If you read our article titled “Fuel System Diagnosis” then you have come to the conclusion that you need to replace your fuel pump(F.P). Replacing the F.P yourself can save you a lot of money as replacement can get quite expensive. Some vehicles allow access to the F.P from inside the passenger compartment while others require removing the whole tank, which is more difficult but still manageable.
To complete this job you’ll need a basic set of tools including, but not limited to a jack, jack stands, ratchet, sockets, Philips head screwdriver, and flat head screwdriver. There are two sections to this article, the first is for in-vehicle access to the fuel pump and the second is for out of vehicle access. Let’s get started!
In-Vehicle access to F.P (accessible in cabin area):
How do I know if my vehicle has in cabin access?
Generally speaking, most sedans and coupes have in cabin access while most SUV’s and trucks require complete removal of the fuel tank.
1. Remove rear seat. Every vehicle will require a different set of procedures to accomplish this task. Some seats have tabs that you can pull on to unlock the seat and remove, while others require that you use a ratchet with a long extension to go through the groove of the seat and remove 2 bolts holding the seat to the body. To find the two bolts simply slide your hand through the groove of the seat and slide it back and forth until you feel the two bolts holding the seat.
2. Once you have the seat removed you will see a square cover directly in the middle of where the seat was. There are 4 screws holding this coveron; remove them.
3. Now you can see the F.P assembly with the lines and electrical connectors connected. Remove the electrical connectors first and crank the vehicle 2-3 times for approximately 5 seconds. What this does is relieve fuel system pressure so that it doesn’t splash all over the place.
4. Disconnect fuel lines.
5. Remove screws holding fuel pump assembly in place.
6. Remove the F.P and immediately place in a bucket (inside the vehicle so fuel doesn’t drip on the interior carpeting).
7. Remove F.P from F.P assembly and replace with the new one.
8. Place the F.P assembly back in the F.P and tighten all screws or bolts holding it down. Re-connect electrical connectors and fuel lines.
9. Install F.P cover. Install seat.
10. Done!
Out of vehicle access to fuel pump (tank must be removed):
1. Jack the vehicle and place on jack stands and disconnect the fuel filler from the fuel tank.
2. Drain the tank by removing the drain plug. If your tank has no drain plug then remove one of the lines and drain into a drain bucket.
3. Remove all lines to and from tank.
4. Place a jack underneath fuel tank and jack up to tank but do not put any pressure on the tank.
5. Remove the metal straps holding the tank to the vehicle body.
6. Slowly lower the jack ensuring that all lines are disconnected. Place tank in a suitable area to work.
7. Remove the screws or bolts holding the F.P assembly to the fuel tank. Take the fuel pump assembly out of the fuel tank.
8. Replace F.P with new pump. Re-install fuel pump assembly and tighten.
9. Put the fuel tank back on the jack and jack the tank up and install the metal straps that hold the tank in place.
10. Re-connect all fuel lines. Lower vehicle.
11. Done!
Warnings/Tips: The fuel system is under a lot of pressure. Most vehicles are only rated at about 50psi but some newer vehicles have direct injections, which has pressures upwards of 2000psi. Be sure to relieve fuel system pressure before working on the fuel system to avoid injury. Wear proper attire and safety glasses.