Replacing a fuel pump is a mechanical and precise job that can be done correctly by using the appropriate equipment. It is part of the fuel system in a car, meaning if you have a bad pump your engine will stall out, idle badly and won’t be able to start. Typically, most fuel pumps should last you anywhere from 100k to 150k miles however this can vary depending on your driving habits/conditions and perhaps the quality/type of gasoline that may be being put through it.
If you are going to replace a fuel pump the first step is safe. To avoid any short circuits of automotive electrical systems — remember, the explosive combustible fuel travels under pressure… it is better to disassemble positive terminal on your vehicle’s battery. The fuel pumps usually run at 35 to 65 PSI and its necessary that the system is depressurized by cranking until it does not start after removing the fuel pump fuse.
After the fuel system is de-pressurized, find and remove he access panel for the fuelpump which in most cases would be mounted through a hole on top ofthe gas tank. The pump typically resides in the fuel tank of most vehicles and must be replaced by dropping the gas tank, although some models provide access underneath a back seat or similar. To take out the tank, one must unbolt the straps and lower it with a jack since they can weigh more than 30 or even pounds when empty (consider how much heavier that is perhaps) as well as also to allow for built-in flow.
Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connectors from the pump after you have lowered the tank. Be careful as, residual fuel may spill out from these lines when they are disconnected. Make sure to have a container ready. The pump generally secured by a locking ring or screws that need to be removed carefully. Reinstalling the new pump involves following these steps in reverse, making sure all connections are securely sealed to avoid fuel leaks that could be dangerous.
It is very important to choose the right specifications for a new pump. For this reason, if your engine needs 50 PSI to run properly and you install a pump rated for lower pressure than that, then it is not going to perform up-to-par. Fuel pump prices can run anywhere from $100 to at least over $500, based on your car’s make and model. This comes with a pricetag; OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) pumps are more expensive but they tend to be less problematic.
Reinstall the fuel tube lines, connectors and reattach the fuel tank after you have added your new pump. Battery back in, now turn key to the on position without starting for a couple secs. It helps the fuel pump prime up. After priming the system, start vehicle and check for leaks or excessive noise.
Fuel pumps have been a target for multiple recent high-profile recalls, notably Toyota’s 2020 recall of 5.8 million vehicles over bad fuel pumps. A malfunction of the pump is dangerous and can cause an engine stop, so you have to choose one that has a quality level.
Check out Fuel Pump to learn more about quality replacements and see how you can get the correct fuel pump for your vehicle.