Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Problems [Symptoms & Fixes]
Are you hearing loud whining noises when you’re about to start your Dodge Charger? This is one sign that shows your fuel pump has gone bad.
In this post, I’ll explain the symptoms of a bad/failing fuel pump in a Dodge Charger. You’ll also learn how to overcome issues with your fuel pump. Let’s dive in.
Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump in a Dodge Charger
Whining Noise from the Fuel Pump
A loud, whining noise from your vehicle’s fuel pump is one of the most common Dodge Charger issues. The noise is usually due to a failing or bad fuel pump or faulty wiring connectors.
Get your fuel pump checked by a certified mechanic. The mechanic may need to replace the fuel pump, including some components in the fuel system and ECS.
Low Fuel Pressure
Low fuel pressure can cause your engine to misfire, stall, or idle. Low fuel pressure may happen as a result of a bad fuel pump.
If your vehicle is idling or misfiring, your fuel pump might be the culprit. Get a mechanic to inspect the fuel pump and replace it—if needed.
Fuel Pump Not Priming
This is one of the easiest-to-diagnose signs of a bad fuel pump. Normally, when you turn the key in the ignition, you will hear the soft hum of the fuel pump as it primes in readiness for action. But the priming will not be audible when the fuel pump is bad.
However, before you conclude that the fuel pump is the culprit, consider giving the connectors a once-over using a multimeter. If the fuel pump is receiving the required voltage but still fails to work, the fuel pump may be the culprit.
But if the fuel pump no longer receives sufficient current, the relay or fuse might be bad. You can fix this yourself or hire a mechanic to help you.
Engine Not Starting
If your Dodge Charger’s fuel pump is completely bad, you won’t be able to start your vehicle. It may crank several times but will not start.
But before you look at the fuel pump, check for low or decreased pressure in the fuel line and blown fuses. A blown fuse may be the reason the engine isn’t starting. Low pressure in the fuel line is a great way of diagnosing a fuel pump malfunction.
Let a mechanic run diagnostic checks on your Dodge Charger. If the fuel pump is bad, replace it.
Loss of Engine Power
A healthy fuel pump is always ready to meet and deliver the demand acceleration usually requires. However, when your Dodge Charger pulls a heavy load, the fuel pump fails to supply the needed fuel. You may also experience this while driving up a hill or steep incline.
This shows that your fuel pump is already on its way out. You should not wait until your engine stalls, which may happen without warning. Get the fuel pump replaced with a newer unit as soon as possible.
Leaking Fuel
You may likely experience this sign of a bad fuel pump if you own one of the early 7th-generation Dodge Chargers, especially within the 2011 to 2016 model range.
A bad fuel pump may cause you to perceive a strong gasoline smell in your vehicle’s interior. This is because the primary fuel pump leaks gas via an electrical connector positioned on top of the fuel pump.
When the fuel pump housing cracks or melts, the gas seeps through. You may notice this problem when your tank is filled or is at least three-quarters full of gas.
The way out is to replace the fuel pump because Dodge never issued a recall for this problem.
Sputtering Engine at High Speeds
Your Dodge Charger’s fuel pump has failed when your engine starts sputtering consistently at high speeds.
Your vehicle sputters without warning and then resumes regular performance. Sputtering only occurs when the fuel pump struggles to deliver a constant stream of gas to the engine at the appropriate pressure.
Get your Dodge Charger to a certified mechanic for a proper check-up and possible fuel pump replacement.
Can You Drive a Dodge Charger with a Bad Fuel Pump?
Driving your Dodge Charger with a fuel pump problem is not generally advisable. Your vehicle may lose power suddenly in the middle of the road and endanger other road users.
But then, in most cases, a vehicle with a bad fuel pump will not even start.
So, if you experience any signs of a bad fuel pump discussed in this article, get your Dodge Charger to the nearest auto repair shop. The mechanic will run the usual diagnostic tests to determine whether the fuel pump is defective.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dodge Charger Fuel Pump?
According to RepairPal, the average cost of replacing a Dodge Charger’s fuel pump ranges from $609 to $795. Labor costs range from $85 to $107, while components are priced from $524 to $688.
These price ranges do not include fees and taxes, nor do they factor in your unique location and the specific model year of your Dodge Charger. Keep in mind that related repairs may be required, such as replacing the fuel filter.
Moreover, the price ranges are based primarily on the age and number of Dodge Chargers on the road.
Tips to Make Your Dodge Charger’s Fuel Pump Last Longer
Since a typical fuel pump can last up to 100,000 miles, here are some tips to keep in mind and deploy to make your Dodge Charger’s fuel pump last as long or even longer:
- Never fill your tank with contaminated fuel, which is common in gas stations with older underground tanks.
- Change your Dodge Charger’s fuel filter every 30,000 miles or as the manufacturer recommends.
- Add an anti-ethanol agent to your fuel, especially if you’re not fully utilizing the gas from your tank within a week or two.
- Ensure that the fuel level inside your tank doesn’t fall below a quarter of the level. Never leave your tank empty, as gas is a coolant to fuel pumps.
- Go for scheduled maintenance checks as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Avoid towing or carrying heavy loads as much as possible. This puts lots of strain on the fuel pump, causing it to work harder than usual. The result includes worn-out components and a dead fuel pump.
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Wrapping Up
The Dodge Charger is a 4-door sedan in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations. It comes with various powerful engines, such as a V6 or V8 engine. Nevertheless, this vehicle may sometimes develop fuel pump issues.
Pay attention to the symptoms that show your vehicle’s fuel pump is bad, and do not hesitate to address the issues.