the fuel pump. The more gas you have in the tank, the easier it is for the fuel pump to work because of the increased weight putting pressure on the fuel pump. Without this pressure, the fuel pump has to work harder which can cause it to wear out faster.