Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 2002 Buick Century

If you need to replace the fuel pump in your 2002 Buick Century, you're in luck—you won't have to drop the fuel tank to access it. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, and you can access it through an entry point under the carpet in the trunk. To replace the fuel pump, you'll need to relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the fuel tank until it's less than a quarter full. Then, you can disconnect the necessary parts, remove the old fuel pump, and install the new one.

Relieve the fuel system pressure

To relieve the fuel system pressure of a 2002 Buick Century, first, drain the fuel tank with a handheld siphon until the level is less than a quarter full. Then, turn the ignition to the ON position for 2 seconds, then turn it OFF for 10 seconds. Finally, turn the ignition ON again and check for leaks.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of your 2002 Buick Century, you will need a handheld siphon. First, relieve the fuel system pressure. Then, use the handheld siphon to drain the tank until the fuel level is less than a quarter full.

It is important to note that working with fuel can be dangerous, and proper precautions should be taken to ensure safety. This includes wearing appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and avoiding any open flames or sparks during the process.

Make sure to dispose of the drained fuel properly and in accordance with local regulations. Do not pour it down the drain or into the environment. If you are unsure about how to dispose of it safely, contact your local waste management authorities or a professional mechanic.

Once the fuel tank is drained, you can proceed to the next steps of replacing the fuel pump. These include removing or disconnecting various components, such as the negative battery cable, spare tire and jack, floor trunk liner, fuel sender access panel, fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector, fuel sender electrical connector, and fuel sender assembly quick connect fittings.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is one of the first steps to take when changing the fuel pump on a 2002 Buick Century. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Locate the negative battery cable. This is usually a thick, black cable connected to the negative terminal of the battery, which is often marked with a "-" symbol. It is typically located in the engine bay, close to the battery.

Before disconnecting the cable, ensure that you have a safe, proper place to store it. You don't want the cable to accidentally touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit. Have a suitable non-conductive surface or container ready to place the cable in once it's disconnected.

Once you're ready, carefully loosen the nut or bolt that secures the cable to the battery terminal using the appropriate tool, such as an adjustable wrench or a socket wrench. Do not let the wrench touch any other metal parts of the car to avoid creating a short circuit.

After loosening the connection, gently pull on the cable to remove it from the battery terminal. Be careful not to let the cable snap back into place and make contact with the terminal. Place the cable in the designated non-conductive area or container.

If your 2002 Buick Century has more than one negative battery cable, repeat these steps for each cable, ensuring that they are all safely disconnected and stored.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the negative battery cable(s), which is an important step in changing the fuel pump on your 2002 Buick Century. Remember to exercise caution and use the appropriate tools to avoid any accidental damage or injury.

Remove the retaining lockring

To remove the retaining lockring from the fuel sender of your 2002 Buick Century, you will first need to relieve the fuel system pressure. This can be done by draining the fuel tank with a handheld siphon until the level is less than a quarter full.

Once the fuel tank has been drained, you can then proceed to remove the retaining lockring. This will require a special tool that you may be able to rent from your local parts store. With the correct tool, you can then remove the retaining lockring, gaining access to the fuel pump for replacement.

It is important to note that working with fuel systems can be dangerous, and proper safety precautions should be taken. Always refer to your owner's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Install a new O-ring

To install a new O-ring on your 2002 Buick Century's fuel pump, you will need to relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the fuel tank until it is less than a quarter full. You can do this with a handheld siphon. Next, remove the negative battery cable, the spare tire and jack, and the floor trunk liner by pulling it back. Now you can access the fuel sender and remove the fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector, the fuel sender electrical connector, and the retaining lockring from the fuel sender.

To install the new O-ring, first, fit it onto the fuel tank. Then, connect the following:

• Fuel sender
• Lockring on the fuel sender
• Fuel sender electrical connector
• Fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector
• Quick-connect fittings at the fuel sender
• Negative battery cable

Now, add a small amount of fuel to the tank. Turn the ignition to the ON position for 2 seconds, then turn it off for 10 seconds. Turn the ignition on again and check for leaks. Repeat this process with the ignition off and then install the following:

• Fuel sender access panel and torque the nuts to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm)
• Trunk liner
• Spare tire, jack, and spare tire cover
• Refill the fuel tank

Frequently asked questions