How to Remove the Fuel Pump From a 98 Chevy Lumina

The fuel pump in your 1998 Chevy Lumina is mounted in the fuel tank and supplies high pressure fuel to the fuel injectors. The fuel pump must supply the proper amount of fuel at the right pressure in order for the engine to perform to its design parameters. If the pump fails either electrically or mechanically, the fuel pump must be replaced to restore proper fuel system function. The home mechanic can usually complete this project in an afternoon.

Instructions

1

Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position. Disconnect the negative battery cable using an 8 mm wrench. Pull up on the plastic cover that is snapped onto the fuel rails until it unsnaps from the fuel rails. Remove the cover and place a shop rag under the fuel rail, near the front of the engine compartment.

2

Relieve the fuel pressure by depressing the valve in the fuel pressure test port, located on the end of the front fuel rail. In the 3.1-liter engine, the port is on the passenger-side of the front fuel rail. In the 3.8-liter engine, it is on the driver-side of the front fuel rail, near the fuel pressure regulator.

3

Secure the front wheels of the Lumina by wedging wheel chocks against the front tires. Position the floor jack under the right rear jacking point, located a few inches in front of the rear wheel opening. Lift the car, using the jack, until there is sufficient room under the car to work safely. Slide a jack stand under the lifting point and lower the car onto the stand. Repeat the step for the left rear jacking point.

4

Loosen the hose clamps that secure the fuel filler hose and the vapor hose to the neck of the fuel tank, using a screwdriver. Slide a screwdriver between the hoses and the tank neck to separate the hose from the fuel tank, then slide the hoses off the tank.

5

Disconnect the two fuel lines and one evaporative emission line from the fuel pump lines, located at the front of the tank. Squeeze the white locking tabs on the quick-disconnect fittings and pull the lines apart at the fitting to disconnect the lines.

6

Lower the exhaust slightly by disconnecting the two rubber hangers that connect the exhaust to the frame of the car. Slip a pry bar between the hanger and the frame and pry the hanger off the pin it is snapped over to disconnect the exhaust hanger.

7

Roll the floor jack under the fuel tank and slide a wood block between the tank and he jack. Raise the tank slightly to support the weight of the tank and remove the four 15 mm tank strap bolts that attach the tank to the frame of the car. Remove the straps. Lower the floor jack a few inches and unplug the fuel pump's electrical connector, located on top of the tank. Lower the floor jack completely and slide the tank from under the car.

8

Remove the fuel pump by rotating the locking ring that attaches it to the top of the fuel tank. Use a punch and hammer to rotate the ring counterclockwise, until the ring unsnaps from the tank. Lift the fuel pump assembly from the fuel tank. Install the new fuel pump O-ring seal on top of the tank and lower the new fuel pump assembly into the tank. Position the locking ring and rotate it until it snaps into the small detents on the tank flange.

9

Slide the tank under the Lumina and lift it into position, using the floor jack. Reconnect the electrical connector to the new pump and reinstall the tank straps. Torque the tank strap bolts to 35 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench. Reconnect the fuel lines by pushing the quick-disconnect fitting onto the line until it snaps into place. Reconnect the fuel filler and vent hoses to the tank and tighten the hose clamps.

10

Reconnect the negative battery cable and turn the ignition on and off several times to prime the fuel system. Start the engine and check for leaks before lowering the car from the jack stands.