A weak fuel pump may throw off your car's air/fuel ratio, causing the engine control module (ECM) to turn on the check engine light. In some cases, pump electrical issues may trigger the light as well.
Yes, a bad fuel pump can cause the check engine light to come on. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine. If it malfunctions, it can lead to various issues, such as:
In summary, while a bad fuel pump itself may not directly throw a code, its failure can create symptoms or conditions that do result in diagnostic trouble codes being generated. If you suspect a fuel pump issue, it's best to perform a thorough diagnostic check.
The car sputters or dies while driving.
If your engine is sputtering or stalls in the middle of your drive, your fuel pump is likely the issue. The low pressure caused by a faulty fuel pump means that your engine isn't getting the fuel and air mixture it needs to initiate combustion and power the car.
The first and most obvious symptom is that your car may not start at all, or it might start poorly. This poor start will take the form of a sputtering, stuttering, stammering sort of start, as if your car's engine is only getting a trickle of fuel instead of the amount it needs.
As mentioned, it can affect the engine power. Remember that you won't be able to use the vehicle if the pump fails, so it's best to be mindful of all the signs indicating its failure.
Excessive Whine From Fuel Pump
The whining drone of a fuel pump on the edge of failure won't sound especially horrific while sitting at a traffic light, so consider it a friendly warning while you still have the time to do something about it.
The typical fuel pump replacement cost is $1,000 to $1,300, depending on the vehicle, age, and region. Labor costs range from about $600 to $700, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $500 to $600. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.
Recognize unusual fuel tank noises, struggling car starts, and engine sputtering for signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump. Unexpected stalling and power loss during heavy loads or inclines can also indicate bad fuel pump symptoms. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Error code P0230
Other signs of this error code include: fuel pump inactivity, fuel pump inoperative, no start state, and fuel pump operating at all times with the ignition on. In most cases, this code is usually displayed when there is low voltage in the fuel pump feed relay due to a fuse inoperative.
Troubleshooting A Failing Fuel Injector
A P0200 code indicates a general fault or problems with multiple injectors. P0201 to P0208 codes indicate a problem with a specific injector - for example, P204 would indicate the problem is with the fuel injector for the #4 cylinder.
2) Rough Idle
A failing fuel pump will often cause your vehicle to run less smoothly, and you may notice your engine sputtering or hesitating more than usual.
The common signs of a bad fuel pump include: Whining noise coming from the fuel tank area when the engine is running. Stalling that will restart after several minutes. Trouble starting the car.
Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a scanner or code reader: In some cases, a faulty pump may set DTCs in your car's computer. The codes may either be directly related to the fuel pump or make reference to an air/fuel ratio problem.
As mentioned, the average cost of fuel injector replacement can vary depending on several factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, the severity of the issue, and your location. However, on average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for this fuel injector replacement.
It takes gas from the gas tank and sends it to the engine so your car, truck, or SUV can start and run. Your vehicle's fuel pump should last at least 100,000 miles or more.
Driving any vehicle with a bad fuel pump isn't recommended. If you try to start the engine when there isn't enough fuel in the combustion chamber or the fuel isn't at the correct PSI to burn, the compressed air will fill the gap and overheat the engine. This can cause the engine to catch fire or explode.
Contamination symptoms include engine misfires, reduced performance, clogged fuel filters, and difficulty starting a vehicle. Here's how you can remove fuel contamination: Empty the fuel tank and clean it to remove contaminants.
Intermittent problems – a failing fuel pump might sometimes cause intermittent issues that don't immediately trigger the check engine light but lead to pending diagnostic trouble codes that indicate a developing problem.
Assuming you can get the engine to start and keep it from dying, it's possible to continue driving your vehicle despite the fuel rail pressure sensor's failure. However, running lean or rich will cause more serious engine problems in the future, so you should only do this in an emergency for a short time.