Stuck fuel pumps can create chaos in a vehicle like having to crank the engine multiple times to start, hiccupping and stalling during an acceleration. With a sticking fuel pump, the first thing to identify is whether there is a problem. Roughly 25 percent of fuel pump problems are caused by debris or dirt accumulation which causes the pump to stick according to the 2020 survey from Automotive Maintenance Association (AMA). For some issues, if it is just natural dirt is present then cleaning of the fuel filter is enough. Replacing the fuel filter usually ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the car and the cost of the service.
The second common reason for a sticking fuel pump is wearing at the fuel pump relay or at the wiring. This could lead to intermittent fuel delivery as a faulty relay may not be able to power the pump.—Amanda Bradley, Pennsylvania By testing the relay and replacing broken components, this can be resolved. Indeed, an NASTF case study from 2021 revealed nearly 18 percent of fuel pump failures on older vehicles traceable, not to the pump but rather to electrical problems. A new fuel pump relay costs $75 to $150 to replace, depending on the car’s make and model.
Replacing it with a new one is the only way to fix the problem, if wear, tear, or damage is responsible for the worn fuel pump. Fuel pump replacement is a significant repair and can cost from $300 to $1,000 or more based on the complexity of the car and labor rates. A new report from Consumer Reports found that it now costs anywhere from 10 percent to 15 percent more to replace a fuel pump today compared to five years ago, with labor being the key factor behind the price hike. If the pump is located in the gas tank, it can mean even more labor costs because the tank may need to be removed for access.
In some instances, a sticking fuel pump can be fixed by pouring a fuel system cleaner into the gas tank. These cleaners, usually priced $10-$20 per bottle, can dissolve any minor blockages or contaminants in the fuel pump. That being said, this approach works BEST when the problem is not very serious. According to a 2020 study by AutoZone, minor fuel delivery issues could be corrected in about 30% of cases with the use of fuel system cleaners. In cases with more severe blockages, you may need a mechanical fix like replacing the fuel filter or pump.
You should keep in mind regular maintenance in order to avoid the inconvenience of a sticking fuel pump in the future. Most automotive experts suggest replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to minimize the chance of debris building up in the system. Making sure there are no water or the possible contaminants in your fuel can also help prolong the life of the fuel pump. “A clean fuel system is critical to the longevity of your vehicle’s fuel pump,” Tom Knight, an automotive expert with the consulting firm J.D. Power, said in an interview last year.
Sometimes a sticking fuel pump can be temporarily fixed with a gentle tap on the side of the fuel tank with a rubber mallet. Sometimes this technique can shake things loose and revive the fuel pump, but it’s a band-aid at best.
For those with a little more persistent problems, professional diagnostics are recommended to identify the root cause. A mechanic could perform a fuel pressure test to determine if the fuel pump was operating at peak level. Low pressure can mean a clogged filter, a faulty pump, or electrical problems.
Read about how to maintain, or replace, your fuel pump at Fuel Pump.