1997 Chevy Tahoe Fuel Pump

Tiny
SCOTT100
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
I need to replace the fuel pump on my 97 Tahoe 4-door. I have been told that you can purchase & replace just the pump without having to purchase the whole module (pump & sending unit) Then again I've been told you have to purchase the whole module if its a 4-door model. Which is correct?
Sunday, July 4th, 2010 AT 8:49 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
If you don't want to do this job again in few months -- you should replace the entire module. Also, replace with A/C Delco or Delfi module ONLY. Any other brand will fail. Be sure to replace the electrical connector that plugs into the module from the chassy wire harness - and - disconnect and clean up the fuel pump ground connection. This connection corrodes and probably caused your fuel pump to fail. It is located just before the fuel tank and connects to the frame cross member. It is the black wire that breaks out of the wire harness. This connection is the cause of many issues with fuel pumps. When it corrodes it causes an overload in the circuit and makes the fuel pump work harder than it should.
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Sunday, July 4th, 2010 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
SCOTT100
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the advice, although it did not answer my question. This will be the second fuel pump, the first time the complete module was replaced by the the dealer. That was done abut three years ago under warranty, and it is a AC Delco. Can you answer my question?
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Sunday, July 4th, 2010 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
What you have been told is correct -- both sides of your question. You can just replace the pump itself - or - you can replace the entire module. Replacing the entire module is usually the way to go (as I mentioned in my first post) for various reasons, but you did not mention that this was the second fuel pump in three years. Being that the fuel pump installed 3 years ago was an A/C Delco pump and module, there is probably some other reason for the fuel pump failure. As long as the gas gauge is working properly, it is not necessary to change the entire module. However, be aware that taking apart the module to change the fuel pump is a very delicate task.
If I may ask, Why do you need to replace the fuel pump? Is the fuel pump dead? If so, did you check for voltage at the pump? And (if there is voltage), did you do a voltage drop test on both sides of the fuel pump circuit? And, was the chassy harness electrical connector changed 3 years ago at the dealer (as the fuel pump replacement procedure set by GM) calls for? If you are not doing the work, these are some questions to ask the person doing the work. The voltage drop test is very important to perform, as it will tell you if there is excessive resistance in the circuit - which will cause premature fuel pump failure.
Sorry your question has two correct answers.
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Monday, July 5th, 2010 AT 1:22 AM

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