Chevy Cobalt Fuel Pump Problems [Symptoms and Fixes]
If your Chevy Cobalt’s engine is sputtering or experiencing hard starts, it is a sign that your fuel pump is bad. But there are more signs that indicate a fuel pump problem.
In this post, I’ll cover the common symptoms of a failing fuel pump in a Chevy Cobalt. You’ll also learn how to go about the issues to get your vehicle running smoothly.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s head right into it.
Symptoms of Fuel Pump Problems in a Chevy Cobalt
Engine Misfiring
One way to tell if your Chevy Cobalt’s fuel pump has gone bad is when your engine misfires.
A misfiring engine causes your vehicle to lose RPMS or stumble and then regain its regular engine speed.
The misfire will often reappear randomly and may also occur even when your Chevy Cobalt’s engine is idling, causing a rough idle.
Though there are other causes of engine misfires. So, get your mechanic to inspect your fuel pump to see if it’s the culprit. If the fuel pump is defective, replacing it with a new one is the best way to resolve the problem.
However, if the fuel pump is working, other factors may be responsible for the misfiring. Your mechanic should check the vehicle to determine the cause of the misfiring issues.
Loss of Power and Acceleration
If you load up your vehicle with cargo or drive-up steep hills or inclines and notice your Chevy Cobalt loses power, your fuel pump could be defective.
Just as with faster speeds, your engine needs more gasoline to function effectively under stress. Moreover, irregular resistance in the fuel pump motor can result in your Chevy Cobalt slowing down and being unable to accelerate.
When a vehicle fails to accelerate, it is a sign that you need to inspect the fuel pump.
Locate the nearest reputable auto repair shop so a mechanic can inspect the fuel pump. If found defective, replace it with a new unit immediately.
Sputtering and Stalling
A well-functioning fuel pump is designed to produce a constant stream of gas, especially at higher speeds. But if your Chevy Cobalt’s fuel pump has gone bad, it won’t produce enough gas.
As a result, your Chevy Cobalt’s engine will begin to sputter and threaten to stall even at high speeds.
Get your Chevy Cobalt checked by a professional mechanic to confirm the overall condition of your fuel pump. If the fuel pump is behind your engine’s sputtering and stalling, replace it with a new unit.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
Revving hard or taking off at speed can cause decreased fuel efficiency. But what if you avoid aggressive acceleration and revving and still notice increased fuel consumption? It means that your Chevy Cobalt’s fuel pump has gone bad.
A faulty fuel pump can start pushing too much fuel into your Chevy Cobalt’s engine. This causes you to burn more gas than usual, resulting in more trips to the gas station to refuel.
If unsure, start tracking how much mileage you enjoy between fills. If you notice any significant drop, your fuel pump has gone bad and should be replaced.
Whining Noise
When your Chevy Cobalt’s fuel pump starts failing, you will hear a whining noise from the fuel tank area.
Get your mechanic to run diagnostic checks to confirm the noise from the fuel pump. You may need to replace the fuel pump because repairing it doesn’t guarantee the issue will not repeat itself down the road.
Random Shut Off
If you slow down and stop your Chevy Cobalt, only for the engine to shut off without input, something is wrong.
Many issues can cause your Cobalt to shut off randomly. This includes a defective or dirty fuel injector, low fuel pressure, and a broken fuel pump. A defective fuel pump can result in low fuel pressure. This brings about the delivery of an inconsistent stream of gas to the engine.
This may not matter much when driving your Cobalt at high speed. But at low speed, just a temporary pause in the delivery of the fuel stream will kill your engine.
So, get a mechanic to inspect your Cobalt, especially the fuel injector and fuel pump. If the fuel pump is faulty, replace it immediately with a new unit.
Can You Drive a Chevy Cobalt with a Bad Fuel Pump?
Under normal conditions, driving your Chevy Cobalt with a bad fuel pump is still safe. However, the defective fuel pump may cause your engine and catalytic converter to overheat.
Complete fuel pump failure will leave you stranded on the road unexpectedly.
But in most cases, your Chevy Cobalt won’t even start if you have a bad fuel pump.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Chevy Cobalt’s Fuel Pump?
The estimated costs of replacing a Chevy Cobalt’s fuel pump ranges from $614 to $759. Estimated labor costs range from $185 to $233, while components are priced from $429 to $526.
These price ranges do not include fees or taxes. The specific model of your Chevy Cobalt and location have not been factored in. Note that related repairs may also be required, such as replacing the fuel filter.
Has Chevy Ever Recalled Any Cobalt Model Years for Fuel Pump Issues?
General Motors (GM) once recalled the 2007-2009 Chevy Cobalt models in 2012. The recall was due to a faulty return port on the fuel pump module, which may crack, resulting in a fuel leak and potential fire hazard.
Tips to Make Your Chevy Cobalt’s Fuel Pump Last Longer
A good Chevy Cobalt fuel pump can last up to 100,000 miles if well maintained. Follow these tips to ensure your fuel pump’s lifespan is not shortened:
- Ensure that your fuel level never gets below 1/8th of your tank. Your fuel tank should always (or nearly always) be full because the fuel lubricates the pump. Improper lubrication of the fuel pump due to low fuel in the tank can result in fuel pump failure.
- Change the fuel filter unit at 30,000-mile intervals. Ensure the replacement is of high quality.
- Stay away from old gas stations and only fill up at newer ones. You may also fill up at an old gas station if you’re sure the station regularly takes care of its underground tanks.
- After replacing the fuel pump and filter, check the fuel line that runs from the tank to the pump. If it is leaking or cracked, change it.
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Final Thoughts
Like many other vehicles, the Chevy Cobalt has its share of fuel pump problems.
Always pay attention to the symptoms, and make sure you get a new fuel pump and filter—if required.