Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump in a Ford Explorer
If you suspect that your Ford Explorer’s fuel pump may be malfunctioning, there are several symptoms to look out for:
1. Difficulty Starting or Not Starting at All: A bad fuel pump can cause your vehicle to have trouble starting or not start at all. If your Explorer struggles to start or dies immediately after starting, it’s important to ensure you can hear the fuel pump turning on when you first turn the key to the ON position.
2. Long Cranking Times and Irregular Running: Long cranking times and the Explorer running irregularly are other potential symptoms of a failing fuel pump.
3. Loss of Engine Power or Stalling: A failing fuel pump may not create enough pressure in the fuel system, possibly causing a loss of engine power or preventing the car from starting. It may also cause the check engine light to come on. Driving with a failing fuel pump is not recommended, as it can lead to further issues.
4. Sputtering Engine: If your engine starts to sputter once you’ve hit the top speed on the highway, it could indicate that your engine is being starved of necessary fuel, potentially due to a failing fuel pump.
5. Unusual Engine Behavior: Are you experiencing strange engine behavior, sudden stalling, or difficulty starting your vehicle? If so, it’s possible that your fuel pump is to blame.
6. Testing the Fuel Pump: If you’re interested in testing the fuel pump, there are specific symptoms to look out for, such as the vehicle cranking but not starting, and the ignition coil pack creating and delivering spark to all spark plugs.
It’s important to note that running low or out of gas can damage a fuel pump and shorten its life, so it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs that indicate trouble with the fuel pump in your Ford Explorer.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and address the issue before it becomes a major problem.
Contents
- Will a bad fuel pump still come on?
- How do I know if I need a new fuel pump?
- How can I test my fuel pump?
- What test can you do if you suspect a bad fuel pump?
- Will a bad fuel pump throw a code?
- How does a car act when the fuel pump is going out?
- What are the signs of a bad fuel pump or fuel filter?
- How do you diagnose a fuel pump problem?
- Does fuel pump give warning before going out?
- Will the check engine light come on for a bad fuel pump?
Will a bad fuel pump still come on?
If the fuel pump fails completely — to the point of not being able to provide enough fuel for the engine to run, the vehicle will refuse to start. The engine will still crank when the key is turned, but it will be unable to start due to the lack of fuel.
How do I know if I need a new fuel pump?
Noises, backfires, and sputtering engines indicate a fuel pump gone bad. Typically, electronic fuel pumps won’t make a noise unless they begin to fail. An inconsistent fuel flow may cause internal engine problems, leading to hesitation when starting the vehicle or upon acceleration. Engine light comes on.
How can I test my fuel pump?
Near the engine, there should be a fuel pressure valve where you can attach the gauge. Find the recommended fuel pressure in ChiltonLibrary. Compare your measurement of the fuel pressure with what it should be. If there is less pressure than there should be, that’s a sign that your fuel pump may be faltering.
What test can you do if you suspect a bad fuel pump?
Near the engine, there should be a fuel pressure valve where you can attach the gauge. Find the recommended fuel pressure in ChiltonLibrary. Compare your measurement of the fuel pressure with what it should be. If there is less pressure than there should be, that’s a sign that your fuel pump may be faltering.
Will a bad fuel pump throw a code?
A: Although a bad pump itself doesn’t throw a code, the incorrect amount of fuel sent through a car’s fuel system could trigger sensors that anticipate certain levels and ratios of air and fuel mixtures. So technically, yes, it’s possible to see a code as a result of a bad fuel pump.
How does a car act when the fuel pump is going out?
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.
What are the signs of a bad fuel pump or fuel filter?
Here are five of the bad fuel filter symptoms to watch for:
- You have a hard time starting car. If the problem is the fuel filter, and it isn’t changed soon, you may find that your vehicle won’t start at all.
- Misfire or rough idle.
- Vehicle stalling.
- Fuel system component failure.
- Loud noises from the fuel pump.
How do you diagnose a fuel pump problem?
11 Most Common Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms
- High Temperature. One of the first signs of a failing fuel pump is an increase in the engine’s temperature.
- Engine Sputtering.
- Power Loss.
- Car Not Starting.
- Noise in the Fuel Tank.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency.
- Engine Misfire.
- Stalling at High Temperatures.
Does fuel pump give warning before going out?
If you are lucky, you may notice the sound of the fuel pump change or notice the engine losing power and/or running rough before the fuel pump completely dies, but more often than not, there won’t be much of a warning.
Will the check engine light come on for a bad fuel pump?
A fuel pump can cause a no-start condition, difficulty starting, stalling, poor engine performance, a check engine light, and abnormal noises. Fuel pumps go bad because they get clogged by dirt and debris. Sometimes, they also get contaminated with water and then rust.