Chevy Silverado Fuel Pump Problems [Symptoms & Fixes]
At times, when your Chevy Silverado fails to run, you may look for other faults other than checking your fuel pump. However, in many cases, a bad fuel pump negatively impacts your Chevy Silverado as no fuel enters the engine.
Without gas, your vehicle will not even run. In a worst-case scenario, a bad fuel pump can damage your engine.
In this post, we’ll look at the signs of a bad fuel pump in a Chevrolet Silverado and recommend ways to overcome the problem.
But before then, you may want to know why your fuel pump goes bad. The following are some of the common causes of bad fuel pumps in a Chevy Silverado:
- Clogged filters that cause back pressure to the fuel pump.
- Contaminated fuel pumps.
- Defective fuel pump modules.
- Bad fuel pump relays.
- Electrical issues.
- Wear and tear of components.
- Driving with a low gas tank.
Signs Your Chevy Silverado Fuel Pump is Bad
1. Jerking and Hesitation of Vehicle
You will know you have a fuel pump problem when you start your Chevy Silverado, and it begins to jerk and hesitate when you depress the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light may illuminate. Unfortunately, you may have to tow your Chevy Silverado to an auto repair shop for a proper diagnostic test.
A defective fuel pump module can cause your fuel pump to misbehave. The module will need to be replaced to restore the function of your vehicle’s fuel pump.
2. Loud Whining Noise
When you start your Chevy Silverado, you should hear the usual soft humming sound that shows your vehicle is okay.
But if a loud whining noise greets your eardrum or an irritating sound from your Silverado’s fuel tank, it means something has gone wrong with your vehicle’s fuel pump.
Get your Chevy Silverado to a reputable auto repair shop for a diagnostic test and replacement of the defective fuel pump.
3. Sputtering Engine
Another sign you have a faulty fuel pump is when your Chevy Silverado no longer runs smoothly. For example, you may be cruising at a normal speed and then suddenly experience a high energy boost within minutes, and your Chevy Silverado smack dab in the middle of the road.
This can be disastrous if you’re driving on a busy highway. Get your mechanic to run diagnostic tests on your Chevy Silverado at the first sign of fuel pump trouble. If the fuel pump is damaged, replace it immediately.
4. Underpowered Engine
If you have difficulty driving up steep hills or towing a heavy load, your Chevy Silverado does not have enough power. It is usual for engines to require more fuel when engaging in these activities.
If enough gas is not reaching the engine to provide the required power, the fuel pump is no longer doing its job. So, get your vehicle’s fuel pump checked by a competent mechanic to deduce what is wrong and fix it immediately. If the fuel pump is damaged beyond repair, replace it.
5. Starting Your Vehicle Becomes a Challenge
Do you have trouble starting your Chevy Silverado? Your fuel pump may be the culprit, as it may have lost its unique ability to regulate your vehicle’s static pressure.
You’ll have to get a professional mechanic to inspect the car and fix the problem.
Can You Drive a Chevy Silverado with A Bad Fuel Pump?
Driving your Chevy Silverado with a bad fuel pump is a bad idea. If your fuel pump goes bad while driving, your Chevy Silverado’s engine will sputter or even stall in the middle of the road.
But technically, you can start your Chevy Silverado even when it has a bad fuel pump. You can apply manual pressure or connect a fuel pressure gauge to the engine so that fuel can reach the engine.
But these are temporary solutions to use in order to get your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop.
Therefore, your fuel pump may have gone bad if you perceive whining noises and engine surges. Drive to the nearest auto repair shop to have your Chevy Silverado properly diagnosed and the fuel pump fixed or replaced.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Chevy Silverado Fuel Pump?
According to RepairPal, the average cost of replacing a Chevy Silverado fuel pump ranges from $1,171 to $1,312. In addition, labor costs range from $191 to $240, while components are priced between $980 and $1,071.
These price ranges do not include fees and taxes; your specific Chevy Silverado model year and unique location are not factored in. In addition, related repairs may also be necessary, and this can add to the overall cost.
Furthermore, these price ranges are based on the age and number of Chevy Silverado vehicles on the road.
Has Chevy Ever Recalled any Silverado Model Years for Fuel Pump Issues?
General Motors, makers of the Chevy Silverado under the Chevrolet brand, have recalled the 2014 Chevy Silverado model. The fuel assembly was constructed with an incorrect fuel pump pressure regulator. This may result in the over-pressurization of the entire fuel system.
This could also cause an indicator lamp to illuminate unnecessarily, a hard start condition, as well as an engine stall. Moreover, the over-pressurization of the fuel system can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks. This increases the fire risk significantly if the Chevy Silverado is close to an ignition source.
If General Motors (GM) is recalling specific Chevy Silverado models and you’re not sure if yours is one of them, check the number of the recall and other details on GM’s official website.
Tips to Make Your Chevy Silverado’s Fuel Pump Last Longer
Your Chevy Silverado fuel pump is designed to last up to 100,000 miles. So, most owners never get to replace their fuel pumps unless they become defective. Fuel pumps are generally built to last since they are positioned in a complicated, hard-to-access spot within your fuel tank.
You can prevent your Chevy Silverado’s fuel pump from getting damaged prematurely by following these tips:
- Ensure your fuel level never goes below one-quarter of your fuel tank’s capacity
- Always buy premium-quality fuel from reputable filling stations
- Change your fuel filter from time to time
- Avoid refueling at a service station where a fuel delivery truck is in the act of dumping fuel. This action agitates the underground fuel tank, and sediments contaminate the fuel. When the fuel gets into your tank, the contaminants may cause complications with your vehicle’s fuel system.
- Don’t be quick to assume your fuel pump is the culprit if, for instance, your Chevy Silverado stalls at traffic lights. The Idle Air Control (IAC) valve can also cause this problem if it is loose and absorbing air, which it is not supposed to.
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Wrapping Up
If you experience any of the signs outlined above, your Chevy Silverado’s fuel pump may be defective. You can confirm the overall condition of your fuel pump using fuel pressure testing kits available on the market.
However, you should follow the suggestions highlighted in this article. Get a certified mechanic to run diagnostic checks on your Chevy Silverado and fix any malfunction.