Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!
Auto repair

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!

The vehicle cannot be operated without a running and running petrol or fuel pump. The life of the fuel pump is designed for the life of the car, but like any other component, the fuel pump can also fail. We will show you how to recognize a fuel pump failure, how to replace it and what costs to expect.

How does a fuel pump work

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!

Fuel pump , which from a technical point of view should be called a fuel pump, Most modern cars are powered by electricity. .

Gasoline pumps were originally developed as so-called flow pumps. . The fuel, in this case gasoline, is transported to the injection unit using a vane or impeller inside the pump.

Petrol pump does not work in regulation mode , and continuously supplies gasoline to the injection unit. Unused gasoline is returned to the fuel tank through the return line. In most modern cars, the fuel pump itself is located directly in the fuel tank.

Is the fuel pump a wear part?

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!

In principle, the fuel pump should not be described as a wearing part. . This is due to the fact that such a pump works reliably and without restrictions throughout the entire life of the car.

Therefore, it is not intended to change or replace the pump regularly. . However, as with any other part of the car, it can be damaged.

However, they rarely occur due to wear and tear. , but they can usually be found in other areas. For this reason, the fuel pump is one of the parts of a car that is definitely not considered a wear and therefore is rarely needed.

How to recognize fuel pump malfunctions

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!

If the fuel pump suddenly fails , the engine stops immediately. This is because failure automatically means that gasoline no longer enters the engine and therefore no ignition . Although such cases are quite rare, they do happen.

In such cases the fuel pump usually has a serious mechanical defect, so it should be replaced immediately. However, this process can often go unnoticed.

The following symptoms may indicate a slowly developing fuel pump defect:

– Vehicle fuel consumption increases over time.
– Vehicle performance is declining slowly but steadily.
– The engine speed fluctuates and the car starts twitching again and again.
- The car does not start well.
– While driving, the behavior of the vehicle may change.
– When accelerating, the engine reacts much better and more intensively than usual.

All of these symptoms may indicate an impending fuel pump failure. However, other factors cannot be excluded as a cause. . However, if all of these effects occur together, it is highly likely that the initial fuel pump malfunction.

Nevertheless , there may be other components directly connected to the fuel pump that can cause such malfunctions. Possible causes could also be improper motor control or faulty cables.

Replace the fuel pump yourself or replace?

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!

If you are well versed in vehicles, know how to use the lifting platform and have the necessary tools, you can replace the fuel pump yourself .

  • Especially it concerns mechanical fuel pumps as they are mounted directly on the engine.
  • On the other hand, electric pumps often even built directly into the fuel tank and therefore very difficult to reach.

If you have little experience in repairing cars and their components, it is better to entrust the work to a specialized workshop. This is due to the fact that you will have to work both with the vehicle's onboard current and directly with fuel and associated gases when replacing it.

Without experience and, above all, without the appropriate protective equipment, under no circumstances should you replace the fuel pump yourself. .

For such a case, a specialized workshop is best suited, especially since there such a replacement is a simple routine work and can be completed in a relatively short time.

Step by step fuel pump replacement

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!
1. Drive the vehicle onto the lifting platform.
2. First of all, check the connections, relay, fuse and engine control unit. These elements can also cause malfunction and limit the reliability of the fuel pump. If you find, for example, worn cables here, it is quite possible that you will not have to replace the fuel pump.
3. Now find the fuel pump. If it is installed directly in the tank, it may be too difficult for non-professionals to remove it.
- Often the fuel pump is installed between the filler cap and the rear seat.
4. Disconnect the vehicle battery before carrying out any work.
5. Now remove all fuel lines from the fuel pump and close them. This will prevent any unintentional fuel leakage.
– Disconnect the power and control lines from the pump.
6. Carefully dismantle the fuel pump.
– Be sure to tighten the screws.
7. Clean the fuel pump.
8. Insert the replacement part and assemble the individual parts step by step.
– Before completing the installation, check the tightness of the new connections.

When replacing the fuel pump, pay attention to the following.

Replacing the fuel pump - that's how it's done!
  • Replacing the fuel pump is very difficult for non-professionals and may not be feasible depending on the situation.
  • You are working directly on the fuel supply. Be aware of gases and protect your mouth, nose and eyes during this work.
  • Avoid open flames in the workshop at all costs .
  • Always have on hand suitable extinguishing media .

Costs to Consider

The prices of fuel pumps often vary considerably depending on the make and model of the car. You have to pay between $90 and $370 just for a new pump. If you wish to have the installation done by a specialist workshop, removal and installation (depending on the vehicle) can take up to two hours. This means that you have to pay between $330 and $580 for the cost of the workshop, including spare parts. You can reduce the price a little if you bring the new fuel pump to the workshop yourself. This is due to the fact that most workshops charge too high a price for spare parts.

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