How to Replace a Fuel Pump

When a fuel pump goes out it can do so one of two ways either it can quit and stop working or it can fail intermittently causing the engine to stall or not start.

What goes wrong?

 A fuel pump is made as an electric motor attached to a fluid pump. As the motor brushes wear against the armature the motor will stop working which warrants replacement. Also the physical pump can wear causing weak fuel pressure which requires the same result.

What's the cost?

 Most fuel pump assemblies or modules as they are called will go for between $110.00 and $240.00 (US). You can find many OEM pumps for cost on Amazon or RockAuto. Labor for the job can greatly vary as the method changes per manufacturer, some will include a service port which reduces labor while others require a fuel tank removal. If you are unsure of method consult a labor or repair manual for more information.

Fuel Pump Replacement

• Disconnect the battery
• Drain fuel from tank
• Remove fuel lines and electrical connectors
• Loosen or remove the fuel tank filler neck
• Support tank with jack or wood
• Remove straps to remove fuel tank
• Undo fuel pump retainer ring
• Remove fuel pump and sender module

Let's get started

Since you will be working with fuel usual fire precautions are necessary. It's also a good idea to wear protective gloves and eyewear. Begin with the vehicle safety raised in the air enough to access the fuel tank if no service port is available, use jack stands for additional safety. Disconnect the battery.

Remove the gas cap and insert a hard plastic line into the filler neck or remove the filler neck from the fuel tank to draw the fuel out. Once the gas starts flowing keep the fuel container below the level of the tank and have additional containers ready. The video below shows a good method for removing fuel from the tank. Do not remove the tank unless empty or close to empty. A full gas tank is heavy and can cause injury.

Locate and remove gas tank filler neck mounting bolts or remove the filler tube from the tank. This will aid the fuel removal especially if you had problems accessing through the filler neck.

Located the electrical connector for the fuel pump and fuel level sender which will be in the same wiring harness. If access if difficult or you can't see them wait until the tank is lowered slightly to undo the connector. Inspect electrical connector for burns or heated spots and replace if damaged. A burned connector can cause a pump to fail intermittently.

Disconnect fuel line using a fuel line removal tool. Fuel will leak at this point so be ready with a fluid catch basin.

Here is a video that will show you how to undo the fuel line couplers.

There will be fuel vapor lines as part of the EVAP system these will need to be removed or disconnected.

Double check to make sure all visible hoses and electrical connectors are disconnected. Now the tank will need to be supported by a jack or blocks of wood. A fuel tank empty weighs between 20 to 30 pounds.

Locate and release tank holder supports, there are two in most cases. Remove the mounting bolts at this point the tank will become loose but may not come out.

Lower the tank and release top mounted fuel lines or electrical connectors if any. Continue to remove the tank.

Remove the tank, this will expose the fuel pump retainer ring. Use an aerosol cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the area. This will keep the inside of the fuel tank clean when performing the repair.

Remove fuel pump mounting bolts or retainer ring to access the fuel pump module and remove the unit. Use a hammer and punch to remove the ring counterclockwise.

Remove the fuel pump which will be attached to the mounting plate or positioned down inside the tank held by plastic retainer clips.

Here is a typical fuel pump removed from the fuel tank.

Before installing the new fuel pump use a flashlight to inspect the fuel inside the tank and for excessive contaminates. It's normal to have some dirt and foreign objects but excess partials or bad/rotten fuel will cause the new pump to go out.

Match the old pump to the new unit, sometimes they can look a little different as updates are rolled. Install the gas level float arm and a new primary fuel filter (strainer on pump).

Clean mounting and seal surfaces using a shop towel and carburetor cleaner, this will ensure a proper seal.

Install the new O ring gasket/seal before installing the new pump assembly.

Gently lower the replacement pump into the fuel tank taking note on fuel level sender orientation and reinstall the mounting ring or bolts, (fuel pump mounting bolts use a star pattern @ factory tightness). It makes a difference the quality of fuel pump and there are many to choose from, we recommend OEM (factory) pumps.

Complete the job by reinstalling the tank and reversing the order of the steps above. Add fuel before turning the key on so the pump does not start dry. If the car has a secondary fuel filter it should be changes as well. To help the pump last its a good idea to replace the fuel pump control relay.

Watch the videos!

Ford Focus

Ford Mustang

Toyota Tacoma

Questions?

Our certified technicians are ready to answer fuel pump replacement questions for free. We hope you saved money and learned from this guide. We are creating a full set of car repair guides. Please subscribe to our 2CarPros YouTube channel and check back often for new videos which are uploaded regularly.