How to Start a Car With a Bad Fuel Pump

If your car's fuel pump is malfunctioning but has not completely ceased functioning, there are ways to potentially start it.

You can try applying manual pressure, connecting a fuel pressure gauge, or ensuring the engine receives a steady supply of heat.

Symptoms of a bad fuel pump

Naturally, when your vehicle's fuel pump experiences a malfunction, it disrupts the delivery of the correct amount of fuel to the engine at the appropriate times, resulting in impaired performance.

Here are the most prevalent signs of a defective fuel pump: If your car exhibits any of these indications of a faulty fuel pump, it is highly advisable to examine the fuel pump's condition and assess whether it requires replacement, while also considering other potential causes.

Being aware of your fuel pump's status is a vital maintenance practice to ensure your vehicle remains in peak condition.

Difficulty starting

As fuel pumps operate continuously when the ignition is engaged, they can gradually wear down and deteriorate over time. A feeble fuel pump may still manage to move fuel, but the vehicle might struggle to start due to insufficient pressure.

A compromised fuel pump can lead to the vehicle requiring more cranks than usual to start, and in more severe instances, it may necessitate multiple attempts of turning the key before ignition. In the event of a complete fuel pump failure, the engine would not receive any fuel upon ignition; consequently, the engine will crank and rev but would not catch.

Before embarking on a fuel pump replacement, it is always prudent to inspect for a blown fuse or low pressure in the fuel line.

Engine stalling at high temperature

Stalling can result from various issues, but when it becomes a frequent occurrence during high temperature readings on the car's thermometer, the primary suspect is often the fuel pump motor.

If stalling persists as the temperature gauge rises, it may signal the deteriorating condition of the fuel pump, indicating the need for replacement.

Engine sputtering

A strong signal of a malfunctioning fuel pump is an engine sputtering at high speeds as the fuel pump struggles to maintain a consistent flow of fuel at the optimal pressure.

If you find yourself cruising at a consistently high speed and the engine abruptly sputters before returning to its usual operation, there is a high probability of underlying problems within the fuel pump.

Engine surging

Engine surging can happen when the fuel pump feeds the engine with too much fuel. Although this problem is frequently caused by fuel pump problems, it is important to note that it can also be a sign of tainted or subpar gasoline.

How to start a car with a bad fuel pump

In general, there is a reliable approach for starting a failing fuel pump: applying manual external pressure. However, two alternative methods may yield mixed results.

Manual external pressure

This method replicates the necessary pressure to initiate your car's engine by using an external pressure source. Connect an air pump to your gas tank and operate it until the tank becomes pressurized.

Maintain consistent engine temperature

Extremely high temperatures can indicate fuel pump issues. Allowing the engine to cool down can sometimes help the fuel pump reset without requiring additional pressure.

Attach a fuel pressure gauge

Connect a fuel pressure gauge to your car's engine. If you have one or decide to buy one, this can assist in restarting the engine and aid in determining whether the fuel pump is, in fact, defective.

It is important to note that the only method here that consistently works is applying manual external pressure. If you are inclined toward DIY auto repair, the other two methods might be worth trying, but their effectiveness may vary.

What causes a fuel pump to fail

Fuel pumps operate continuously alongside the engine, providing high-pressure fuel to the fuel rail and injectors. Since the pump is always submerged in fuel, it remains cool, ensuring consistent functionality.

However, if you frequently deplete the fuel tank entirely before refilling it, the fuel pump becomes more susceptible to overheating, potentially leading to premature failure.

When you shut off the engine with a minimal fuel level, fuel drains from the priming chamber linked to the fuel delivery system. Upon restarting the engine, the pump becomes hot and remains unprimed until the chamber is replenished with fuel.

If this becomes a regular occurrence, it can damage the pump motor, ultimately resulting in complete fuel pump failure.

Tips to increase a fuel pump's lifespan

Preventing fuel pump failure proves far more cost-effective than replacing the pump itself. Here are some consistent practices to adopt in order to extend the lifespan of your fuel pump:

• Opt for high-quality, debris-free fuel: Low-quality fuel with impurities can cause damage before the standard inline fuel filter has a chance to eliminate them. Choosing reputable name-brand fuel often helps prevent many issues. Additionally, buying fuel from high volume stations can be beneficial.
• Maintain your gas tank at a quarter full as a rule of thumb.
• Perform regular maintenance on the fuel system and filters and promptly address any necessary repairs or replacements.
• Avoid depleting the fuel tank entirely as this can lead to overheating and a shortened fuel pump lifespan.
• Refrain from refueling while a tanker truck is replenishing the station's tanks as this can stir up debris settled within the tanks.

How can you avoid this problem

In conclusion, here are a couple of tips to help prolong the lifespan of your fuel pump and potentially prevent this issue altogether:

• Maintain a minimum of a quarter tank of fuel.
• Ensure proper maintenance of the fuel system and filters.
• Perform routine maintenance on your vehicle and schedule regular check-ups.

If your vehicle begins to exhibit signs of a problematic fuel pump, it is advisable to have it inspected at your earliest convenience. This proactive approach can prevent a situation where you cannot start the engine at all.

Nevertheless, in the event of a worst-case scenario where the engine refuses to start, attempting some of the techniques demonstrated in the videos we discovered might provide a temporary solution. This could potentially allow you to drive the vehicle to the nearest garage for a professional evaluation.