The exact price of a fuel pump replacement could vary dramatically depending on your vehicle\u2019s year, make and model, and the costs of labor where you\u2019re getting the work done. But in general, the typical fuel pump replacement should cost between $1,100 – $1,300\u2014about $500 – $600 for parts and $600 – $700 for labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fuel pump is a crucial piece of your car: It sends gasoline from the tank to the engine. Old cars have mechanical pumps, but most modern gas-powered cars made after the mid-1990s are generally designed with an electric fuel pump that\u2019s located inside the fuel tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pump takes gasoline up through a diaphragm that opens and closes hundreds of times per second, creating a steady flow of fuel. The gas travels through a filter on the pump that sifts out impurities, then goes through fuel lines to the car\u2019s engine, where it meets a spark, combusts, and powers the car. The car\u2019s electronic control unit (ECU)\u2014the computer that functions like the vehicle\u2019s brain\u2014monitors how much fuel is being used and makes adjustments accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your fuel pump should last for at least 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced\u2014but with the right maintenance and care, it may even last for your car\u2019s entire lifespan. To keep your fuel pump working properly, experts suggest keeping the tank at least \u00bc full of gas and changing the fuel filter as often as is recommended by your car\u2019s manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Something may be wrong with your fuel system if you notice any of the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you notice any of these signs of trouble, please get your vehicle checked out by a dealership or licensed mechanic immediately. If a fuel pump fails completely while you\u2019re driving and your engine loses power suddenly, it could cause a dangerous accident. Manufacturers including Hyundai<\/a>, Toyota<\/a>, Honda<\/a>, and General Motors<\/a> have recalled millions of vehicles in the past due to fuel pump issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few things you can try before going all-in on what could be an expensive fuel pump replacement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need a fuel pump replacement, it\u2019s possible to swap out the part yourself if you have sufficient mechanical experience. Otherwise, it\u2019s best left to a professional mechanic, especially considering that this repair involves flammable gasoline and is crucial to your car\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The repair typically requires draining fuel from the car and disconnecting all fuel supply and return hoses. While some cars have panels in the back seat or trunk that make it easy to access the fuel pump, other cars require taking the whole fuel tank off of the vehicle to access it. Necessary parts may include a new pump, brackets for mounting it in place of the old one, and fresh fuel filters. After the swap, the new pump should be thoroughly tested to make sure no leaks are detected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind: There are always innovations in car technology, and some new gasoline engines use direct injection, which requires two fuel pumps \u2013 one that gets gas from the tank to the engine, and another that sends fuel to injectors at high pressure. And of course, if you have an electric vehicle that runs on batteries instead of gasoline, it won\u2019t have a fuel tank at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How to replace a fuel pump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n