Most people have a vague understanding that cars need gasoline to run, but they likely don’t know just how it gets from the fuel tank to the rest of the car.
This is usually accomplished by a component called the fuel pump control module. Here’s what I found!
Fuel Pump Control Module Symptoms
Some symptoms of a bad fuel pump control module relate to the fuel pump and fuel filter not working as expected. Additionally, if you’re having troubles with your car stalling or not starting, it could also be the fuel pump control module to blame. A sudden power surge may also be a symptom of a faulty fuel pump control module.
Keep reading if you’d like to learn more about the fuel pump control module and its effects on your vehicle!
1. Fuel Pump Failure
One of the places where a fuel pump control module will hit your car is the fuel system.
As such, if your fuel pump fails then it’s likely to be because of a problem with the fuel pump control module.
Generally, the fuel pump control module is what regulates the voltage within the fuel pump.
As such, if the fuel pump control module malfunctions, then the fuel pump won’t be able to do its job, which is to push fuel from the tank into the fuel injectors.
2. Restricted Fuel Filter
Aside from a failing fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter may also be a symptom of a faulty fuel pump control module.
Generally, if the fuel pump control module fails, this will affect the fuel pump’s performance and, in turn, the fuel filters.
In this scenario, if the fuel pump pushes an inappropriate amount of fuel through the filters, it may strain them.
As a result, the filters won’t be able to perform optimally and may end up restricted over time.
3. Car Won’t Start
Your car not starting may also be a symptom of a bad fuel pump control module.
Generally, if the fuel pump control module is failing, this will likely prevent the fuel pump from pushing enough fuel through the fuel lines and into the engine.
Additionally, a fuel pump control module error may also cause the fuel pump to work harder, thus causing it to overheat and fail as well.
As such, you won’t be able to start the car if the fuel pump control module is dead, leaving you unable to even start your car.
4. Car Stalling
Aside from my points above, a bad fuel pump control module may be causing your car to stall.
Usually, your engine won’t stall if it is receiving gas from the fuel pump, even if it is less than what it requires.
However, if the fuel pump control module fails, the fuel pump will cause your engine to overheat, which may lead to your engine stalling.
Additionally, your engine may overheat if a worn-out and old pump motor becomes too hot.
5. Noises From The Fuel Tank
Unusual sounds coming from the area near the fuel tank may also be indicative of a faulty fuel pump control module.
In this case, you’ll hear a loud, whining noise coming from your gas tank if your fuel pump control module is damaged.
Additionally, if the fuel in your tank is polluted, the fuel pump could also produce this noise.
Generally, the fuel pump produces a faint hum, so loud whining noises may mean that something is wrong.
6. Engine Rough Idling
In addition, a bad fuel pump control module may cause your engine to idle rough.
Typically, the fuel pump control module determines how much fuel the pump must provide to the engine to support all its usual functions.
As such, if there’s something wrong with the module, then it’s likely that the fuel pump won’t be able to work efficiently as well.
Therefore, this may result in rough idling of your engine and is something that should be checked out by a mechanic.
7. Poor Fuel Economy
Additionally, a failing fuel pump control module will also cause bad gas mileage.
In this scenario, you will consume more gas than usual because your fuel pump is putting too much fuel into the engine due to a bad fuel pump control module.
As a result, more trips to the gas station will be necessary to keep fuel in your car.
Thus, if you find that you’re traveling shorter distances with the same amount of fuel, it might be the fuel pump control module to blame.
8. Poor Engine Performance
The fuel pump control module can also affect your engine’s performance.
Generally, you won’t receive your vehicle’s smooth or peak performance if the fuel pump driver module develops a defect.
In this case, the gasoline pump itself is defective, and the fuel pump controller fails.
Additionally, you won’t obtain the best gasoline or fuel pressure if the fuel pump develops issues.
For this reason, whenever you experience performance hiccups in the future, you should also think about examining the fuel pump driver module.
9. Sudden Power Surges
Aside from my points above, sudden power surges can be a sign of a bad fuel pump control module.
As I’ve previously mentioned, the fuel pump control module is responsible for determining the amount of fuel the fuel pump will push into the engine.
Because of this, excessive pressure and too much oil being pumped into the engine will cause power surges where your car will erratically speed up and slow down.
To know more, you can also read our posts on Ford Taurus fuel filter symptoms, Ford Ignition control module symptoms, and Astro Van fuel pump symptoms.
Conclusion
There are a few things that you could consider if you think your fuel pump control module is faulty; these include problems with the fuel system and ignition.
Moreover, sudden power surges and poor engine performance are serious issues that may seriously damage your car.
As such, it’s best to get your car to the nearest service center for repair right away.