Fuel Pump Replacement Cost

The fuel pump is an important component in any vehicle, and forms an integral part of the engine. The task it performs is a fairly straightforward one  by carrying the fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Without a properly functioning fuel pump, the engine won’t run. The cost of having the fuel pump replaced by a mechanic will generally be between $260 – $1009, and the price will vary greatly depending on the type of car you own. The majority of the cost comes from the parts themselves, while labor costs are usually fairly consistent.

Fuel Pump Replacement Cost Comparison

Your Mechanic

Midas

Mr. Tire

NAPA

Walmart

Amazon

What Is A Fuel Pump?

The fuel pump is tasked with carrying the fuel from the gas tank of the vehicle to the engine, where it’s used to power the entire vehicle. If the fuel pump is malfunctioning, either by sending too much fuel or not enough, it can cause a number of performance issues with the car.

The vast majority of vehicles will have either an automatic or a manual fuel pump. There are certain models of motorcycle which don’t need a fuel pump thanks to clever design, but almost every internal combustion engine in a vehicle will use a fuel pump of some sort.

Benefits of Fuel Pump Replacement

If the fuel pump fails completely the car won’t run at all, so the obvious benefit of replacing a broken fuel pump is being able to use the car.

The more likely scenario is that the pump is sending too much or too little fuel through to the engine. This can have an impact on the performance of the engine, causing it to be extremely sluggish, and it can have a substantial impact on the amount of fuel you consume. Repairing or replacing the fuel pump will allow the car to perform at an optimal level.

When Should You Have The Fuel Pump Replaced?

There are several common signs which indicate an issue with the fuel pump. The most common symptom is the engine sputtering when the car is being driven at a high speed, particularly over an extended period of time. The car will generally run well for around 10 minutes before the issue becomes apparent, and it will usually subside after a minute of two. The sputtering is caused by the pump failing to provide a consistent stream of fuel to the engine, usually a symptom of low pressure in the pump.

Another common symptom is that the vehicle will lose power when accelerating, not unlike the symptoms experienced when travelling at high speeds. The car will usually start to accelerate normally before jerking around and sputtering, then it should return to the normal acceleration pattern. Again, the lack of pressure in the pump means the engine isn’t getting the steady stream of fuel needed to accelerate.

A faulty fuel pump can also cause the vehicle to lose power during times of stress, such as accelerating up a hill or pulling a load behind the car. This is caused by the fuel pump failing to meet the increased demand for fuel, and can cause stuttering or a loss of power. Another common symptom is for the engine to surge without driver intervention, much like stepping heavily on the accelerator, moving the car forward unexpectedly. This is usually caused by a worn out pump which struggles to draw the electricity needed to maintain a constant supply of fuel. It will occasionally ratchet up the pressure unexpectedly, resulting in a surge from the engine.

The most severe symptom is the vehicle failing to start at all. If the previous symptoms are ignored for an extended period of time, the chances are the owner of the vehicle will end up in this situation. When the pump fails completely there will be no fuel reaching the engine during ignition, meaning the engine won’t start at all.

What Is Done During Fuel Pump Replacement?

1. The first step is to remove the pressure from the fuel pump. Turning the engine off won’t remove the pressure, so it will have to be done manually before the repair can take place.
2. The negative terminal to the battery will need to be removed to avoid any possible sparks during the repair.
3. There are two common types of pump, either inside the gas tank or mounted just in front of it, underneath the car. This can be found by either checking under the car or following the fuel line from the tank to the pump.
4. The insulating sleeve will need to be removed to allow access to the pump. This should be loosened and allowed to drop slightly ahead of the removal.
5. Once the pump has been located, everything needs to be disconnected from it before it can be removed.
6. First, the fuel lines will be removed. There will be a line in and a line out, otherwise known and the low pressure and high pressure ends. The hose clamp will need to be loosened and removed before the lines can be disconnected.
7. Finally, the power wires should be removed from the fuel pump. There will be two wires, positive and ground, which need to be disconnected. These are usually held in place by small bolts or screws, and it should be a straightforward task.
8. Once it’s all disconnected the old pump can be removed. The new pump will be put in place, and everything will be reconnected. Once it’s all hooked up the mechanic will perform a few tests to make sure it’s performing as expected.

How to Save Money on Fuel Pump Replacement

Replacing the fuel pump on your own is something which probably shouldn’t be attempted by most people. It’s a tricky job and it’s an integral part of the vehicle, so it’s a job best left to a professional.

As with most repairs, if you’re looking to get the best deal it pays to shop around. Get a few quotes from places in your area, check out the reputations of the ones offering the best prices and make your decision from there. You should find you get a high standard of work at the best possible price.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Fuel Pump?

Below are some sample costs for replacing a fuel pump on several popular models of car. These prices may vary depending on your location and your mechanic.