Fuel Pump Replacement: A DIY Guide

Fuel pump replacement is very important. If the engine does not have a functioning fuel pump, it will immediately “starve” and stop running. When fuel pumps are not replaced properly, the whole system is damaged. Although it might sound difficult, fuel pump replacement is easy. Depending on the kind of fuel pump, a few set of instructions should help. Anyone can easily install a new fuel pump through these series of steps.

Step 1 - Safety

Safety is always a top priority when replacing fuel pumps. Replacing fuel pumps is ideally done in an open area. The area needs to be well-ventilated. Since safety is a priority, the fire extinguisher should be within reach.

Step 2 - Fuel Pressure

Electric fuel pump emits high fuel pressure in order to supply electronic fuel injection to the system. The fuel is extremely pressurized to produce power. When replacing fuel pump, it is important to know that even as the engine is turned off, the pressure does not easily go away. Before removing the fuel pump, the fuel pressure should be removed. The following steps will help remove the fuel pressure:

Turn the engine off and locate the fuel pump fuse, then pull the fuse out and restart engine to relieve the engine’s pressure. When engine stops the fuel pressure should be relived.

Step 3 - Negative Terminal

Before taking out the whole fuel pump system, is it important to disconnect the negative terminal to the battery of the engine. Simply removing the pump system from the fuel engine can produce sparks. These sparks may easily cause a fire which could cause great harm to the individual and the vehicle.

Step 4 - Removing the Fuel Pump

There are two kinds of electric fuel pumps. The first type is placed inside the gas tank while the other is placed beneath the car. Fuel pumps located under the car are held by several bolts. Sliding under the car should help locate the pump. Jack up car and support it with jack stands. Once the pump is located unbolt it and then pull it slowly. Make sure that every component is unbolted.

Fuel pumps inside the fuel tank are removed inside the car. A person can usually access fuel pumps inside the tank either under the carpet or beneath the back seat. In some cases, there is also an access point inside the trunk. Just like in the fuel pumps under the car, everything has to be unbolted before the fuel pump can be removed.

Before you disconnect the fuel lines, make sure you have someone else ready to block them so gas doesn't leak out.

Once you replace the fuel pump and connect fuel lines again, bolt the pump in place, replace fuel pump fuse, and start the engine to see if the installation is a success and there are no leaks.