Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
Let’s look at costs. A typical fuel pump replacement will require $120 to $240 for labor. Parts cost will be added to this. Depending on your year, make and model, a new pump price can range from as little as $100 to $1200 or more.
Late model cars will have far more costly pumps than, say, a 15 year old rig. Other parts like new clamps, fittings and interconnect hoses may also be needed. Include $50 to $75 for these.
The total could run from as little as $270 to over $1500. Any sales tax will increase your final bottom line. To save a bit of money, opt for a good independent repair shop instead of the dealership and consider an aftermarket pump versus what may be a costlier OEM (original equipment manufacturer) unit. But in most cases, it’s recommended to go with an OEM pump.
Warranty Considerations
As already mentioned, both parts and labor pricing will generally be higher at a dealer service department than with an independent shop. But with a dealer you will likely get a better warranty than a private shop can offer.
Last, if you are going after competitive repair estimates, be sure to ask about this warranty. And when you return to pick up your car, do make sure you have that warranty in writing.
A Real World Example Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump performance problems can occur intermittently. But trouble can be followed by periods of perfect serendipity. It’s just life. Imagine driving to work on the freeway and your trusty car suddenly loses power and comes coasting to a stop. Not only embarrassing, this event can put you in danger just getting over to the breakdown lane.
So, you try to start it, and it fires right up. Yayyy! You pull back into traffic. Everything seems fine until the same failure occurs minutes, hours or even days later. Your once reliable friend becomes an inconstant monster now willing to let you down on a moment’s notice.
An intermittent problem like this can pester you repeatedly until the ailing pump gives up completely perhaps leaving you stranded.
Why Fuel Pumps Fail
What causes lie in wait to ambush you with this kind of problem? Here are some common ones:
Pump Issues
Late model automotive pumps are complex and may include pressure control and/or relief valves. Failure of these features can reduce output pressure or recirculate fuel back into the tank leaving none for the engine.
Fuel Problems
Contamination with sludge from that backcountry service station fill-up last week can gum up a pump or block its inlet screen. Reduced or zero flow will result.
Clogged Fuel Filter
If not replaced at normal service intervals, a fuel filter can become clogged with silt or even water. This can restrict fuel flow and cause pump failure symptoms. Reduced fuel pressure or flow can also cause a pump to overheat resulting in permanent pump damage.
Damaged Fuel Line(s)
A tire-launched pebble can dent one or more fuel lines pinching fuel flow thus mimicking fuel pump failure.
Old Age
Things simply wear out with age. Age degradation can bring any pump to its knees though such would not be expected until well beyond 100,000 miles.
An Early Warning from Your Instrument Panel
With fuel system problems, your instrument panel can be your silent but capable partner. It can provide you with an early warning of looming fuel system problems before you get stranded.
How, you ask? Have you ever noticed that yellow “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light? It blinks on and then off when you start the engine. Look for it next time you hop in the car. Your owner’s manual will show you what this light looks like and where it’s located. All cars 1997 or newer will have this warning feature.
How the Onboard Diagnostic System Works
This light is going to come on when the onboard diagnostic (OBD) system detects any one of several emission system problems.
The fuel system problems it will note include repeated engine misfires and/or abnormal variations in fuel pressure. These can happen when the fuel pump begins to struggle. And this warning will often occur well before severe running problems leave you stalled alongside the road.
A Warning that Should be Heeded
Never ignore this warning light. Indeed, continued operation of your car with this light glowing can result in engine or related system damage that could be extremely costly to correct.
This light provides a warning, but it signifies much more. With this alert, the onboard diagnostic system gets busy and stores one or more diagnostic fault codes (DTC). These codes can be interpreted to tell you the nature of the problem.
A local auto parts store can generally evaluate the stored codes for you at no cost using a special tool called an OBD-II scanner. If you’re serious about doing you’re own automotive repair or maintenance, this automotive scan tool will usually pay for itself after a few uses.
However, while knowing what fault codes were triggered is helpful, it often proves far more beneficial to take your car or truck to a competent service technician. Such folks can provide accurate diagnosis as well as any needed repairs.
At the Repair Shop
Now the hard part. If your technician finds the fuel pump to be the cause of your fuel system problem, replacement could be costly. Additionally, the replacement pump may have to be ordered. Your favorite ride may have to sit at the shop awaiting that part.
In this case, most dealers will offer you a loaner car for use until yours is fixed. Or at the least they will offer to give you a ride home if you are stranded.
This benefit is not so common among independent repair shops. Should they have a pump in stock or can get one quickly, replacement usually takes no more than two to three hours.
Final Thoughts
You are heading back home with a bit of a smile. The car is running perfectly. What can you expect down the road? As when the car was new, you should be able to look forward to another 100,000 miles with no fuel pump problems. Happy Motoring.