How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it |Temporary fuel pump fix

Last updated on January 26th, 2021 at 10:41 am

Let’s look at How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it which is a temporary fuel pump fix that will serve you a bit.

Many cars rely on fuel to move on our roads and they cars all need fuel which means a fuel pumps are a necessity. So as you continue to use the vehicle daily, the fuel pump may develop problems, become worn out and at some point, they may fail and so you will need to replace them.

And that is why in this post we will look at How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it which is a temporary fuel pump fix to begin with.

What is a fuel pump?

So, what is a fuel pump? A fuel pump’s primary job is to supply the engine with fuel from the tank. Most fuel pumps have relays that control them.

These relays are in turn controlled by the ignition switch. However, there are some relays that are controlled by ECM.

How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it (Temporary fuel pump fix)?

There are 3 main types of fuel pumps. You have the mechanical, electric and direct injection high-pressure pumps. A Fuel pump by its nature will give several signs before it fails completely and you have to replace or repair it.

In this post, we will show you how to identify a bad fuel pump as we explore how to fix a fuel pump without replacing it.

Let us start by listing the symptoms right away. Mind you, you also check the car manual after going through below signs for further rectifying of the problem.

7 Symptoms and Signs of A bad fuel pump| Weak fuel pump symptoms

It doesn’t matter what the exact causes or symptoms are, the bottom line is that when there is a problem in the fuse or the wiring system there will be no electrical power to reach the fuel pump. Consequently, the pump will stop working. Also, the engine will burn whatever fuel is left there and stop. If the problem is recurring at intervals the engine will jerk and stall until it fails.

However, below is the list of symptoms of a bad fuel pump.

The engine will sputter at constant high speed and later resumes normal performance. This is a symptom of a bad fuel pump.
The car will stall when the car temperature rises. This might also indicate the fuel pump’s motor has problems.
Also, the Vehicle losses the ability to perform optimally when climbing hills or carrying heavy cargo
When the car is moving at usual speed, it will suddenly pick up and surge forward
There are noticeable poor gas mileage
The Car will refuse to start after trying several times
You will hear unusual noise from the fuel pump.

Also, watch the video below for more details on this.

How to fix a fuel pump problem

Things to check before attempting to fix fuel pump

Fuel level: You need the confirm the fuel level to make sure there is enough fuel in the tank
Fuel pump noise: Check for fuel pump noise which is a usual swish sound when you turn on the ignition. If you don’t hear it, check the electrical circuit, or test it with a computer Diagnostics trouble codes. ( DTC.) Also, be aware that some Cars may not start due to insufficient oil. So, check the car manual.
Fuel filter: Confirm whether the fuel filter is blocked or not. But, if you have used it for a long time, you may consider changing it
Fuel Pressure Regulator: Test if it has fuel in it or not, to know whether it is still working properly. If it is okay it will be dry.

How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it (Temporary fuel pump fix)?

Here is how to fix a fuel pump without replacing it. First, you should make sure that you have done a fuel system pressure diagnosis to find out whether the fuel system supplies fuel.

To do that test, you will need a fuel pressure gauge. Before you start make sure you put the car on the emergency brake, turn off the engine and park the car on a flat surface without any smoke coming out from the hood.

How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it

First step: In the fuel pressure regulator, there is a vacuum line that connects to it. Remove that line and if you see fuel inside the line that means the regulator has failed.

Second step: After checking the regulator, connect the vacuum line

Third Step: Search for a protective Cap and remove it. This will enable you to attach the hose of the fuel pressure gauge.

Fourth step: At this point, if you are yet to open the test gauge for fuel pressure in a package do so. This is a professional kit but it will work for a fuel pressure gauge that you attaché.

Fifth Step:Fit the gauge with the right adapter and fix line to the test port. But in case you are not able to find a fuel test port, that means you will need a fuel filter adapter. This will act as the fuel test port.

Sixth Step: After attaching the gauge you can turn the Ignition Key To ON mode. Note that in most direct port injector systems, the gauge will rise up to 45 to 58 PSI. While the throttle body injector will rise up to 13 to 17 PSI. If all works well that means the pump is still working with the electrical component. But if there is no pressure reflecting on the gauge then you need to examine the fuse and relay in the power distribution center (PDC)

But if the pump does not get access to the power feed wire, you can deal with the problem in another way. By using a color wire to send energy to the pump but you need to identify the right wire.

Now, go over to the service manual to find out the exact color of the wire. You should identify the wire near to the fuel tank inside the wire harness.

Next, get a test light to probe the wires more. So if the test light comes on but there is no pressure that means the pump is faulty.

Seventh Step When you start the engine the pressure will drop to 52 PSI. If you release the throttle quickly, the pressure will increase by 5 PSI. This shows that the pressure regulator is working well. But if you fail to get any pressure after checking the vacuum line and discover that it is okay, then the problem is on the pressure regulator.

Eight Step: You should note that when you put the engine on, and the fuel system is working at full capacity the PSI will go down a bit. Generally, the pressure should stay at 52 PSI.

The Ninth Step: If you get a lower fuel pressure when the engine is in an idle mode, or when you load it, that means there is either a pump failure or the fuel filter is blocked.

The Tenth Step: When you finish the whole test, put a cotton Towel beneath the test port to suck up excess fuel coming from the hose. When you untie the hose, fuel will leak out on top of the towel.

The Eleventh Step: If you remove the hose and fuel continues to leak then put the hose on top of the towel to absorb excess fuel.

The Final Step: When complete handling the gauge hose, you can then reinstall the dust cap and clean the area with the towel. After that, confirm whether there is a fuel leakage in the area.

What is the cost of a Fuel Pump?

The good and quality fuel pump will cost between $300 to $1000 and you will pay for the labor of between $200 to $400.

Conclusion on how to fix a fuel pump problem

In this post, we showed you how to fix a fuel pump without replacing it (Temporary fuel pump fix)? And listed symptoms or signs of a bad Fuel pump and preliminary things to check before you attempt to fix a fuel pump.

Also, the fuel pump is essential for the supply of fuel to your vehicle. If you get any signs that the fuel pump is bad, test it to confirm the state and decide whether to repair or replace it. Also, you can now diagnose the problem with these steps.

Jeffery Ekweghi

Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.