5 Symptoms to Detect a Weak Fuel Pump On 6.0L Powerstroke
Have you ever encountered any major drivability and performance issues with the 6.0 Powerstroke engine on your vehicle?
It can occur because of the weak fuel pump and if that is the case, you need to understand signs and symptoms that will warn and help you detect the failing condition of your fuel pump.
In that way, you will know when you need to replace the fuel pump before it can damage your engine furthermore.
So, how to tell if you have a weak fuel pump on your 6.0 powerstroke engine? One of the most common signs of a weak fuel pump is the unusual squeaks, squeals, and other types of extreme noises that come from your 6.0 Powerstroke engine.
5 Symptoms To Detect A Weak Fuel Pump On a 6.0L Powerstroke:
There can be various reasons which lead the 6.0 Powerstroke fuel pump to turn bad or weak and based on the sign or symptoms it shows, you can easily identify the main reason.
So, let’s learn about those various symptoms in detail-
1. Unusual & Extreme Noises
If you ever notice or hear any unusual loud noise coming out from your vehicle engine, make sure to inspect your fuel pump first.
A weak or failing fuel pump tends to cause extreme noises like whining, squeaking, or squealing sounds.
However, people often get confused about the sound since each fuel pump usually makes different humming noises.
Over time, one should be able to differentiate between the usual engine sound and unusual noises.
2. Engine Starting Failure & Sputtering Problem
Another most familiar symptom that you should consider is the starting failure or constant sputtering issue.
A faulty or weak fuel pump cannot generate enough pressure to push the gas through into the engine. As a result, the engine visibly struggles to start or run.
Even if you got lucky and succeed in starting the engine after several tries, it will constantly sputter since a weak pump fails to keep a constant gas flow into the engine at high speed.
Read Also: 5 Symptoms To Detect CP4 Failure On 6.7 Powerstroke Engine
3. Engine Stalls, Abruptly Stops Or Has Acceleration Difficulty
An old or weak fuel pump can cause overheating issue on your engine, which will eventually lead your engine to stall.
The vehicle’s engine may also start stalling when it is not getting a sufficient amount of gas.
6.0 Powerstroke engine may stall at high speed when the fuel pump stops responding and working accurately.
The lack of fuel can also cause your engine to shut down.
Therefore, if your engine starts stalling or suddenly stops, check the fuel pump’s condition.
Another troubleshooting issue that often arises is the acceleration difficulty.
It happens because the weak or damaged fuel pump fails to deliver an adequate supply of fuel through into the engine.
4. Low Fuel Pressure & Loss Of Power Issue
Generally, if your engine is getting enough fuel pressure, you will not have a hard time starting the engine.
But if you notice that your engine is struggling or taking too long to start than usual, it is an initial sign of low fuel pressure on your engine caused by the bad fuel pump.
You may also notice that your vehicle is gradually losing power, especially when you load it up with cargo or drive-up steep inclines.
The engine requires more gas or fuel to run at high speed so when the pump fails to pass through a sufficient amount of gas or fuel, the engine will lose power.
5. Filter Malfunctioning & Lower Fuel Efficiency
When your fuel pump gets dirty or turns bad, it eventually damages the filters as well.
So, if you notice any malfunctioning on fuel and air filters, make sure to check the fuel pump first
When the fuel pump gets older and weaker, it will also reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency or gas mileage since the engine starts burning more gas than usual.
These are the most common sign and symptoms to get a hint when your Powerstroke engine fuel pump turns bad or weak.
Read Also: 6.0L Powerstroke Bad Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor Symptoms?
What to Do When You Detect A 6.0L Powerstroke Weak Fuel Pump?
If you notice any of the above-discussed symptoms on your 6.0 Powerstroke fuel pump, it is clear that something is wrong with the fuel pump.
But before you decide on replacing it, make sure to check on these mentioned facts as well-
Step-01: Diagnosis The Relay & Fuse
Use the ignition key to turn it On and observe whether you can hear any humming sound coming out from your vehicle’s rear.
If you cannot hear any sound, check the fuel pump relay and fuse. A damaged relay or blown-out fuse on the fuel pump causes such trouble.
If that is the case, you need to replace the relay or fuse by following the user manual instructions.
Step-02: Inspecting The Power Connections
Next, you need to check whether your fuel pump is getting enough power to work properly.
Locate the socket with the help of your user manual, switch On the ignition and disconnect the socket to test the voltage.
Now take the multimeter black lead wire, and ground it on the exhaust pipe of your vehicle.
Similarly, take the red lead to check whether each socket connector has the required voltage.
If any of the connectors are missing power or voltage, replace them.
Read Also: What is P2291 Code On 6.7 Powerstroke & How To Fix?
Step-03: Checking The Inertia Switch
If you notice your fuel pump is not getting power, it might also occur because of the inertia switch.
The inertia switch is generally located in the vehicle’s trunk so check on that switch.
You can easily fix it by hitting the inertia switch with a screwdriver and pressing it down to reset it.
Step-04: Testing The Fuel Pressure & Fuel Filter
You also need to test your fuel pressure using a pressure tester kit. Just turn on the ignition and keep the pressure gauge connected.
The pressure gauge is supposed to show a minimum of 30PSI when you turn on the ignition.
But if the result shows lower PSI than that, it means you need to replace the fuel pump.
Another obvious indication that you need to replace the fuel pump immediately is when you notice a clogged fuel filter.
Step-05: Fuel Pump Replacement:
As I previously mentioned, in some cases, you do not have to replace the fuel pump instead you can fix the problem by repairing or replacing some parts or components of the fuel pump.
But after finishing all other possible error diagnoses, if you find out that all you need is to replace the fuel pump, contact your dealer or nearest service provider to book your appointment for the replacement.
Read Also: What is P0541 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke & How To Fix?
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a 6.0L Powerstroke Fuel Pump?
The fuel pump replacement cost of 6.0 Powerstroke can be a little higher than regular fuel pump replacement costs, but it is not too expensive that will cost a fortune.
The average cost for fuel pump replacement can be between $764 to around $812, and the labor cost can be between $184 to a maximum of $233(excluding the parts prices).
The parts required for the replacement task can approximately cost around $580.
How Often Should You Inspect Or Service A Fuel Pump?
You can easily prevent the fuel pump from turning bad or weak by maintaining the schedule servicing of your 6.0 Powerstroke engine.
The details of each part maintenance and servicing schedules are given on your service manual so, follow that guideline religiously.
Final Thoughts
Just like most fuel pumps, 6.0 Powerstroke fuel pumps are also built to last for a longer period, but over time, as you use the vehicle and it covers more mileage, the fuel pump becomes older and weaker.
Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye to notice any of the discussed signs or symptoms.
If you encounter any of them, either diagnose the problem as suggested in this article or contact your mechanic.
Read Also: What is P0475 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke & How To Fix?
