A dirty Fuel Pump will show its symptoms in the following ways, mostly linked to the overall performance of the car. The Fuel Pumps mostly operate at 30 to 70 PSI depending on the car’s design. As dirt or other elements get inside the fuel system, the Fuel Pump may clog some of its internal parts that regulate the flow of the fuel, leading to poor engine performance. One symptom is the hesitation of the engine or its stalling, especially on acceleration or when the car is at idle. In fact, a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers found that 18% of fuel-related issues in vehicles with over 100,000 miles were caused by a clogged Fuel Pump, often due to dirt or sediment in the fuel tank.
Another symptom that indicates your Fuel Pump might be clogged is a drop in fuel efficiency. The engine may consume more fuel than it usually does due to the struggle of the Fuel Pump to deliver the needed quantity of fuel at the correct pressure, which will eventually drop miles per gallon noticeably. According to a report by AAA in 2020, that could increase fuel costs as much as 15-20%. Also, cars usually experience rough idling or difficulty with cold starts because the internal combustion engine is not able to get the appropriate supply of fuel to maintain smooth and continuous combustion.
Another outright symptom of a clogged Fuel Pump is a sudden loss of power while driving. If the pump can’t maintain fuel pressure, then the engine may well not get enough fuel to accelerate smoothly, which could result in either jerky movements or very sluggish response to heavy acceleration. In extreme cases, the engine may stall completely because the pump cannot provide it with sufficient fuel to keep it running. A 2021 survey from Auto Repair Weekly indicated that nearly 12% of vehicles with power loss issues had clogged Fuel Pumps as a contributing factor.
To diagnose a clogged Fuel Pump, technicians often use a fuel pressure gauge to measure the PSI and compare it with the manufacturer’s recommended range. If the pressure is lower than expected, it could indicate an obstruction in the Fuel Pump or fuel lines. Another way is to check the fuel filter, as it may clog up with dirt and make the problem worse by reducing fuel circulation. Regular maintenance of the fuel system, like periodic replacement of the fuel filter, could avoid such problems.