Replacing the fuel pump in a 1999 Acura is a complex task that requires a good understanding of car mechanics. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, so the first step is to remove the tank. This can be done by relieving the fuel pressure, jacking up the vehicle, removing the drain bolt and draining the fuel, and then disconnecting the hoses and power connectors. Once the tank is removed, the fuel pump can be accessed and replaced. It is important to note that working with fuel systems can be dangerous, so it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions. Additionally, it may be helpful to refer to a repair manual specific to the Acura model when attempting this repair.
What You'll Learn
The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank
The fuel tank may need to be lowered to provide better access to the fuel pump. This can be a challenging task if you do not have a lift or support for the tank.
The fuel pump is generally mounted inside the fuel tank. This is because a pump located inside the tank, submerged in cool liquid, and at a distance from the hot engine, is less likely to start a fire.
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You may need to remove the rear seat cushion to access the pump
To access the fuel pump, you may need to remove the rear seat cushion. This will allow you to see an access point to the pump. However, the hole in the floor might be too small to work with, so you may need to cut away at the floor to give yourself enough room to remove the fuel pump. If you do cut out the floor, be very careful of the wiring harness and the fuel lines.
To remove the rear seat cushion, first, remove the spare tire cover. You will find the fuel pump access panel right behind the centre of the rear seat. There is a plastic pin in the carpet at the back seat; simply pry it out, and the whole carpet will come out as one piece.
Once you have removed the rear seat cushion, you will need to disconnect the hoses and power connectors from the tank/pump/sender unit. You may also need to remove the fuel tank cover and the fill pipe protector.
After you have finished working on the fuel pump, simply reverse the steps to put everything back together.
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Depower the fuel system by loosening the fuel pulsation dampener
To depower the fuel system of a 1999 Acura, you must loosen the fuel pulsation dampener. This is a critical step before removing the fuel pump, as it relieves the pressure in the fuel system.
The fuel pulsation dampener is located in the trunk, behind a panel under the spare tire. To access it, you will need to remove the trunk spare tire cover. Once you locate the fuel pulsation dampener, you will see points A and B. Point A is where you will need to place a wrench, and point B is where you will place a rag to catch any leaking fuel and prevent it from spilling onto the engine.
Now, slowly turn the wrench one full circle to loosen the fuel pulsation dampener. This will depower the fuel system and allow you to proceed with replacing the fuel pump. It is important to perform this step with caution and ensure that you have a rag or cloth ready to catch any leaking fuel.
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Remove the fuel tank cover and disconnect the hoses
To remove the fuel tank cover and disconnect the hoses of your 1999 Acura, follow these steps:
First, relieve the fuel pressure. Jack up the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Remove the drain bolt and drain the fuel into an approved container.
Next, remove the fuel pipe cover and fuel hose protector. Place a jack or other support under the tank. Disconnect the hoses from the fill pipe, pump, and fuel tank. Be careful when disconnecting the hoses: slide back the clamps, then twist the hoses as you pull to avoid damaging them. Clean the flared joint of high-pressure hoses before reconnecting them.
Finally, remove the fuel tank cover.
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Remove the fuel tank
To remove the fuel tank of a 1999 Acura, follow these steps:
Relieve the fuel pressure
Use a wrench to slowly loosen the fuel pulsation dampener. Turn it one full circle. Place a rag around the dampener to prevent any gas leaks.
Jack up the vehicle
Use a jack to raise the car and support it with jack stands.
Remove the drain bolt and drain the fuel
Place a container under the bolt to collect the drained fuel.
Remove the fuel pipe cover and fuel hose protector
Take off the cover and protector to access the fuel tank.
Disconnect the hoses
- Slide back the clamps
- Twist the hoses as you pull to avoid damage
- Clean the flared joint of high-pressure hoses before reconnecting
Place a jack or support under the tank
This will help to stabilise the tank as you remove it.
Remove the strap nuts and let the straps fall free
Gently lower the tank by releasing the straps.
Disconnect the power connectors
Unplug the power connectors and any fuel/vent lines from the tank/pump/sender unit.
Remove the fuel tank
The tank may be stuck to the undercoat on its mount. Carefully pry it off.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank.
You will need to remove the rear seat cushion to access the fuel pump. You may also need to cut away at the floor to give yourself enough room to remove the pump.
You will need a wrench, a jack, jack stands, a hammer, and a screwdriver.
Some warning signs of a bad fuel pump include the engine choking or struggling to maintain speed, noises, backfires and a sputtering engine, hesitation at start or take-off, and the engine overheating.
The average national cost for a fuel pump replacement across all vehicles is roughly between $611 and $894 (including parts and labor).