Your light-duty truck relies on the fuel pump to draw diesel fuel or gasoline out of the tank. Without a functioning fuel pump, your engine will not get any fuel to start and run. Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair advises that you can count on your fuel pump for about 100,000 miles. After that, you may run into problems with the fuel pump that cause the following issues.
Low Fuel Pressure
If the fuel pump is malfunctioning, it may reduce your vehicle’s fuel pressure. You can test the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. If the pressure is not within the limitations outlined in your owner’s manual, it’s a safe bet that your fuel pump is going out.
Overheating Engine
The fuel pump can also cause the engine to overheat if it is malfunctioning. Generally, a malfunctioning fuel pump will not draw enough diesel fuel or gasoline out of the tank. The fuel pump uses this fuel to cool off its motor. If there isn’t enough fuel to work as a motor coolant, the fuel pump motor will overheat and, consequently, your engine will overheat.
Poor Fuel Mileage
A malfunctioning fuel pump can also affect your light-duty truck’s gas mileage. The reduction in fuel economy will be caused by the engine performance issues listed next.
Sputtering Engine
If your engine is not getting enough fuel because the fuel pump is faulty, it will sputter, especially at high speeds. This is because there is more air than fuel in the combustion chamber and, consequently, the engine is struggling to meet your power demands.
Stress Power Loss
You may also notice power loss when you try to haul things with your light-duty truck. The vehicle needs additional fuel in the engine when it is loaded or when it is under other stressors such as driving up a steep incline. Without enough fuel, the engine will lose power.
Surging Engine
If the fuel pump is pushing too much fuel into the engine, pick up speed. This can also happen with a faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump may get stuck in the open position or it may draw and push through fuel when it isn’t necessary.
Unable to Start Engine
Finally, if the fuel pump is dead, your engine will be dead. There is no way a dead fuel pump can push fuel through to the engine and, as a result, you will not be able to get your light-duty truck’s engine started.
Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene, OR, can help, so call us today. We’d be happy to test the fuel pump in your light-duty truck or other automobile to make sure it is working correctly.