The Last Gas (Fuel Pump Replacement).
April 16, 2023
You're heading down the road and you notice your vehicle is sputtering, like it's running out of gas. But the gauge show's it's still got a quarter of a tank. So what gives?
It could be that your fuel pump is failing, meaning your engine is not getting enough gas to run properly. While fuel pumps are built to last a long time, sometimes they fail. Other symptoms you may have a bad fuel pump include your vehicle stalling and then refusing to start again, the engine overheating or a hum or whirr coming from around the gas tank. Or, your Check Engine light may come on.
Most fuel pumps are in the gas tank. They have a small electric motor in them. When you bring your vehicle to our service center, a technician will run tests to confirm the fuel pump is getting power to it but has failed. Some vehicles have an access panel so the fuel pump can be removed and replaced.
But in some vehicles that don't have that access panel, the technician has to drain the fuel and take the tank out of the vehicle to be able to replace the fuel pump inside. Some parts such as brackets that attach the pump can be reused when the new fuel pump is installed. Most technicians will recommend replacing the fuel filter at the same time the fuel pump is changed out.
If the technician has to remove the fuel tank, they'll also check for rust and corrosion and replace any affected parts.
Keep one thing in mind - your vehicle's fuel pump is in the fuel tank because it's kept cool and lubricated by the gasoline in the tank. Try not to let your fuel level go below a half or quarter of a tank to maximize the life of your fuel pump. Also, try to use Top Tier gasoline that has higher standards than some other fuels. Your engine—and fuel pump—will thank you.
Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson
1901 E. Jackson Blvd.
Jackson, Missouri 63755
575-243-2226
http://www.charliesfastlubejackson.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson
Go With the Flow (MAF Sensor Replacement)
April 20, 2025
A driver brought her vehicle into the shop the other day and told us how she was getting lousy fuel economy and that the engine was running rough. Plus, the Check Engine light was on. Our technician checked the code the engine had generated (why the Check Engine light was on) and found the prob... More
Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson Advice on What to Pour into Your Vehicle
April 13, 2025
Changes in vehicle design and manufacture have resulted in changed fluid requirements for our vehicles. With the sophistication of engines, transmissions, differentials, etc., it's best for Jackson residents to always use the proper type of fluid for their vehicle. Using incorrect fluids can act... More
Low Power Mystery (Ignition Coil Service)
April 6, 2025
It's no fun when your vehicle just doesn't run the way it used to. You may notice (especially in cold weather) the engine won't start easily or when it does start, it doesn't run smoothly. It may not have much power at all. You also may have had to stop at the gas station more often, a sign you... More