Testing a Subaru Fuel Pump
To test a Subaru fuel pump, you can follow these steps:
1. Check Fuel Pressure: You can perform a fuel pressure test to check the pressure at the fuel pump test point. This involves using a fuel pressure gauge and having a helper rev the engine. If the needle doesn’t move or doesn’t move much, it indicates a problem.
2. Multimeter Testing: If your car has an electric pump, you can use a multimeter with an amp clamp to test its health. Turn the pump on, place the amp clamp over the positive wire going to the fuel pump, start your vehicle, and record the amperage reading on the meter. If the reading does not match the manufacturer’s specifications, the pump may need to be replaced.
3. Check for Power: You can use a test light to check if there is power going to the fuel pump. Connect the lead end of the test light to a good ground and its tip to the power wire. Have someone turn the key on and off. If the test light powers up, you have a good ground. If it doesn’t, there may be a problem in the circuit.
4. Listen for Signs: Keep an ear out for high-pitched whining sounds, hesitation when trying to accelerate, lower vehicle performance, extended cranking time, and surging acceleration while trying to maintain a constant speed. These can be signs of a failing fuel pump.
Remember, if you’re unsure about any of these steps or need further assistance, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or Subaru specialist.
Contents
- Can you fix a fuel pump without replacing it?
- Will a bad fuel pump throw a code?
- What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump?
- Do fuel pumps fail suddenly?
- How can I test my fuel pump to see if it’s bad?
- Can AutoZone test a fuel pump?
- Can you replace a fuel pump without dropping tank?
- What happens before a fuel pump goes out?
- How much does a fuel pump test cost?
- How do I know if my car needs a new fuel pump?
Can you fix a fuel pump without replacing it?
A temporary fix for a faulty fuel pump can be done by bypassing the fuel pump relay. To do this, locate the fuel pump relay in the vehicle’s relay box and swap it with the same type. This will bypass the fuel pump’s electrical circuit and allow the pump to operate.
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.
What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump?
Warning Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump
- The car won’t start. If the vehicle is struggling to start or isn’t starting at all, your fuel pump may be damaged or clogged.
- The car sputters or dies while driving.
- The engine surges while driving.
- You hear whining in the backseat.
- You notice lower gas mileage.
Do fuel pumps fail suddenly?
If the fuel pump stops working for any reason, the flow of fuel to the engine stops and the engine dies. Fuel pump failures tend to be sudden and unpredictable, with few symptoms to warn the motorist that trouble is brewing. And the higher the mileage on the vehicle, the greater the risk of a fuel pump failure.
How can I test my fuel pump to see if it’s bad?
And that’s that’s where this guy comes in the fuel. Pressure test kit and these guys are really cheap you can get these kits for under 30 bucks at Harbor Freight or AutoZone. And whatnot.
Can AutoZone test a fuel pump?
Either purchase a fuel pressure test gauge or borrow one with AutoZone’s Loan-A-Tool program. Connect it to the fuel pump rail to test for fuel pressure, then compare it with the manufacturer’s spec. Low pressure is a clear indication that the pump needs to be replaced.
Can you replace a fuel pump without dropping tank?
Some cars have an access panel under the rear seat or in the trunk which makes it possible to replace the fuel pump assembly without dropping the fuel tank.
What happens before a fuel pump goes out?
One of the first signs of a failing fuel pump is an increase in the engine’s temperature. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge shows higher than normal readings regularly, it might indicate a problem with the fuel pump. 2. Engine Sputtering.
How much does a fuel pump test cost?
The average cost for a Fuel Pressure Test is between $44 and $55. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $55.
How do I know if my car needs 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.