When you hear that clicking sound, it often indicates that the fuel pump is beginning to fail, usually because of electrical or mechanical wear inside the part. Fuel pumps should run quietly, if you hear clicking that is usually the fuel pump trying (and failing) to keep the pressure it needs to run (40-60 PSI for most vehicles). A common examples is a loss of pressure that might occur if an internal wear in the motor or impeller of the pump occurs, leading to erratic pump performance, including making clicking sounds as it struggles to adjust to the changes in fuel flow.
When voltage is unstable, clicking sounds can be observed as fuel pumps require a stable 12-volt source. The motor for the pump might not be receiving enough power after a voltage dip, which will cause the pump to rapidly switch on and off to try to get fuel into the system. This rapid cycling creates a clicking noise, and eventually, the pump will become worn out from this. Research has demonstrated a 20% decline in pump efficiency from a 5% decrease in voltage, so when odd noises notice from a vehicle, the electrical system should be evaluated – battery connections should be tightened and alternator output checked.
Low fuel also magnifies any clicking noise because the pump is reliant on the surrounding path of fuel to cool and lubricate it. If the level drops below a quarter tank, the pump can starve on air, whereupon its boundedness and friction cause it to overheat and take to clicking or ticking if it is even able to run at all in these conditions. To provide optimal cooling for the pump always, mechanics suggest that users maintain a level of fuel above a quarter of a tank full, as running on low fuel, multiple times, can reduce the fuel pump life by as much as 30%.
Similarly, clogs within the fuel filter or across the fuel lines will force the pump to click as it attempts to push fuel through patient-travelled pathways. Clogged filter restricts fuel flow, pump has to work harder, may burn up, noise in tank Fuel filters should be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles or so, which goes a long way to preventing these conditions from in fact developing, allowing the fuel to flow into the pump freely and preventing the pump from stressing itself to flow the fuel normally.
If there are the clicking sounds, Inspection of the Fuel Pump can be checked whether it is due to the low fuel, clogged filters, or the bad voltage. By taking care of these things early on, you won’t be causing any further damages, allowing the fuel pump to run properly without issues and not needing to pay for expensive repairs.
