How to Fix a Gas Pump

The gas pump on your car serves two purposes. It keeps the fuel flowing to the engine and it keeps pressure in the gas tank. You can change the gas pump in your car if you have basic working knowledge of automobiles and have the physical dexterity to do the job. If you have the slightest doubt in your ability to fix the gas pump, let a professional do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gas pump
• Fire extinguisher
• Safety gear
• Jack stands
• Fuel line
• Wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Container to catch the fuel

1. Purchase the proper gas pump for your car. Assemble the tools you need for the repair. Open the windows or door of your workspace to allow for adequate ventilation.

2. Relieve pressure in the fuel system. Locate the gas pump fuse. Start the engine of your car. Quickly pull the fuse. This should release the fuel pressure as well as kill your engine. Also disconnect the negative post of the car's battery at this time to prevent any sparks.

3. Locate the gas pump. Crawl under the car or put it up on jack stands. The pump is either under the car or inside the gas tank. If it's the latter you can access it through the cabin or trunk of the car.

4. Disconnect the gas pump. Depending on the location of the pump, there are either one or two connections. Be sure to have a container to catch gasoline available.

5. Mark the electrical wires as positive and ground to make it easier to reconnect them. Memorize the way the entire setup looks so you can easily put it back together again. Unwire the fuel pump to finish removing it from the car.

6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 in reverse order to install the gas pump. Be sure to connect all the wires properly and that all connections are tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Working with gasoline can be dangerous. Proceed with extreme caution.