Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 2005 Chevy Impala

Changing the fuel pump in a 2005 Chevy Impala is a complex process that requires a range of tools and replacement parts. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and can be accessed through the trunk of the car without dropping the tank. The process involves removing the sight shield from the engine, loosening the fuel tank filler cap, disconnecting the battery cable, and locating the Schrader valve. It is necessary to catch the fuel that comes out of the valve with a shop rag. The next steps include removing the carpet from the trunk, unfastening the fuel sender/pump access panel, unplugging the fuel tank pressure sensor, and disconnecting the hoses from the fuel sender/pump assembly. The retaining ring holding the assembly to the fuel tank must be rotated and unlocked, and the assembly, which includes the fuel pump, can then be lifted out. Finally, a new fuel pump can be installed, and the various components can be reconnected and reassembled.

Accessing the fuel pump assembly

To access the fuel pump assembly of a 2005 Chevy Impala, follow these steps:

Park your Impala on level ground in a well-ventilated area and open the hood. Remove the sight shield from the top of the engine using a ratchet and socket. Loosen the fuel tank filler cap and disconnect the ground (black) battery cable with a wrench.

Take the spare tire and other items from the trunk of your Impala. Remove the carpet from the trunk. Unfasten the nuts from the fuel sender/pump access panel on the floor of the trunk using a ratchet and socket, and remove the access panel.

Through the access hole, unplug the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel sender from the assembly. Disconnect the hoses from the fuel sender/pump assembly. For hoses with plastic connectors, press the tabs and pull the hose from its fitting. For hoses with metal connectors, use tool set J 37088-A.

Rotate and unlock the retaining ring holding the fuel sender/pump assembly to the fuel tank using a drift punch and a hammer. Lift the retaining ring and fuel sender/pump assembly out of the fuel tank.

Now you have accessed the fuel pump assembly and can proceed to remove the old fuel pump and install a new one.

Removing the fuel pump

To remove the fuel pump from a 2005 Chevy Impala, follow these steps:

Park your Impala on level ground in a well-ventilated area and open the hood. Remove the sight shield from the top of the engine using a ratchet and socket, if equipped. Loosen the fuel tank filler cap and disconnect the ground (black) battery cable with a wrench.

Locate the Schrader valve at the beginning of the fuel feed pipe on the fuel rail. Wrap a shop rag around the Schrader valve and depress the inside stem with a flat-head screwdriver. Use the rag to catch the fuel that will come out of the valve. After that, replace the sight shield to the top of the engine.

Take the spare tire and other items from the trunk of your Impala. Remove the carpet from the trunk. Unfasten the nuts from the fuel sender/pump access panel on the floor of the trunk and remove the access panel. Use a ratchet and socket.

Unplug the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel sender from the assembly through the access hole. Disconnect the hoses from the fuel sender/pump assembly. On hoses with plastic connectors, press the tabs and pull the hose from its fitting. For hoses with metal connectors, use tool set J 37088-A.

Rotate and unlock the retaining ring holding the fuel sender/pump assembly to the fuel tank using a drift punch and a hammer. Lift the retaining ring and fuel sender/pump assembly out of the fuel tank. Locate and discard the large O-ring seal between the fuel tank and the assembly.

Finally, remove the fuel pump from the assembly using a pair of needle-nose pliers and a flat-head screwdriver.

Please note that working with fuel and vehicle components can be dangerous. Always take the necessary safety precautions and refer to a certified mechanic or professional if you are unsure about any part of this process.

Installing a new fuel pump

Mount the new fuel pump on the assembly using a pair of needle-nose pliers and a flat-head screwdriver. Swing the float arm on the assembly and make sure the pump strainer is not in the arm's way. Adjust it if necessary.

Place a new assembly O-ring seal.

Insert the fuel sender/pump assembly into the fuel tank and verify that the pump strainer is not twisted. Then, rotate the retaining ring with the drift punch and hammer to lock the assembly to the fuel tank.

Connect the hoses to the fuel sender/pump assembly by pushing the hose connectors against their fittings. On hoses with plastic connectors, simply push the hose against the fitting. For hoses with metal connectors, use tool set J 37088-A.

Plug the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel sender to the assembly.

Tighten the fuel tank filler cap and connect the ground (black) battery cable using a wrench.

Turn the ignition to the "On" position for two seconds and then to "Off" for 10 seconds. Turn the ignition back to the "On" position and check for gas leaks around the tank.

Turn off the ignition.

Position the access panel in place and tighten the mounting nuts using the ratchet and socket.

Replace the carpet, spare tire, and other items in the trunk.

Verifying the pump strainer

To verify the pump strainer, you must first mount the new fuel pump on the assembly using a pair of needle-nose pliers and a flat-head screwdriver.

Next, swing the float arm on the assembly and make sure the pump strainer is not in the arm's way. Adjust the pump strainer if necessary.

After placing a new assembly O-ring seal, insert the fuel sender/pump assembly into the fuel tank and verify that the pump strainer is not twisted. Then, rotate the retaining ring with the drift punch and hammer to lock the assembly to the fuel tank.

Finally, connect the hoses to the fuel sender/pump assembly by pushing the hose connectors against their fittings.

Checking for gas leaks

To check for gas leaks in your 2005 Chevy Impala, there are a few key steps you should follow:

First, make sure your car is parked on level ground in a well-ventilated area. Open the hood and loosen the fuel tank filler cap. Remove the sight shield from the top of the engine using a ratchet and socket if your car is equipped with one. Next, disconnect the ground (black) battery cable with a wrench.

Now, we will perform a leak test. Wrap a shop rag around the Schrader valve, which is located at the beginning of the fuel feed pipe on the fuel rail. Depress the inside stem with a flat-head screwdriver, allowing fuel to come out. If there is a leak in this area, you will notice fuel leaking from the valve or a strong gasoline smell.

After this initial test, replace the sight shield and move to the trunk of the car. Remove the carpet from the trunk and unfasten the nuts from the fuel sender/pump access panel. Remove the access panel and unplug the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel sender from the assembly.

At this point, you will be able to inspect the fuel sender/pump assembly for any signs of damage or leaks. Look for cracks, holes, or any other abnormalities. If there is a leak, you will likely see fuel leaking from the assembly or notice a strong gasoline smell.

If no leak is detected thus far, the next step is to disconnect the hoses from the fuel sender/pump assembly. On hoses with plastic connectors, press the tabs and pull the hose off. For metal connectors, use a specialised tool set.

With the hoses disconnected, rotate and unlock the retaining ring holding the assembly to the fuel tank using a drift punch and a hammer. Lift the assembly out of the fuel tank and inspect the O-ring seal for any damage. A damaged or worn O-ring seal can often be the cause of fuel leaks.

If you have identified a leak at any point during this process, do not attempt to drive your car. Contact a professional mechanic to repair the leak and ensure your safety.

If no leak is found, you can reassemble the components in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all connections are secure and properly tightened before starting your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions