Hi, First off I have a 2000 GMC sonoma 4X4 (Highrider) SLS model with Automatic trans and 4.3 V6. The truck only has 55k original miles and I'm just now starting to hear a whining noise coming from the fuel pump. ( I know its the fuel pump because when you turn off the engine you will continue to hear the pump being shut down) I notice it more when the weather is warm outside and it seems to be louder when the fuel tank nears 1/4 to 1/8 of tank left. The truck runs perfect with no warning lights lite up in gauge cluster. I'm wanting to know is the noise coming from the fuel pump a sign of it starting to go bad? I sure dont want to get stuck somewhere with it quiting on me...should I be concerned here? Thanks for any help guys, appreciated

Mark

Have you checked the fuel filter?
Remember a plugged fuel filer will overwork a fuel pump.
How is the fuel pressure ?
Is it up to par?
Always keep a 1/4 tank or more of fuel in the tank if you want your fuel pump to have a long life.

The change in noise level may or may not be an indication of a failing fuel pump. If the vehicle is allowed to run out of fuel, the longevity of the fuel pump will decrease. I have seen pumps last as long as 250,000 miles, and as short as 15,000. In most cases, they last around 100,000 miles. If/when the pump fails, the "Service Engine Soon" light will not illuminate.

Have you checked the fuel filter?
Remember a plugged fuel filer will overwork a fuel pump.
How is the fuel pressure ?
Is it up to par?
Always keep a 1/4 tank or more of fuel in the tank if you want your fuel pump to have a long life.

Thanks for the reply. I did have the filter changed a while back, maybe year or two ago. I dont have a fuel pressure gauge to check that, maybe i should take it to my nearby shop and have it looked at.
I didnt realize that about keeping 1/4 tank of gas, I'll have to remember that, thanks!

The change in noise level may or may not be an indication of a failing fuel pump. If the vehicle is allowed to run out of fuel, the longevity of the fuel pump will decrease. I have seen pumps last as long as 250,000 miles, and as short as 15,000. In most cases, they last around 100,000 miles. If/when the pump fails, the "Service Engine Soon" light will not illuminate.

Now you have me wondering..I dont think I hear the noise that much with the tank above 1/2, I'm gonna have to pay more attention to that. So when the tank goes under lets say 1/4 full your saying the pump has to work harder to get the fuel out, is this the case?

No, not the case. A restricted fuel filter will put undue stress on the fuel pump.