Kia Sportage Fuel Pump Problems [Symptoms & Fixes]
Is your Kia Sportage engine’s computer throwing out a P0087 trouble code, or is your vehicle stalling or not even running? This could be a sign that your vehicle’s fuel pump is going out.
This article covers the signs of Kia Sportage fuel pump problems and how to fix them on your own or with the help of a professional mechanic.
Signs Your Kia Sportage Fuel Pump is Bad
If you are experiencing the following symptoms while driving your Kia Sportage, it implies your fuel pump is bad:
1. Sputtering Under Acceleration
When your Kia Sportage’s fuel pump no longer provides enough fuel to keep its engine running at high speed or under heavy load, something is wrong.
The fuel pump is the culprit if your vehicle’s engine sputters under acceleration or feels like running out of steam when driving up a hill.
Get your Kia Sportage to an auto repair shop for a proper diagnosis. This is crucial because if you get P0420 or P0430 trouble codes with a dedicated scanner, you may have a bad catalytic converter.
2. Whining Noise
When you hear a whining noise or a low-frequency buzzing sound, your Kia Sportage fuel pump may go bad.
The best way out is to find your way to a reliable auto repair shop so the mechanic can properly check your Kia Sportage to determine what is wrong with the fuel pump system.
3. Engine Won’t Start
Another sign that shows your Kia Sportage fuel pump is bad is when the engine refuses to start.
Your Kia Sportage needs three things to start:
- Fuel
- Air
- Spark
If any of these three are not present, your vehicle’s engine will not turn over. Sometimes, you may get zero warnings about the bad fuel pump. However, you may observe your engine hesitating or starting with difficulty.
You should not assume that your fuel pump is bad. Instead, get your mechanic to run diagnostics to confirm the condition of your Kia Sportage fuel pump. If it is faulty, it may have to be replaced immediately.
4. Engine Challenges
A good indicator that you have a clogged fuel pump is when your Kia Sportage refuses to start or starts with difficulty.
This occurs when there isn’t enough fuel pressure to properly atomize the fuel entering the engine’s combustion chamber.
Checking for a bad fuel pump is usually not the first thing to do when your Kia Sportage only starts with difficulty. Unless you get a fuel-related trouble code, check the ignition system. Look for a bad coil pack or bad spark plugs.
If these components are in good condition, get your mechanic to check for a clogged fuel pump.
5. Fuel Filter Issues
At times, your Kia Sportage’s fuel filter could be responsible for the issues you’re experiencing. When a fuel filter goes bad, it gives symptoms similar to a bad fuel pump.
So, how can you tell them apart? Clogged fuel filters have low pressure on their output side and high pressure on their input side. A bad fuel pump has low pressure on the input and output sides.
As mentioned earlier, a bad fuel pump and a bad fuel filter show similar symptoms. As a result, you will experience difficulty starting your vehicle, and the same hesitation at high speed.
However, you can distinguish which of these vehicle components has gone bad by connecting a fuel pressure gauge on both sides of the line. The reading you obtain will indicate if the fuel filter or the fuel pump is the cause of your Kia Sportage’s problems.
Can You Drive a Kia Sportage with a Bad Fuel Pump?
Driving your Kia Sportage with a bad fuel pump is not advisable. A bad fuel pump can cause unexpected power drops and may even shut your Kia Sportage down without prior warning.
In some cases, your engine won’t even start at all. When there’s no fuel, the motor won’t run. Therefore, avoid driving your Kia Sportage with a bad fuel pump.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Kia Sportage Fuel Pump?
According to RepairPal, the average cost of replacing a Kia Sportage fuel pump ranges from $1,216 to $1,486. In addition, labor costs range from $101 to $127, while the prices of components are between $1,115 and $1,359.
These price ranges do not include fees and taxes. Your specific Kia Sportage model year and unique location were not factored in. Bear in mind that related repairs may also be required.
Tips to Make Your Kia Sportage Fuel Pump Last Longer
Here are some of the tips for prolonging the lifespan of your Kia Sportage’s fuel pump:
Stick to the factory-recommended maintenance plan. For example, don’t allow the fuel pump to overheat or dry out and crack.
Do not empty your Kia Sportage tank
Remember that the gas your Kia Sportage uses is partially responsible for cooling the fuel pump. Therefore, avoid dropping well below a quarter of your vehicle’s tank. Moreover, more fuel in your Kia Sportage means less work or stress for its fuel pump and even fewer trips to a dedicated auto repair shop. Always fuel up when you start getting low.
Only allow trusted and certified auto repair shops to fix your vehicle
Watered-down gasoline and corroded nozzles contribute to the degradation or damage of fuel pumps. This is why it is crucial to work with experts who know how to handle Kia Sportage.
Avoid filling up at older gas stations
Unfortunately, many vehicle owners fail to realize that old gas stations have rusty or dirty tanks. The impurities and rust in those tanks can easily contaminate the fuel, which will, in turn, wear down your fuel system when you fill up with this fuel. Therefore, ensure you fill up only at newer gas stations as much as possible.
Avoid filling up your Kia Sportage when the fuel delivery truck is at the gas station
A fuel delivery truck dumping fuel at a gas station guarantees that the station has fuel. However, the sediment in the underground storage tank is stirred when this operation is underway. Filling up during this period gets sediment into the fuel that goes into your Kia Sportage. This is because your fuel pump filters can never catch all the sediments.
When you spot a fuel delivery truck dumping fuel at a gas station and need to fill up, drive on to the next gas station. Use only TIER 1 FUEL–brand names such as Shell, BP, Chevron, Sunoco, Marathon, etc.
Use a premium-quality fuel pump
The quality of the new pump you want to install in your Kia Sportage plays a considerable part in how long it lasts. Never settle for a cheap aftermarket fuel pump that never lasts half as long as an OE or OEM-quality pump.
Every premium-quality fuel pump for Kia Sportage is durable, constructed with ultra-quality materials, and designed for your vehicle’s model and make.
Replace the fuel filter from time to time as impurities or debris from gasoline clog it up.
Ensure your Kia Sportage gas cap has a good seal. Open gas caps allow debris and air to get into the fuel tank and can cause damage to the fuel pump.
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Wrapping Up
The Kia Sportage is one of the reliable vehicles today. However, the vehicle may develop some issues, such as a bad fuel pump.
The symptoms of a bad fuel pump on a Kia Sportage have been discussed. Recommendations have also been made on solving these problems, so you can get moving in your day-to-day activities.
Ensure you follow the tips that will help prolong the lifespan of your Kia Sportage fuel pump.