The fuel pump is a vital component of a vehicle and if it becomes clogged, it can cause a variety of performance issues, however, by recognizing the symptoms early you can save time and money on repairs. Low engine performance is one of the most common symptoms that a fuel pump might be blocked with dirt. This can range from trouble starting the engine to stalling out while on the road or misfiring/misfiring while idling. In 2021, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) found that clogged fuel filters or pumps contribute to up to 30% of all fuel system failures in modern vehicles.
Another sign is decreased fuel economy. A clogged fuel pump will have a hard time pumping the right amount of fuel to the engine which will increase the consumption of fuel. According to a 2022 report from Consumer Reports, those contending with clogged fuel pumps experienced a loss of 15 to 20 percent in miles per gallon (MPG) because the engine wasn’t getting the kind of fuel it needed to produce combustion and perform optimally.
Another sign to watch: if you start hearing an unusual sound from the fuel tank section. A clogged fuel pump is often forced to work overtime in an attempt to push fuel out into the lines, which can cause a whining or buzzing sound. In certain situations, this noise can be really loud. Fuel pump noises are one of the earliest clues of a possible clog, particularly in older models that haven’t had their fuel filters changed in a long while, says the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
If the car’s engine isn’t able to accelerate even when the pedal is pressed to the floor, this too could mean a clogged fuel pump. Fuel pumps deliver the appropriate amount of fuel to the engine and a blockage can inhibit flow. Indeed, automotive experts suggest that, in fact, nearly four out of 10 performance problems in older cars are related to a fuel pump gunked up with dirt or debris. And in 2020, a well-established Detroit car repair shop stated that more than 50% of the cars they serviced that year had fuel pump problems arising from dirt build-up in the fuel system.
In the worst situations, a blocked fuel pump can lead the engine to shut down while driving. This abrupt loss of power is usually because the engine is not getting enough fuel. Such cases could necessitate a tow to the closest repair shop. In a 2021 study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 10% of roadside breakdowns were attributed to fuel system issues, mostly due to dirt-blocked fuel pumps.
That said, the most accurate way to know whether your fuel pump is clogged with dirt is to have a mechanic perform a fuel pressure test. The test measures the fuel system pressure which can tell whether the pump is supplying the correct amount of fuel. Low pressure could be a sign of a clogged pump or filter. Sometimes this can just be cured with a new fuel filter, but if not, it may also be the case of needing a fuel pump replacement.
If you want to avoid those problems, regular maintenance and fueling your car filter correctly will help. Most experts prescribe a new fuel filter every 30,000 miles contracted to keep dirt out of the fuel system. By comparison, having a clogged fuel pump replaced will cost anywhere between $300 and $1,000 depending on the vehicle’s make and model.
To learn how to prevent and/or detect an issue with your fuel system, go to Fuel Pump.