All vehicle owners are painfully aware of the fact that when we run out of gas, we simply come to a halt. Your vehicle's fuel pump failing will also bring you to a grinding stop in the worst-case scenario or at least cause all kinds of running problems.
Read on as our article takes a look at what the Cadillac fuel pump does and how to know if there's an issue.
What is a Fuel Pump?
The fuel pump in any modern vehicle is tasked with delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine.
Typically, fuel tanks are located at the rear of a vehicle for safety reasons, and the electric fuel pump is sometimes installed inside or just outside of the gasoline tank.
The Cadillac fuel pump sends fuel at a regulated pressure to the engine via the fuel lines that run under your vehicle.
Role of the Fuel Pump in Your Cadillac
Modern Cadillac engines feature a primary fuel pump which is a low-pressure electric pump in or near the gas tank that supplies the fuel at a constant pressure to the engine bay when your vehicle's ignition is turned on.
Gasoline being pumped from the fuel tank ends up in the engine's fuel rail at the required pressure controlled by the fuel pressure regulator and then squirted into the cylinders through the fuel injectors to allow the engine to run.
Modern vehicles like your Cadillac fitted with gasoline direct injection (GDI) or turbocharged engines will also have a second high-pressure pump located near the fuel rail in the engine compartment to feed the injector's fuel at a higher pressure.
Common Signs of a Failing Fuel Pump
Cadillac vehicles are synonymous with luxury as well as high-performance engines. However, just like any modern vehicle, mechanical issues can happen. Unfortunately, your Cadillac's fuel pump is not exempt from experiencing any possible issues.
It's always a good idea for owners to know what to look out for when their Cadillac fuel pump is failing.
Difficulty Starting the Engine
A surefire sign of a possibly failing fuel pump is a vehicle that cranks over but simply refuses to run. If there's gasoline in the tank and the engine doesn't quite fire up, then it's time to have the fuel supply system checked out.
Loss of Power During Acceleration
Insufficient fuel delivery due to low fuel pressure will cause decreased performance. A failing fuel pump will not be able to deliver sufficient fuel to allow the engine to increase revs.
This issue is more noticeable when accelerating, as the engine needs more fuel than when coasting on a flat road or when going downhill.
Unusual Engine Noises
A failing fuel pump may make unusual whining noises itself or even cause the engine to sputter and make unusual sounds, enough to alert drivers to a possible fuel pump failure.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
With a fuel pump that is not able to supply fuel at the correct pressure or volume, your vehicle's electronic management system will have a hard time correcting the fuel-air mixture, leading to possible decreased fuel efficiency.
Check Engine Light Activation
Modern vehicles all require an onboard diagnostics system (OBD), which monitors various parts of your car and makes diagnosing mechanical or electrical issues in your vehicle's engine much easier for service technicians.
Part of the OBD system is the Check Engine Light located in your Cadillac's instrument cluster, which will light up when the system's sensors identify an issue such as a failing fuel pump.
Diagnosing Fuel Pump Issues
Diagnosis of a failing fuel pump will generally start with the driver experiencing the above symptoms, which should point them in the right direction as to where the issue may lie.
Visual Inspection: What to Look For
A visual inspection of the fuel pump fuse in the vehicle fuse box will reveal if the fuse has blown, or a visual inspection of the Cadillac fuel pump under the vehicle itself may reveal any loose electrical connectors or gasoline leaks that will cause low fuel pressure and subsequent problems.
Listening for Fuel Pump Operation Sounds
Listening out for any high-pitched and loud whining or rumbling sounds emanating from the fuel pump will reveal that the fuel pump is in need of replacement.
The pump may still be running, but these sounds mean that the pump is worn out and no longer working at its best, with the very real possibility of a complete failure leading to a roadside breakdown which in itself is enough of a safety risk.
Using Diagnostic Tools
Your Cadillac service center or other suitable professional service center will be able to plug specialized diagnostics equipment into your Cadillac's OBD port and run a diagnostics scan to ascertain any fuel pump issues that are communicated by means of an error code.
The OBD diagnostics will read the OBD system and will be able to identify exactly where a problem lies and what the problem may be. For example, recorded data taken from the system's readings of fuel pressures will reveal any abnormal pressures experienced in the fuel delivery to the engine.
Technicians are thus better armed to pinpoint where to look and do the necessary repair without having to resort to costly stripping and checking components to find a fault.
When to Replace Your Cadillac Fuel Pump
Besides the above-mentioned signs that your Cadillac fuel pump is possibly past its prime, your Cadillac's maintenance schedule is structured to regularly check and replace any fuel system components at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
Like all mechanical parts, wear and tear is their number one enemy. Eventually, a part will need replacement, especially in high mileage vehicles, so when you start to experience any of these signs that your fuel pump is failing, Cadillac's trained and certified technicians are best suited to keep your Cadillac in tip-top mechanical condition.
Service Your Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac
Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT, where their skilled Cadillac experts are committed to providing customers with an amazing customer experience.
Colonial Cadillac's maintenance team will ensure that your Cadillac receives the best care and necessary repairs when you schedule a service at Colonial Cadillac.
