Is it time to replace the fuel pump? The fuel pump sends fuel from the gas tank to the engine. In modern cars, fuel pumps are usually electrically powered and located directly in or on the fuel tank.
With a bad fuel pump, the engine won’t have fuel to keep the vehicle running. If this necessary component fails, it can cause severe drivability and performance issues and has to be dealt with if you want a reliable, driveable vehicle.
So how much will it cost to fix the fuel pump? According to KBB.com, the typical cost for a fuel pump replacement is around $900 to $1,100, depending on the vehicle, its age, and your region. Labor costs range from about $500 to $600, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $400 to $500. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Fuel Pump?
A professional fuel pump replacement costs $900 to $1,100, on average, though this price will fluctuate based on the parts required for your specific make and model and the labor fees in your area.
If you break down somewhere remote and need a tow, additional costs stack up quickly. Most likely, a broken fuel pump will make your car unfit for driving. Depending on your location and how far you have to go to reach the shop, a tow can cost $55 to $133, on average.
Labor costs vary depending on the type of car you have and how difficult or time-consuming it is to access its fuel pump. Some vehicles require more complex methods of fuel pump replacement, which makes for a longer mechanic’s visit. On average, labor charges range from $500 to $600, and you can expect to wait about two to three hours before your car is returned to you.
Factors Affecting Prices for Fuel Pump Replacement.
There are quite a few factors that can impact the final price you’ll pay for a fuel pump replacement, including:
- Vehicle Make and Model. Newer, luxury and large vehicles are often more expensive to repair than others.
- Where You Live. Labor costs vary widely between different areas and can impact on the total cost of replacing your fuel pump.
- Cost Of the Pump. Getting an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part directly from the maker of your car is usually the most expensive option. Aftermarket parts are generally more affordable.
- Diesel Vs. Gasoline Engine. Most diesels have two fuel pumps: one in the fuel compartment and one closer to the engine. If you drive a diesel and both pumps need to be replaced, you’ll spend more on parts.
- Warranty Coverage. A fuel pump is generally covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty. Always check your warranty coverage before paying out of pocket for a fuel pump.
Can You Rebuild or Repair A Fuel Pump?
Unfortunately, most fuel pumps can’t be rebuilt or repaired. If your fuel pump starts to fail, you’ll almost certainly need to replace it with a new one.
However, some other failing car parts can mimic the signs of a faulty fuel pump. Before you commit to replacing your fuel pump, check these parts (or ask your mechanic to check them for you):
- Fuel injectors (make sure they’re clean)
- Fuel filters (make sure they’re not blocked)
- Fuel lines (check for any leaks)
How Are Fuel Pump Issues Diagnosed?
If the engine won’t start, the mechanic will check for pressure at the fuel injectors when trying to start the car. If the injectors are getting enough fuel pressure, the next step is to check that the pump is delivering enough fuel.
If the pressure is low or nonexistent, the next step is to check the pump’s electrical circuit. If the pump isn’t receiving enough voltage or has a bad connection, the circuit may need replacing.
If the pump is working but is providing low pressure or too little fuel, the mechanic will check the fuel filter, as well as the electrical and mechanical condition of the fuel pump itself.
How Is A Fuel Pump Replaced?
The first step is to disconnect the battery, in order to reduce the chance of a fire. For pumps inside the fuel tank, there will usually be an access cover that needs to be removed. With the cover off, the technician can replace the pump and pre-pump filter screen.
In some cases, fuel will need to be drained before removing the access panel. When the pump is outside the tank, the mechanic will disconnect the fuel lines, remove the pump and install the new one.
Once the pump is replaced, another check will be done to ensure there are no fuel leaks and that the problem is solved.
FAQs.
If your fuel pump is bad, you probably can’t drive your car. If it won’t start, have it towed to a mechanic shop and get a new fuel pump installed. Try to start the vehicle after waiting for the engine to cool off for 8 hours. This may be enough time for the fuel lines to even out and the pump to reset.
Warning Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump
1. The car won’t start.
2. The car sputters or dies while driving.
3. The engine surges while driving.
4. You hear whining in the backseat.
5. You notice lower gas mileage.
It is usually unnecessary to preemptively replace the fuel pump, but if there is another service being performed on the vehicle that involves removing the gas tank, and the current fuel pump has been running for over 100,000 miles, then replacing it could save money and time in the long run.
Insufficient flow limits cooling and lubrication of the pump. A leading cause of fuel pump failure is running the fuel tank low. This is particularly critical on late-model vehicles without a fuel pressure return system. Running such a vehicle out of fuel once can permanently damage the fuel pump.
If you are lucky, you may notice the sound of the fuel pump change or notice the engine losing power and/or running rough before the fuel pump completely dies, but more often than not, there won’t be much of a warning.
