Problems replacing fuel pump

Tiny
COOLPAPAPETE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
I'm having issues replacing the fuel pump on a 1999 Ford Contour (2.5L V6 - 110,000 mi - 1999 - built Feb 99 as that made a diff in what fuel pump I needed). I've got the rear seat flipped up, got the retaining ring off, and I've disconnected the electrical & the two lines. However when I try to pull the whole assembly out, it won't come out as it seems it's too big to come out of the access hole. The access hole is approx 5" diameter, however the whole apparatus is approx 6". Am I just stupid, or do I have to drop the fuel tank to complete the work?
Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 4:36 PM

38 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hello,

This here is a guide and a video that will show you how to get the job done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

and

https://youtu.be/Boi0DPXVHbM

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Have you checked to make sure you have spark at the plugs? Check out the link below for more info...

https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/car_cranks_but_wont_start.htm

.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KILKRZY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 106000 miles

I got a bad tank of Gas and my fuel pump is only working at 20psi ( Going to see if the strainer sock is clogged vs actual weak pump) but if my pump needs replaced this will be my second Fuel Pump for the vehicle in under 4 years. Question is this:
There is an Assembly fuel pump that runs around $400-500 dollars. The last time I was told I needed to buy the assembly which included the float, strainer, etc (Had to do with my vehicle number) but why can I not just buy the pump and replace the pump on the assembly? Is there anything restricting me from doing this, or is there a form-factor issue? $500 vs $100 is a huge difference especially if it will fail every time a bad load of gas is delivered.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I only see pump replacement as a unit for Contour, but these pumps normal burn out quick if you drive with under 1/4 of a tank. Heat is the problem, gas cools the pump, and if enough is kept in the tank, it will last longer.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHARLES DENK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 12,000 MILES
Electrical problem
1998 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 120, 00 miles

want to know how to change fuel pump
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
FUEL PUMP
Removal
Release fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE. Remove rear seat cushion. Remove plastic grommet from floor pan. Disconnect fuel pump module connector.
Clean area to prevent contamination in fuel tank. Disconnect fuel lines from fuel pump module by squeezing tabs on fuel line together and carefully pulling fuel lines from fuel pump module.
Using Fuel Tank Sender Wrench (D84P-9275-A), turn retainer ring counterclockwise and remove retainer ring. Remove fuel pump module. Cover fuel tank opening.
Installation
Ensure fuel pump and mounting surface is clean. Lubricate NEW "O" ring with suitable grease. Carefully install fuel pump module into fuel tank. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Pressurize fuel system and check for leaks.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHARLES DENK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How do u release fuel pressure and repressurize fuel pump
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
The system will re-pressurize by cycling key on/off a few times after new pump fitted.

FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
Remove fuel cap to release fuel tank pressure. Remove relief valve service port cap. Relief valve service port is located on fuel supply manifold. Using Fuel Pressure Gauge (T80L-9974-B), release fuel pressure from relief valve (Schrader valve).
If fuel pressure gauge is not available, disconnect electrical connector to IFS switch. For IFS switch location, see INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH LOCATION table under INERTIA FUEL SHUTOFF (IFS) SWITCH. Crank engine for 15 seconds to reduce system pressure.

Inertia Fuel Shut-Off (IFS) Switch. Behind left kick panel.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DIANE W CHAVEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 FORD CONTOUR
Replaced fuel pump gas filter changed spark plugs and wires but u can smell gas and still has no power. Runs okay for awhile then starts to bog down. Car is a 97 ford contour 4-cylinder. I took ignition coil from 2000 contour to see if that might help and put in 1997 contour it fit and gave it some power but still needs more.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
What can you smell?
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DIANE W CHAVEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
U can smell gas after it bogs down and the smell is very strong
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TIMOTHY SCHACHEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
1998 Ford Contour 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 125000 miles

125,000
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Removal
Tips Click a link to view tip
J PlaterQuestion: sending unit removal

Release fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE. Remove rear seat cushion. Remove plastic grommet from floor pan. Disconnect fuel pump module connector.
Clean area to prevent contamination in fuel tank. Disconnect fuel lines from fuel pump module by squeezing tabs on fuel line together and carefully pulling fuel lines from fuel pump module.
Using Fuel Tank Sender Wrench (D84P-9275-A), turn retainer ring counterclockwise and remove retainer ring. Remove fuel pump module. Cover fuel tank opening.
Installation
Ensure fuel pump and mounting surface is clean. Lubricate NEW "O" ring with suitable grease. Carefully install fuel pump module into fuel tank. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Pressurize fuel system and check for leaks.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOSHUANEAL16
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD CONTOUR
  • 83,000 MILES
My 2000 ford contour se 2.0 died on the highway and would not start I changed the fuel pump because it was not getting fuel, and the fuel pump is still not kicking on. I checked the wireing and its fine. Im so stumped on what it could be.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Check the fuel pump relay to see if it is working properly. There should be power out to the pump.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOSH71X
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 FORD CONTOUR
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Ford Contour 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 150000 miles

I have a 1996 ford contour and it had a hose on it that was leaking water. My brother drove it and it got hot and shut off on him. We replaced that hose (knew this wouldn't fix it the damage was further done then that) but then it wouldn't start. I took it to a local mechanic and he said that my fuel pump was out? So I replaced the fuel pump, and no luck. The car turns over fine and everything but it just won't start. I don't think it cracked a head or warped the cylinders in it though.
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check if you're getting spark and the correct fuel pressure
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BEARPILK69
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I ran out of gas put some in startted really rough a couple of times now it wont start at all even after I changed the fule pump an filter in 1998 ford countour 4cl
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Have you checked to make sure you have good fuel pressure to the fuel rail? Also, has the check engine light come on indicating a cylender misfire?
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RJMSR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 69,000 MILES
Engine Performance problem
1998 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 69000 miles

CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING. HAD NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. WAS TOLD IT NEEDED CAT. HAD THAT DONE ALSO. NOW CAR WILL ONLY START AND RUN IN SHORT SPIRTS AND HAS STRONG FUEL SMELL AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF TAILPIPE?
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)

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