How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump?
According to our research, a fuel pump replacement cost in the UK ranges between £450 and £1,200, depending on various factors, such as model and availability of fuel pump, construction of car and labour. On average, a fuel pump replacement works out at £500.
Can I carry out a fuel pump replacement myself?
A fuel pump replacement is a tricky job – especially if you have just filled your tank! Requiring the removal of the fuel tank before beginning the repair using multiple jacks and elevation, a DIY mechanic may not have these available. As well as the usual problems, there is the complication of fuel being flammable. This task could be dangerous for a non-professional, so we recommend leaving this one to the trained mechanics. If you do attempt the replacement yourself, have a fire extinguisher to hand and ensure the space around you is well ventilated so and fuel fumes can blow away.
What additional factors could affect fuel pump replacement?
Usually, the cost of replacing a fuel pump is down to the make and model, whom you choose to do the work and where in the country you are based, yet there are a few circumstances that could bump up the price:
- Whether the issue is with the armature or the physical pump itself
- Discovering further damage within the engine -due to driving with a faulty fuel pump for too long
- Availability of spare parts
- Some fuel pumps require parts to transfer from the old unit; this can be problematic if they are damaged
What are the costs of fuel pump replacement parts?
Prices for a new fuel pump vary for each make and model. The average price of a fuel pump from Eurocarparts is £204.
What are the labour rates for fuel pump replacement?
Fuel pump repair costs can vary across the country according to the garage or dealership’s size, location, types of service they offer, and the local demand. For garages within London, the average rate works out at £78 per hour. For the garages throughout the country, the price was a little lower, at £72 per hour.
How long does a fuel pump repair take?
We found that the average fuel pump replacement job can take anywhere between 1 and 6 hours.
Engines vary between different car makes and models, as does the time this repair takes. This variation can be due to the construction of the vehicle. For example, in a Land Rover Defender, there is no easy access to the top of the fuel tank, which contains the fuel pump. Therefore the time taken will lie closer to 6 hours. On the other hand, most Honda models have easy access, making them quicker to repair.
Can I drive with a broken/faulty fuel pump?
It is not safe to drive with a faulty fuel pump, as it can no longer supply the fuel system with constant and regular fuel pressure. Meaning if your vehicle does start, it may stall or entirely shut down at any time! This is risky, especially if you’re travelling at high speeds.
What else could be the problem if my fuel pump isn’t broken?
Common issues that have similar symptoms include:
- An empty tank, we have all been there! A low fuel level can cause trouble starting and can damage your fuel pump in the future.
- A clogged or restricted fuel filter – is your vehicle due a fuel filter replacement? If so, this can also cause trouble starting and put pressure on the fuel pump.
- Issues with your timing belt – timing belts tend to have a lifespan of 5-7 years; at this point, the teeth on the belt can wear, causing slipping of the belt, throwing off fuel intake and making the engine sputter.
- Problems with the vacuum line running to the fuel pressure regulator (FPR)- check the vacuum line is entirely dry; if it is wet, it is faulty and needs replacing. This causes a lean air-fuel mixture, which leads to poor performance overall.
What are the signs of a faulty or broken fuel pump?
A fuel pump is an electric motor attached to a fluid pump. Damage to this can either occur from motor brushes wearing down the surface of the armature or from wear to the physical pump itself.
This damage can present in many ways, including;
- A ‘howling’ or ‘whining’ emanating noise from the fuel tank
- Trouble starting
- The vehicle is unable to start at all.
- Performance issues, including misfires, stalling, a decrease in fuel efficiency, loss in power and acceleration.
- Engine sputtering at high speeds.
What happens during a fuel pump replacement?
A basic outline of a fuel pump replacement goes as follows;
- The vehicle is raised so the mechanic can remove the tank. If there’s gas in the tank, it will be drained.
- Clamps are removed from the fill lines, and then fill lines are removed to prepare the gas tank for dropping. An air duster may be used to avoid getting dirt in the tank.
- Wire connectors and fuel lines that connect to the module are disconnected. The top of the tank is removed, and then the pump retaining ring.
- The pump assembly is removed so it can be replaced with a brand-new part. Some fuel pumps require parts to be transferred from the old unit.
- The procedure is then reversed.
If all goes well, the fuel pump should then be replaced and your vehicle happily running!
How can I carry out a fuel pump repair?
Without appropriate experience and safety equipment, you should never carry out the fuel pump replacement yourself. In this case, a local garage is the better option, especially since this is a simple routine job for a technician (but will not be a novice DIY project), potentially saving you precious time and money.
If you were to attempt this, the tools required are:
– Replacement fuel pump
– Wrenches
– Several jacks
– Platform lift
– Siphon pump
– Rags
– Car manual
About Fixter
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.