How to Know if Fuel Pumps Went Out

1). Listen for the fuel pump to engage as soon as the vehicle's battery is turned on. While you are sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, insert the ignition key into the ignition and turn it one setting to the right so that the battery is on but the vehicle's engine is not. As soon as the battery is on, the fuel pump should engage and begin sending fuel through the fuel lines of the vehicle. If you do not hear the pump working, you should replace it. Conduct this test in a quiet place or enlist the help of a second person who can listen for the pump while you turn the ignition key.
2). Watch for signs from your vehicle that the fuel pump is failing. Two important indicators are when your engine won't start, or it stalls when you try to accelerate while driving.
3). Look at what the current fuel pressure is for your vehicle. Take a fuel pressure gauge and connect it to your vehicle's Schrader valve. The valve is normally situated near the top of the engine and looks very similar to a bicycle or car tire air valve. Once the fuel pressure gauge is connected to the valve, start the engine and let it idle. Read the gauge to see what the current fuel pressure is. Compare that to the manufacturer's specifications to determine if the pressure is too low. You can find the manufacturer's specifications for the proper fuel pressure range from an auto repair guide or by calling your local dealership.
4). Make sure that your fuel pressure regulator is functioning properly. When your vehicle has a low fuel pressure, reading the fuel pressure regulator may be causing the problem instead of a bad fuel pump. The regulator can generally be found near the Schrader valve. It has a black fuel hose running from it. Keep the fuel pressure gauge connected to the Schrader valve and turn the engine on so that it is idling. Use a set of pliers to softly squeeze the fuel line connected to the regulator and watch the fuel pressure gauge. If the gauge shows the fuel pressure going up, the regulator is the cause of the low pressure and should be fixed.