How to Replace a Fuel Pump
The fuel delivery system is vital
to the car's engine performance.
The engine is designed to operate
on a specific fuel system pressure. To maintain constant pressure, the fuel pump
is located in the fuel tank or as close as possible to the tank. The electric fuel
pump is an efficient fuel system supply pump but it must be located very near to
the tank or in the fuel itself to operate correctly. Most in tank fuel pumps are
comprised of an electric motor coupled to a small internal vein style of pump fixture.
From this fixture the fuel is brought into the pump and pressurized. Then, the fuel
travels into a fuel line at the top of the tank.
Most in tank pumps have a pressure
relief valve that will allow the pump to bypass and allow the fuel to recirculation
inside the fuel tank. This is designed as a safety device in case the fuel line
becomes plugged or kinked. Some fuel pumps are designed with the fuel pressure regulator
built into the pump and helps keep the fuel system pressure adequate. When the fuel
pump relay is engaged it supplies electrical power to the pump. This fuel pump relay
is controlled by the PCM
or BCM and must see engine rotation and air entering the engine via the
mass air flow sensor
before the signal is giving to activate the fuel pump relay.
The fuel level sender is usually connected to the fuel pump tank unit and is
purchased as one unit. Which is good because the fuel level sender is prone to failure
and will cause your fuel level gauge to stop reading accurately? Anytime you must
replace a fuel pump it is a good idea to run the vehicle as far out of gas as possible,
of course if the car is not running that is tough to do. The idea is to relieve
the fuel from the tank to avoid excesses weight when handling the gas tank. To relieve
the fuel tank from fuel insert a fuel line or hose into the tank and start a siphon
to drain the tank. If you cannot insert hose or line far enough into the tank to
reach fuel there will be another chance to drain the fuel later on. To test a fuel
pump a fuel
system pressure test must be performed.
Once this test has confirmed the fuel
pump has failed it must be replaced. To access the fuel pump the fuel tank must
be removed in most cars. But, some car's have planned for this eventuality and have
design a service hatch either in the trunk or under the rear seat. When the fuel
pump fails in a truck there is the option to remove the bed to access the fuel pump
assembly. Needless to say fuel is very flammable so take precautions to avoid fires,
that means no smoking or pilot lights from a water heaters or clothes dryers. Always
have a first aid kit available for minor cuts, also have an eye wash station set
up incase fuel accidently enters the eyes.
Park your car on level ground with the engine off and the emergency brake on.
Always raise a car according to the manufacturers recommended instructions and secure
with jack stands. Also we will be dealing with gasoline so be sure to wear protective
clothing, eyewear and gloves.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete This Job
1. Gas siphon hose
2. Gas can(s)
3. Shop towels
4. Socket set with extensions
5. Wrench set
6. Deep well socket set
7. Torx head driver set
8. Screw driver set
9. Carburetor cleaner
10. Replacement fuel pump assembly
11. Fuel filter
12. Shop towels
Instructions
Step 1 - Start by locating the hood release to
open the hood you car, use a prop
rod to secure the hood if needed.
Step 2 - Remove the negative battery
cable from the battery to stop electrical power from the car. (Note: record
the radio pre-set station so you can reenter them when the job is complete).
Step 3 - The gas tank has a fuel fill hose and fixture that is connected from
the fill port to the gas tank. Either disconnect the hose from the tank or remove
the mounting nuts at the neck of the fill port, which ever is easiest. (Note: there
maybe fuel present when the hose is disconnected so be ready with a gas can to contain
it).
Step 4 - Next, remove any heat or mud shielding around the fuel tank to gain
access to fuel lines and the electrical connector located at the top or near the
fuel tank.
Step 5 - (Optional step) It sometimes aids in the removal of the fuel tank to
remove the driveshaft from the car. This step only applies if it hinders the removal
of the tank.
Step 6 - There are two to three fuel lines at the top of the gas tank along with
an electrical connector. If you can access these fuel lines and connector at this
time please remove the lines and connector from the tank. If these are not accessible
we will execute this step at a later time. (Note: some vehicles are equipped with
a quick disconnect fitting that requires at special release tool to operate the
fitting.
Step 7 - Support the fuel tank and undo the fuel tank mounting strap nuts. Remove
the nuts slowly and guide the tank out of the car. (Note: using blocks of wood and
a floor jack can aid in this step).
Step 8 - If the fuel lines or electrical connector was not accessible with the
tank fully mounted in the car, you should be able to reach the lines and connector
as the tank is coming out of the car. Stop the removal of the tank about half way
and complete the gas line and connector removal.
Step 9 - Once the tank is out of the car undo and remove the retainer ring from
the fuel tank that is located on top of the fuel pump assembly. This is done by
moving the ring counter clockwise.
Step 10 - Now remove the fuel pump assembly from the tank. Match the replacement
part with the original pump.
Step 11 - Inspect inside the fuel tank for dirt and debris and clean as needed.
Also clean the dirt from the mounting area of the tank were the O ring seal resides.
Step 12 - Using a new O ring seal provided with the pump reinstall the replacement
pump into the tank and reinstall the retainer ring.
Step 13 - Make sure all fuel line sealing O rings and electrical connector is
free from dirt before reassembly.
Step 14 - Reinstall fuel tank by reversing these instructions.
Step 15 - Reconnect the battery,
and refill the tank with fuel.
Best Practices
- Always replace the fuel system
fuel filter. When replacing
the pump debris can be dislodged and travel up the fuel line and into the filter.
- If a fuel pump is weak or you are replacing the pump for preventative measures
wait until the tank is low on gas before replacing the pump
- Always have a fire extinguisher available
- Check the fuel pump electrical connector for burns or heated spots and replace
if damaged. If a burned connector can cause the pump to intermittently fail.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer
specific instructions and information by clicking -
Auto Repair Manual
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