Fuel Pump Replacement Cost [Labor & Parts]
Fuel pumps are a crucial component of modern internal combustion engines. Without a fuel pump, your engine would not be able to perform the combustion reaction that produces power.
So, if your fuel pump is broken, then you should look into getting it fixed as quickly as possible.
On average, expect to pay anywhere between $600 to $1,100 on fuel pump replacement on the most popular car brands. This includes labor and parts. Replacement costs for bad fuel pumps are also determined by your car’s age, labor cost, and your mechanic’s location. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.
There are a lot of specifics surrounding fuel pumps. So we put together this comprehensive article on the costs of replacing a fuel pump.
We will cover replacement costs for various popular car models and talk about factors that affect replacement costs.
Chevy Silverado Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
On average, you can expect to pay about $1,000 on average to replace a Chevy Silverado fuel pump. The typical range is between $600 on the low end up to $1,400 on the higher end. Fuel pump replacement costs depend on the size and model of the engine that you have. Diesel engines will be more expensive to repair.
Below is a table showing average fuel pump replacement costs for the various engine models of the Silverado.
| Model | Engine | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 | 2.7L 4-Cylinder Turbo | $900 |
| Silverado 1500 | Duramax 3.0 | $1,500 |
| Silverado 1500 | 4.3L Ecotec3 V6 | $950 |
| Silverado 1500 | 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 | $1,000 |
| Silverado 1500 | 6.2 EcoTec3 V8 | $1,200 |
| Silverado 2500 | 6.0L V8 | $700 |
| Silverado 2500 | Duramax 6.6L Diesel V8 | $1,700 |
| Silverado 3500 | 6.6L V8 | $800 |
| Silverado 3500 | 6.6 Diesel V8 | $1,300 |
There are a lot of factors that determine the cost of a fuel pump replacement. So we put together this comprehensive guide on the total costs to replace a fuel pump.
Fuel Pump Replacement Costs
You can expect to pay approximately $800 on average to replace a fuel pump. Fuel pumps have a lot of moving parts and installation requires a lot of work, so they can be one of the more expensive individual components of your car to replace.
Keep in mind that these costs are averages and that actual costs will depend on your specific mechanic.
| Make/Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | $670 |
| Honda CRV | $760 |
| Toyota Camry | $840 |
| Toyota Corolla | $870 |
| Chevy Silverado | $1,100 |
| Ford F-150 | $740 |
| Ford Fusion | $790 |
| Ford Mustang | $850 |
| Nissan Altima | $750 |
| BMW 3 Series | $1,020 |
| Audi A4 | $1,200 |
As you can see, larger cars with bigger engines are more expensive to repair. This is because the fuel pump in larger cars news to generate more gas flow to produce more power.
As is normally the case, luxury brands like BMW and Audi will be more expensive to repair.
Related Cost
Fuel Lines
Your fuel lines are an important component that works to channel fuel from the gas tank into the fuel pump and engine. Fuel lines on modern cars are typically made from durable nylon plastic, while older molders typically use metal.
We recommend using fuel lines made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as this material is resistant to the corrosive effects of fuel vapor.
Most of the time, when you replace your fuel pump, you also need to replace your fuel lines. Below is a table showing average fuel line replacement costs for popular car brands.
| Make/Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | $630 |
| Honda CRV | $500 |
| Toyota Camry | $760 |
| Toyota Corolla | $890 |
| Chevy Silverado | $1,200 |
| Ford F-150 | $850 |
| Ford Fusion | $800 |
| Ford Mustang | $750 |
| Nissan Altima | $1,000 |
| BMW 3 Series | $780 |
| Audi A4 | $1,200 |
If your fuel line only has small leaks, then it may be possible to repair it without replacing it entirely. It normally costs between $150 to $300 to fix a leaking fuel line.
Fuel Tank
If you are looking to revamp your entire fuel system, then you may want to also look into replacing your fuel tank. The fuel tank sits near the rear of the car and holds all the gasoline.
The tank connects to the fuel line which connects to the fuel pump. Most gas tanks will last for up to 15 years, so you do not have to replace this part very frequently.
You can expect to pay about $1,200 on average to replace a fuel tank. The most crucial factor determining costs is the size of the fuel tank.
For example, a Toyota Corolla has a tank capacity of 13 gallons while a Chevy Silverado gas tank holds 24 gallons. Most modern fuel tanks are made from high-density plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene.
| Make/Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | $1,500 |
| Honda CRV | $1,600 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,050 |
| Toyota Corolla | $930 |
| Chevy Silverado | $1,180 |
| Ford F-150 | $1,800 |
| Ford Fusion | $1,600 |
| Ford Mustang | $850 |
| Nissan Altima | $1,200 |
| BMW 3 Series | $1,300 |
| Audi A4 | $2,600 |
Factors that Affect Fuel Pump Replacement Costs
Car make/model
As with any repairs, the make/model of your car matters. Certain types of cars, such as luxury or high-performance brands will cost more to repair as they have specialty parts, and you may have to take them to a specialty mechanic.
Fuel pump materials
Most fuel pumps are made from either cast iron or aluminum, while the outer casing is made from a harder metal like steel.
Generally speaking, you want a durable metal outer casing, such as stainless steel, while gaskets should be made from durable synthetic rubber.
Age of your car
Your car’s age is another factor determining costs. The older your car is, the more likely it is to have problems related to a broken fuel pump. It may also be difficult to find parts for older car models that have been discontinued.
Related issues
Fuel pump problems are rarely present alone. Odds are, there will be some other problems with your fuel system that you’ll need to fix.
For example, you may also have to replace your fuel lines, fuel tank, or spark plugs along with your fuel pump
What Does a Fuel Pump Do?
As the name implies, a fuel pump brings fuel from the storage tank into the engine where it combusts, producing power to run your car. The combustion reaction in your engine relies on there being a specific fuel-to-air ratio and the fuel pump provides the right amount of gas.
The fuel pump works with the carburetor, which pulls air from outside into the combustion chamber. So, when your fuel pump is broken, your car is not getting enough fuel to burn.
The result is that your car may run less efficiently and you may notice engine problems.
Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump
Here are some of the most common signs of a bad fuel pump.
Engine Misfiring
The most common sign of a broken fuel pump is your engine misfiring. When the fuel pump is broken, your engine does not have the right air/fuel composition to combust, so the engine will “hiccup” and misfire more frequently.
Engine Won’t Start
Your engine may not even start if you have a broken fuel pump. Since there is not enough fuel in the combustion chamber, your engine may not start at all when you turn the ignition switch.
Your engine may make a sputtering sound and then fail to actually kick on.
Smoke from Exhaust
Your exhaust normally emits a small quantity of smoke and gas. If you notice thick black smoke coming from your pipes, the problem could be your fuel pump.
When the fuel/air ratio is not correct, then the fuel does not burn efficiently, causing the thick black smoke to come from the exhaust.
Underperforming Turbo Charger
Not all cars have a turbocharger, but ones that do may notice turbocharger problems if they have a broken fuel pump. If you notice that your turbocharger spooling is louder or takes longer than normal, then the culprit could be your fuel pump.
Broken Spark Plugs
A lot of people don’t realize it, but fuel actually plays a role in cooling your engine and absorbing radiant heat. If your fuel pump is broken, then the interior of your engine can heat and cause other parts to break.
The most common pieces that overheat are the spark plugs. Low fuel can also damage your cylinder heads over time.
Lowered Fuel Economy
If your fuel pump is broken, that means the combustion reaction will be less efficient, so less fuel is burned. The result is lowered fuel economy.
So if you notice that you are burning through gas faster than normal, your fuel pump could be the culprit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump?
It costs approximately $800 to replace a fuel pump. The typical range is between $600 to $1,200. If you have the tools, you can replace a fuel pump on your own for roughly $200 to $300, on average.
Luxury and high-performance brands will be more expensive to repair.
What does a fuel pump do?
A fuel pump works to draw fuel from the gas tank into the combustion chamber. The fuel pump works with the carburetor to provide the optimal fuel-to-air ratio.
If your fuel pump is broken, then your engine will not get the proper mixture of fuel and air, and it will not run properly.
What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump?
The most common symptom of a broken fuel pump is your engine misfiring or not starting. Other common symptoms of a broken fuel pump include excessive exhaust smoke, engine underperformance, and lowered fuel economy.
Can I drive with a bad fuel pump?
Sometimes yes, you will still be able to drive with a broken fuel pump. Your car may have trouble starting and might shut off randomly though. In other cases, your car may not even start at all.
Driving with a broken fuel pump can hurt your engine, so we recommend getting it fixed as quickly as possible.
How often should I replace my fuel pump?
The typical fuel pump should last for 100,000 miles or more. If you regularly service your car, your fuel pump can last for up to 200,000 miles.
Generally speaking, fuel pumps tend to last longer than other car engine parts like spark plugs or carburetors.
Can I replace a fuel pump on my own?
Yes, replacing a fuel pump is relatively easy, compared to other kinds of car repairs. If you want to DIY-replace your fuel pump, you will need a ratchet wrench set, hose clamps, needle-nose pliers, a screwdriver, and bolts to plug the fuel tank line.
We would not recommend changing your fuel pump on your own unless you have previous experience working on automotive systems.
Conclusions
Fuel pumps are a crucial part of your internal combustion engine. Without a fuel pump, your car either burns fuel less efficiently or may not even start at all.
So, if your fuel pump is broken, you need to get it replaced as quickly as possible. Like always, make sure that you get quotes from several local mechanics so you can get the best price possible. You may be interested in our guide on
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