Warning Signs the Auxiliary Water Pump is Failing
- Your car's air conditioning blows warm air when it should be cold.
- The engine temperature gauge rises higher than normal, especially when idling.
- You hear a whining or buzzing noise coming from the engine area.
- You notice coolant leaks near the auxiliary water pump.
- The check engine light comes on.
How to Test if This Part is the Problem vs Other Components
- Check for power: Use a multimeter to see if the auxiliary water pump is receiving power when the AC is turned on. If there's no power, the problem might be a fuse, relay, or wiring issue.
- Listen for operation: With the engine running and the AC on, listen closely to the pump. If it's working, you should hear a faint humming or whirring sound. If you don't hear anything, the pump may be dead.
- Feel for vibration: Carefully touch the pump (when safe to do so) to feel for vibration. A working pump will usually vibrate slightly.
- Inspect for leaks: Look for signs of coolant leakage around the pump housing and connections.
Common Failure Causes for This Part
- Age and wear: Over time, the pump's internal components can wear out.
- Coolant contamination: Dirty or corrosive coolant can damage the pump's seals and impeller.
- Electrical issues: Problems with the wiring or electrical connections can cause the pump to fail.
- Overheating: Repeated overheating can stress the pump and shorten its lifespan.