6951 Southfront Road, Livermore, CA 94551

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How to tell if you have a bad fuel pump

To diagnose a bad fuel pump, you can look for the following symptoms:

  1. Engine Stalls or Misfires: If the fuel pump is failing, it may not be able to supply enough fuel to the engine, causing it to stall or misfire.
  2. Engine Won’t Start: A bad fuel pump may prevent the engine from starting by not delivering fuel to the engine.
  3. Strange Noises: If you hear a whining or humming noise from the fuel tank, it could indicate a failing fuel pump.
  4. Decreased Fuel Pressure: If the fuel pump is not working properly, the fuel pressure in the engine may drop, which can be diagnosed using a fuel pressure gauge.
  5. Decreased Engine Performance: A bad fuel pump may cause the engine to lose power, leading to decreased acceleration and overall performance.

To diagnose a bad fuel pump, you can perform a few tests, such as:

  1. Fuel Pressure Test: This test measures the fuel pressure in the engine and can indicate if the fuel pump is functioning properly.
  2. Voltmeter Test: A voltmeter test can be used to measure the voltage at the fuel pump electrical connector to see if it is receiving power.
  3. Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Test: This test checks the wiring and connections in the fuel pump electrical circuit to determine if there is a problem.

A combination of visual inspection, diagnostic tests, and monitoring engine performance can help diagnose a bad fuel pump. MTC Parts carries a wide variety of fuel pumps and replacement repair items for your car. If you are unsure, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.