A clicking noise can always arise from the fuel pump to indicate that something in it has gone wrong. Most of the fuel pumps normally emit a mild hum whenever they are working. However, most clicking sounds usually indicate serious problems with either the actual pump or its associated mechanisms. A common cause for the noise includes a failing fuel pump relay, which manages power to the pump. When it starts malfunctioning, it may cause the intermittent engagement and disengagement of the relay, which in turn makes the fuel pump click on and off. Issues like these usually arise when the relay reaches the end of its life, which is typically at 10 to 15 years or 150,000 miles for most vehicles, as shown by industry data.
A fuel pump might click or grind due to the wrong type of relay installed on some fuel pumps, and some kinds of debris can be found inside the fuel system. As a lot of dirt or rust passes through, the fuel filter might eventually plug up and hinder fuel flow inside, thus making the pump struggle through increased load, creating this clicking sound. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in-ground studies indicate that 12% of all fuel pump failures are due to clogging from the dirt or debris in the fuel tank, causing abnormal noise and leading to eventual pump failure.
Insufficient fuel inside the tank could be another probable cause for the clicking noise. It becomes a bit difficult for a vehicle with a low level of fuel for the fuel pump located in the tank to draw it. This lack of fuel can cause the internal parts, like the impeller, to click or chatter inside the pump. This is indeed what happens with most vehicles but is more common with old vehicles, where the fuel tank design may not provide ample capacity for the pump’s operating efficiency at low levels. For instance, the 2012 Ford Focus had developed a tendency for clicking noises whenever the fuel tank fell below a quarter full, according to some reports, from more than 30% of owners who experienced just that.
Electrical connections on the fuel pump itself can also generate a clicking noise if these connections happen to be corroded or loose. If the wiring harness or its connectors have worn out or been compromised, it can lead to a poor electrical connection; this may cause the pump to act erratically, producing a clicking sound. This problem is very common in vehicles that have been exposed to moisture, rust, or extreme weather conditions for a very long period of time. A report by Consumer Reports said that electrical problems accounted for 10% of fuel pump failures in older cars, thus the need to have them checked regularly.
“Any strange sound from the fuel system is a warning sign,” says automotive technician Mike Smith. The clicking sound can be an early indicator that your fuel pump is under stress, and if left unchecked, it could result in complete pump failure. If these issues persist, they will cause the fuel pump to stop working entirely, leading to a complete failure of the engine. Replacing a fuel pump and other components related to it can range in cost from $400 to $1,500, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Labor costs usually consist of a big part of that total.
To determine the source of the clicking noise, the fuel pump pressure will have to be checked using a gauge. If the pressure is not within the set range, it may require the replacement of the pump. For detailed information regarding the maintenance and troubleshooting of the fuel pump, click here: Fuel Pump.