Replacing Fuel Pump In 08 Eclipse: Step-By-Step Guide

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car that was in production between 1989 and 2011. Replacing the fuel pump in a Mitsubishi Eclipse is a complex process that requires specific tools and expertise. The procedure involves relieving the fuel system pressure, disconnecting the negative battery cable, removing the rear seat cushion, and accessing the fuel pump assembly. It is crucial to ensure proper ventilation and take precautions to avoid spills and accidents when working with fuel. The specific steps may vary depending on the make, model, and engine size of the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Check fuses, relays, and fuel before inspecting the fuel pump

Before inspecting the fuel pump in your Mitsubishi Eclipse, there are a few preliminary checks you should carry out to identify and hopefully solve any issues with your fuel system. These include checking the fuses, relays, and fuel level.

Checking the Fuses

First, you need to check the fuses. Fuses are safety devices that protect your car's electrical system from overload. They are designed to fail and break the circuit if too much current is passing through them. This stops excessive current from reaching and potentially damaging other components. You can test your car fuses with a multimeter, or by inspecting them for damage.

Checking the Relays

Relays are switches that use a small amount of power to control a larger amount of power. They are often used to control high-power devices, such as fuel pumps. To check a relay, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity, or swap it with a known working relay to see if that solves the problem.

Checking the Fuel Level

It is important to ensure that your vehicle has fuel before inspecting the fuel pump. This may seem obvious, but it is an easy issue to overlook. Check your fuel gauge to ensure that there is fuel in the tank. If your vehicle is still having difficulty getting fuel, you may need to clean or replace the fuel pump.

By carrying out these preliminary checks, you can narrow down the potential causes of any issues with your fuel system and hopefully avoid the more difficult task of inspecting the fuel pump.

Prepare your vehicle for servicing

Before you begin, ensure your gas tank is below a quarter of a tank. This is important as you will otherwise have a very difficult time getting the entire fuel tank assembly back in. Next, relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench. Take out the rear seat cushion by pulling the seat stopper out and lifting the lower cushion up. You can now access the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Disconnect the fuel lines and unplug the fuel pump's electrical harness. If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, you will also need to remove the locking ring on the fuel pump assembly with a wrench. Now you can remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.

It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when performing this task, as working with fuel can be challenging and cause discomfort. Open your windows, hatch, and garage, and do not smoke within 50 feet of your car.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is a crucial step in performing maintenance on your Mitsubishi Eclipse, such as replacing the fuel pump. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely disconnect the negative battery cable:

Turn Off the Ignition: Before starting, ensure that your Mitsubishi Eclipse is turned off. It is important never to attempt to disconnect the battery while the car is powered on.

Locate the Car Battery: Open the hood of your car and locate the car battery. It is typically a large, block-like component located near the engine bay's surface. In some cases, the battery may be found in the trunk. If you are having trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual for the exact position.

Identify the Negative Terminal: Once you have found the battery, identify the negative terminal. It is usually marked with a "-" symbol and is often black, with a black plastic cap. The positive terminal, in contrast, will be marked with a "+" sign and is typically red with a red plastic cap.

Disconnect the Negative Cable: Remove any plastic caps from the battery terminals. Then, using a wrench, loosen the nut on the negative terminal. Once loosened, carefully remove the negative connector cable from the battery and set it aside, ensuring it does not come into contact with the battery.

Ensure Safety: It is essential to prioritize safety during this process. Wear protective gloves and safety goggles if possible. Additionally, ensure that any jewelry you are wearing is removed before starting work.

Secure the Cable: After removing the negative cable, ensure that it is securely pushed aside and cannot accidentally come into contact with the battery. You may need to use a battery cable removal tool for this step, depending on your vehicle's specific design.

Optional: Disconnect Positive Terminal: If necessary, you can also disconnect the positive terminal following the same steps. Loosen the nut with a wrench, remove the positive connector, and ensure it is kept away from the battery.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the negative battery cable, which is an important preliminary step in performing maintenance or repairs on your Mitsubishi Eclipse. Remember to always refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions pertaining to your model.

Remove the rear seat cushion and inspection cover

To remove the rear seat cushion and inspection cover of a Mitsubishi Eclipse, start by relieving the fuel system pressure and disconnecting the negative battery cable with a wrench. Then, pull the seat stopper out and lift the lower cushion up to remove the rear seat cushion. Now, you can remove the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle.

• Relieve Fuel System Pressure: Before starting any work on the fuel system, it is crucial to relieve the pressure to avoid any accidental spills or spray.
• Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable: Use a wrench to loosen and disconnect the negative battery cable. This step ensures safety and prevents any electrical issues during the process.
• Remove the Rear Seat Cushion: Pull out the seat stopper and lift the lower cushion. You may need to thread the seatbelt locks through the seat, so be careful not to be too rough.
• Access the Inspection Cover: With the rear seat cushion removed, you will have access to the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove this cover to expose the underlying components.

Remember to work carefully and refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed repair manual for further instructions if needed.

Disconnect fuel lines and electrical harness

Disconnecting the fuel lines and electrical harness is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump in a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Here is a detailed guide on how to perform this task:

Before beginning, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the fuel. It is also recommended to wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, for safety.

First, locate the fuel lines and the electrical harness connected to the fuel pump. The fuel lines are the hoses that carry fuel to and from the pump, while the electrical harness is the bundle of wires providing power to the pump.

Second, carefully disconnect the fuel lines. This step requires caution as the fuel lines may be pressurised, especially if the car has not been sitting for a while. Loosen the clamps or fittings securing the fuel lines to the pump, and gently pull them apart. Have a bucket or container ready to catch any fuel that may spill during this process.

Third, unplug the electrical harness. The electrical harness is usually plugged into the top of the fuel pump. Gently pull the connector apart, being careful not to damage the wires. You may need to release any clips or fasteners securing the harness to the pump.

At this point, the fuel pump should be disconnected from the fuel lines and electrical system. You can now proceed to remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.

It is important to work slowly and carefully during this process to avoid any spills or damage to the vehicle. Always refer to the vehicle's repair manual or seek professional guidance if you are unsure about any steps.

Finally, when installing the new fuel pump, ensure that all connections are secure and properly aligned before starting the engine.

Frequently asked questions