Diagnosing fuel pump issues by sound is a process wherein one listens to the sound produced by the pump when the vehicle is running. A functioning healthy fuel pump makes soft and continuous humming sound while the engine is ON. This humming means the pump is working efficiently, moving fuel to the engine at the required pressure, which is generally around 40 to 60 psi in most vehicles. Usually, if you hear a light whirring sound when you turn the key to the “on” position — before you crank the engine — it’s a good indication that the fuel pump is working. Some data, provided by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), says the average lifespan of a fuel pump is 100,000 miles as long as fuel is clean and properly maintained.
When the fuel pump begins to fail, the noise can alter in multiple ways. A common symptom of a bad pump is a howling noise that may be weaker or beose than if your car was accelerating. This might further provoke a malfunction within the fuel pump’s internal components or a dirty fuel filter. According to a report from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a whining sound is usually an indication that the fuel pump is having trouble pushing fuel through the system at the necessary pressure. This problem is common in cases where sediment or debris clogs the fuel system — consequently putting strain on the pump. If the sound you hear changes — for example, whining noise increases as the engine revs — it can indicate that the pump needs to be inspected or possibly replaced.
A failed fuel pump may emit no sound whatsoever. This is typical if the pump’s motor burns out or the electrical connections fail. If turning your key to “on” doesn’t produce any sound from the fuel pump, it’s a good clue that it’s not working. If this integral system fails completely, the engine may not get fuel and stall or fail to start. About 15% of all vehicle breakdowns are caused by a failed or malfunctioning fuel pump, often due to electrical problems or worn pump components, according to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
If you hear a clicking or popping noise coming from the pump, that can also indicate a problem that may be diagnosed by sound. This happens when the fuel pump’s electrical relay is burnt. You might hear the clicking sound every now and then, suggesting that the pump is getting powered, just not enough to work. The reason is that, according to a study conducted by Consumer Reports, in the case of fuel pumps about 10% of the time the problem can be traced back to a faulty relay or electrical connection.
Listening for those noises can be an easy, quick initial step in diagnosing a possibly malfunctioning fuel pump. But they need to be confirmed by a fuel pressure test. If the pressure is below the spec, this can confirm that the fuel pump is not working efficiently.
“Listening to your car is one of the easiest and best ways to spot an impending issue before it becomes a serious problem,” says Robert Goldstein, an automotive technician with more than 20 years of experience. “A constant whine or, worse, silence means it’s time to diagnose the fuel system before the problem results in pricier repairs.”
For drive to be worry-free, Monthly check and timely diagnosis of sound with the help of traffic and the noise of your auto-tram can help you decide if you should run your Fuel Pump or not.