The fuel pump is a crucial part of any car, responsible for maintaining fuel pressure and pumping fuel to the engine. Unfortunately, like so many other car components, fuel pumps can fail or suffer from a range of problems. This is particularly common in Ford diesel cars, with the company even being involved in multiple legal battles over the issue.
This guide will look at how to spot Ford diesel fuel pump problems and what to do about them.
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Identifying Ford Diesel Fuel Pump Issues
Before you can fix or resolve any problems with your Ford’s fuel pump, it’s important to know how to spot them. Fortunately, there are several clear signs that something may be wrong with the diesel fuel pump in Ford models like the Ford Focus or various Ford Super Duty pickups. Here are some of the most common red flags.
Engine Stalls or Won’t Start
One of the worst-case scenarios with Ford diesel fuel pumps is when your engine simply won’t start or randomly stalls. This usually happens due to bits of debris, like metal shavings, passing from the fuel pump into the fuel injection system. When that happens, the engine might fail to get the fuel it needs to start up or keep running.
Jerking and Shuddering
Some Ford owners have also reported problems with their cars randomly jerking and shuddering, especially as they try to accelerate or maintain high speeds. There are other possible explanations for this, like a faulty transmission system. However, it can also be linked to issues with the fuel pump, especially in diesel models.
Worse Economy
If you notice that you seem to be using more fuel or stopping at the gas station more than normal, you may be dealing with a faulty fuel pump. When these pumps don’t work as intended, cars often end up burning through more fuel than usual. This causes added running costs for owners until is resolved.
Strange Noises
Ford owners may also hear strange noises coming from the fuel tank as they drive. The noises may include whining or squealing, and they’re usually a sign that something is wrong with the fuel pump motor. A clogged fuel filter can also cause some of those unpleasant sounds to occur. Cleaning or replacing the filter might be enough to fix this issue. But, in other cases, bigger repairs are needed.
The issues listed above can affect a wide range of Ford models, but some of the worst issues tend to be found on models with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine and Bosch CP4 fuel pump. The two parts have been shown to not work very well together, with metal shavings and other debris from the pump often ending up in the fuel injection system.
How to Fix Ford Diesel Fuel Pumps
If you spot any of the signs listed above, it’s best to take action as soon as possible. Typically, these kinds of problems will only get worse over time if left unattended. But, if you get them looked at and fixed early on, you may avoid bigger and costlier issues. Here are some steps that Ford owners can take to resolve Ford diesel fuel pump problems.
DIY Maintenance
For Ford fuel pump problems, pros are almost always the best people to contact. They have the skills and tools needed to carry out complex repairs. However, there are a couple of “DIY” tricks you can keep in mind to maintain your Ford’s fuel system. You can replace the filters every 20-30,000 miles, for instance. It’s also recommended to keep your fuel tank at least ¼ full at all times.
Professional Diagnosis
As stated above, Ford fuel pump repairs are often quite complex. They demand a certain level of expertise (along with tools that most people simply don’t have access to). So, more often than not, your best course of action is to seek out a local mechanic or dealership. There, a technician will carry out diagnostics to figure out what’s wrong and decide the right way to fix it.
Replacing the Fuel Pump
In the worst cases, if the fuel pump is damaged or defective beyond repair, it may require a total replacement. Removing the old pump and fitting a new one should resolve any issues you have been having. Again, this process is best left to the pros, as it’s very complicated, requiring high levels of technical expertise and the correct tools and parts.
FAQs
Which Ford models have fuel pump problems?
Fuel pump issues can occur on any Ford, but some of the models most commonly affected by these problems include popular Ford pick-ups and trucks like the Ranger and the F-150.
How much can it cost to fix Ford diesel fuel pumps?
It depends on the age of the vehicle and the nature of the problem. Some users have reported repair bills in the tens of thousands for entire fuel system replacements.
Turn to the Pros for Ford Diesel Fuel Pump Fixes
Overall, if you suspect that your diesel Ford is struggling with a fuel pump issue, it’s important to act fast. If you have the relevant experience and skill, you can inspect the fuel pump yourself and carry out some minor repair jobs, like changing the filter. But, in most cases, owners will have to visit a dealership or garage to get the issue resolved.