0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases, and to… Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for a Fuel Pump Replacement

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Fuel Pump Replacement

A failing fuel pump leaves you stranded, so here is how to handle the repair bill without breaking your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $53.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

When your engine starts hesitating or the car stalls at stoplights, the fuel pump module is usually the culprit. It is a vital part that pushes gas to the engine, and when it fails, the car simply will not run.

You are looking at about $800 for the part and the labor. It is a necessary expense that usually hits when you least expect it, making it hard to pay for in one lump sum.

Remember that the 0% intro APR is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after 15 months, the bank will start charging interest on whatever remains, which gets expensive fast.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get a second opinion

    Before you commit to the work, ask the shop if they can confirm the fuel pressure readings. Sometimes a clogged filter mimics a bad pump, which is a much cheaper fix. Always get a written estimate that breaks down the parts and labor separately.

  2. 02

    Negotiate the labor

    Parts prices are usually set by the brand, but labor rates are flexible. Ask the mechanic if they have a discount for paying in cash or if they can use a high-quality aftermarket part instead of an expensive original manufacturer unit.

  3. 03

    Use your card window

    If the shop takes credit cards, use your Discover it® Cash Back. It offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. This gives you that 15-month window to spread out the $800 cost without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Set up the math

    Divide your total bill by 15. For an $800 repair, that is $53.33 per month. Set up an automatic payment for that amount so the balance is cleared before your window ends.

  5. 05

    Clear the balance

    Treat this payment like a utility bill. If you miss a payment or let the window expire with a balance left, the interest will start stacking up immediately.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Can I drive with a bad fuel pump?

It is risky. A failing pump can cause the car to lose power on the highway or leave you stuck in the middle of an intersection.

Is the fuel pump worth replacing on an old car?

If the rest of your car is in good shape, $800 is much cheaper than a new car payment. If you have other major repairs piling up, it might be time to move on.

What happens if I don't pay the full balance in 15 months?

You will be charged interest on the remaining amount. Avoid this by setting your monthly payment to cover the total within the timeframe.

Should I buy the part myself?

Some shops allow it, but many refuse because they cannot offer a warranty on parts they didn't source. It is usually safer to let the shop provide the part so they are responsible if it fails.