What are the symptoms of fuel pump wearing out?

Tiny
CAMERO007
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.5L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
I had loss of power when driving, engine light went on two days ago. Today engine light is off. I'm thinking fuel pump? Thanks
Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 2:04 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

A fuel pump most times will just stop working or can provide low fuel pressure. Yes, it can affect power, but most times it won't start working again.

If you want, checking fuel pressure isn't too hard to do. That way, you can confirm that the pressures are within the manufacturer's specs.

Here is a link that shows in general how to check fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

On this vehicle, there is a fuel pressure sensor that can be going bad. What to do is this. If the vehicle is running properly now, you can try to scan the computer to see if there is a history of codes or wait until the check engine light comes on again and then scan it. Often times, a parts store will scan the computer for you free of charge.

However, because this is a newer vehicle, I would recommend having the can-bus system scanned. CAN stand for controller area network. Basically, a few wires tie several modules/computers together. By scanning it this way, it will identify any codes that are set on all modules.

Here is a quick video showing how this is done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

If there is an issue with the pressure sensor or other electrical component, it should show up with that type of scan.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM

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