What to Expect With a Fuel System Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Common Signs of Fuel Pump & Injector Problems
Your fuel pump and injectors work together to deliver the right amount of fuel to the engine at the right time. When either part starts to fail, your car will usually give you warning signs before it stops running completely. Because several different issues can cause similar symptoms, a proper inspection is important, but recognizing these signs can help you decide when to schedule a visit.
Common signs of a failing fuel pump include:
- Hard starting, especially after the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours
- Loss of power when driving up hills or merging onto highways near town
- Engine sputtering or cutting out at higher speeds, then recovering
- Sudden stalling at stops or while driving, sometimes with no warning
Typical signs of fuel injector problems include:
- Rough idle or shaking when you stop at a light
- Engine misfires, which may show up as hesitation or a flashing check engine light
- Poor fuel economy compared to what you normally see
- Fuel odors around the vehicle or visible leaks near the fuel rail areas
Driving in stop-and-go traffic and dealing with warm Texas temperatures can make these symptoms feel even more noticeable. Ignoring them can increase the risk of being stranded, and in some cases can contribute to damage to other components, such as the catalytic converter, if misfires continue for a long time. When you notice patterns like these, our team can help you determine whether you are dealing with fuel pump issues, the need for fuel injector repair, or another problem entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I need a new fuel pump or injectors?
The best way to know is through proper testing, not guessing. Similar symptoms can come from several issues, so our technicians check fuel pressure, scan for codes, and evaluate injector performance. We then explain what we find and discuss whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Is it safe to keep driving if my car is stalling?
Frequent stalling is not considered safe, especially in traffic or at higher speeds. It can increase your risk of being rear-ended or stranded in an inconvenient spot. We usually recommend limiting driving and scheduling an inspection promptly so we can identify and address the cause.
How long do fuel pump or injector repairs usually take?
Timing depends on your vehicle, the exact repair, and parts availability. Some injector-related services can be completed the same day, while fuel pump work may take longer. Our team reviews the likely time frame with you in advance and can often provide shuttle service to help with transportation.
What kind of warranty do you offer on these repairs?
We back our fuel system repairs with an industry-leading warranty, which is the same coverage we offer on many of our services. Specific terms can vary, so our team explains the details for your repair before you authorize the work. This warranty is designed to give you added confidence.
Will you explain the repair options before doing any work?
Yes, explaining options first is a central part of how we do business. After our inspection, we review our findings, outline recommended repairs in plain language, and provide a written estimate. We only move forward with work that you approve, and we welcome questions at every step.
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FAQs
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Q. "Why is my engine making bucking sounds when I drive?"The fuel system is a good place to investigate first whenever your engine starts to give you problems. The two most common issues we see are clogged fuel filters and damaged fuel pumps. Both of these will harm your engine if not taken care of promptly.
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Q. "What are fuel filters?"Fuel injectors are easily clogged due to their small openings. They are susceptible to the dirt particles that your car drives through on the road. It’s important that the fuel remains clean and free of dirt so that it can be easily sent to the engine. The fuel filters ensure the fuel is protected from dirt. Typically, filters are made from a paper material that is thrown away and replaced when it becomes too dirty or worn out. Sometimes, cars will have filters that use a mesh material. These can be washed and then put back in the vehicle.
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Q. "How do fuel filters affect the fuel pump?"Clogged fuel filters make it hard for the fuel pump to deliver gas to the engine. If the filter is blocked with dirt, the pump has to work a lot harder to pump the fuel. This will cause it to wear out and unable to perform over time.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.