The internal combustion engine, combined with the other working parts of your vehicle, is a conglomeration of thousands of parts, all of which have to work properly so you can drive from Point A to Point B. It is slightly amazing that an engine works at all, let alone works properly for years.
Eventually, though, they all need work done on them, and that work can get expensive…or….you can do the work yourself and save a boatload of money. One such repair job most drivers can do is replace the fuel pump. No, it is not that difficult. All you need is some basic tools and a willingness to try.
Shall we?
If the fuel pump is failing, you will receive an irregular flow of fuel to your engine, and that means very rough idling and performance. Here’s what you should do.
We start by relieving the fuel pressure from the fuel system, and you can do that by removing the fuel pump fuse from the fuse panel located, usually, under the dashboard of your vehicle.
Start the engine and run it until it stalls from lack of fuel, and then reinstall the fuse and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Locate the fuel pump. If it is an in-tank fuel pump, then there will be an access door on the fuel tank. You will need to remove the seat and carpet to get to that door. If you have a fuel pump outside the tank, then follow the fuel lines from the tank to the fuel pump. Remove the pump and install a new one.
If you have an in-tank fuel pump and you don’t want to remove the seat to get to it, then disconnect the fuel tank by removing the straps that hold it to the car frame. You will need to support the fuel tank with a jack while you disconnect it.
Unplug the electrical connector and the fuel lines, and remove the fuel pump and replace.
Re-connect the negative battery cable and you are in business.
You just saved yourself a minimum of one hundred dollars by doing the labor yourself, and if you want to save more money, then buy the replacement fuel pump at your local salvage yard. There you will save up to 50% on the replacement parts needed for this job. When all is said and done, by doing the labor yourself and buying your parts at a salvage yard, you will save at least $250 on this job.