How to Replace an Electric Fuel Pump
You've performed all of this troubleshooting and determined you need to replace your fuel pump. Don't worry. This isn't too tough of a job, even at its worst.
Before you begin you should disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid a fuel fire from a stray spark.
If the fuel pump is located outside of the tank it is quite a simple job to replace it. All you will need to do is disconnect the fuel lines leading to the pump, being careful to catch or clean up any spilled fuel. Disconnect the electrical wires and the hardware holding the pump in place. Remove the old fuel pump and install the new one by reversing the removal steps. It's that easy.
If the fuel pump is in the tank your job becomes more difficult. Some vehicles do provide access to the fuel pump without removing the tank, in which case it's almost as easy as changing an external fuel pump. But most vehicles will require you to remove the fuel tank. This is another place where a service manual for your specific vehicle will come in handy.
Hopefully this has happened when the fuel tank is nearly empty, but, of course, we can't plan these things. To get to the fuel tank you will need to lift the car on jackstands. Never work on a car supported only by a jack. Block the wheels opposite where the fuel tank is located, usually the front of the vehicle since the tank is usually in the back. If the fuel tank has a drain plug you should drain the fuel from the tank into a suitable container, especially if it is quite full.
Next you will need to drop the tank from underneath the vehicle. Usually two metal straps that hold it in place support the tank. Support the tank on a jack or other appropriate support and loosen the bolts holding those straps. Once the bolts are removed the straps should fall away. Then you lower the tank. You may have to pry the tank from the body as it is not uncommon for the tank to stick to undercoatings or other materials. Once the tank is down, replacement of the fuel pump is much the same as any other. Disconnect the fuel lines and wires, remove the nuts or bolts holding the pump in place and lift the pump out of the tank.
Reinstall the new pump in reverse of the steps for removal. Since in tank fuel pumps often have a bend in the lines inside the tank be sure that the new pump goes in the same way the old one came out. Once all of the lines and wires are reconnected, lift the tank into place and reattach the straps.
If everything has gone right and you've done your troubleshooting properly your problems should be solved.
Related Articles
- How to Calculate your Cars Fuel Consumption
- Bmw Embraces Electric Cars with an i Series of Vehicles Begining with the I3
- Why Nascar should go Green with Electric Cars - Yes
- British Company Breaks the Electric Land Speed Record
- How Electric Vehicles are Changing the Standard for 21st Century Automobiles
