| Fixing/upgrading your fuel pump is actually quite easy. To prepare for this,
get your fuel level low (ie less than a 1/4 tank) This way the pump won't be
submerged in fuel when you work on it. Also, buy yourself a new o-ring seal
for the tank access cover. Getting a new fuel strainer (if it doesn't
come with the pump) would also be a good idea.
Release the fuel pressure in the system by pulling fuse #32 and try to start
the car. The car may start, but it will soon die from lack of fuel. Crank it a
few more times to ensure minimal fuel in the fuel system hoses.
As an additional safety precaution, disconnect the battery. You will be
working near electrical wires.
By all means, wear chemical proof gloves! Not only is it a health risk but
your hands will stink of gasoline. Make sure there are no sources of
sparks/fire/heat in the vicinity of the work area. Your nearly empty gas tank
now has a lot of space for fumes that can ignite.
Mercifully, Nissan blessed us by allowing us to access the pump via the back
seat. (Some cars need their fuel tanks lowered.)
To pull the back seat, look for two plastic tabs tucked at the front part of
the seat. These tabs are connected to latches that snap out if you pull them.
Remove the back seat.
You will then see the cover plate that covers the fuel tank access cover. The
plate is held with three screws that you must now remove.
Next, you'll see fuel tank access cover. You'll notice two connectors and two
hoses. Note which goes where and disconnect each. Have some rags handy to get
any fuel that squirts out.
Unscrew the bolts holding down the access cover and carefully lift it up. Be
careful because the fuel tank level indicator is connected to the other side of
that cover. You'll also find the power wires for the fuel pump and the hose are
connected to the other side of the cover. Disconnect them so you can lift the
access cover assembly out.
You'll now see the fuel pump, which is held securely by a plastic bracket.
The top part of the bracket is removable. Remove it to free the pump. Rotate the
pump to pull out the fuel strainer as well with the pump.
Remove the wires/hoses from the old pump and put on the new. Attach the new
fuel strainer.
Reattach everything back in reverse order. Make sure to use the new o-ring
for the fuel tank access cover.
When you get to the point where you will be putting back the cover plate
under the back seat, clean up any fuel spills and restart the car to check for
leaks. If all is goodness, tighten down the cover plate and reattach the back
seat.
-vbxmaxima |
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