Can a fuel pump that is faulty be the cause of performance problems in your Mercedes? Yes, it can! Fuel pump is an important component of your Mercedes engine system. Its job is simple: it transfers fuel from the vehicle’s tank to the engine. Without the fuel pump, your engine will not receive any fuel and it will not run. In Mercedes vehicles, the fuel pump is expected to send fuel at the right pressure to guarantee efficiency in the engine. When the fuel pump starts to fail, the performance of your car is likely to be significantly affected.
Causes of Fuel Pump Failure
- Contaminated Fuel: If there is dirt, debris, or water in the fuel tank it will block the fuel pump making it difficult for it to supply a steady fuel flow. These deposits, contaminants, or sediments are usually gotten from low-quality fuel or a tank that has not been well maintained.
- Overheating: If your Mercedes is frequently being operated with little gas in the tank, the fuel pump will most likely overheat. Fuel is used to cool the pump but low levels of fuel cause heat and wearing out of the pump.
- Wear and Tear: Like any other mechanical part, fuel pumps wear out after some time of use. Older vehicles are usually most vulnerable to pump failure as the mileage on the car increases.
- Electrical Problems: The fuel pump may be affected due to a bad connection, a damaged fuel pump relay, or due to wiring issues resulting in intermittent or no function at all.
- Poor Maintenance: Not changing the fuel filter or skipping regular fuel system checks causes the pump to labor harder and can easily be damaged.
What To Do When Your Fuel Pump Breaks Down
- Stop Driving: Whenever you see any of the signs of fuel pump failure, you should not continue driving your vehicle. If the car is driven further, the fuel system may be damaged more or the engine of the car might be harmed.
- Inspect Related Components: A faulty fuel pump is usually known to exert extra pressure on other parts of the fuel system. When repairing, have a professional check on important parts such as the fuel filter, the injectors, and the wiring. Damaged injectors or clogged filters can both cause or be the end product of pump failure. These issues must be fixed to avoid leaving out some aspects that could cause the same problems to reoccur later.
Preventing Fuel Pump Problems
- Maintain Adequate Fuel Levels: It is recommended not to let your fuel level go below one-quarter full. Filling the tank to a decent enough level not only helps against overheating but also against debris being sucked into the pump.
- Choose High-Quality Fuel: When refueling, one should only go to stations that are well known to avoid instances of contamination of fuel. If your car needs premium gasoline, it is wise to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get the best out of the pump.
- Replace the Fuel Filter on Time: A clean fuel filter relieves pump pressure because it eliminates fuel flow problems. Consult the owner’s manual to find the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle’s fuel filter and replace it as frequently as recommended.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: If your vehicle is inspected by skilled mechanics on a regular basis, they can easily identify early signs of problems with the fuel system before they get worse and you end up having to spend a fortune.
Let The Expert Mechanics At Das European Autohaus Help Take Care Of Your Mercedes
At Das European Autohaus, we know just how valuable your Mercedes is to you. Our team of experienced technicians focuses mainly on European cars so you can entrust your vehicle to us and be relaxed knowing that your car will get the attention it deserves. We make sure that we locate fuel system problems or any other challenge your Mercedes is having with the help of the most modern equipment.
Our repairs are done with genuine or quality parts for your vehicles to continue running efficiently and safely. We value our customers and their time, and we will ensure that we inform them promptly, make affordable offers, and get them back driving. We are based in Spring, and Woodlands, TX, and it is an honor to provide services to our community including those in Houston, TX, and beyond. Call us today to make an appointment and feel the difference of having your car worked on by European auto professionals!