Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 2006 Jeep Liberty

Replacing the fuel pump in a 2006 Jeep Liberty is a moderately complicated job that is best performed by a professional mechanic. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, and there are two main ways to access it: either through an access panel in the passenger compartment or by removing the tank from the vehicle. The process involves disconnecting the battery, removing the fuel tank, disconnecting the hoses, cleaning the area, removing and replacing the fuel pump module, and then reattaching the tank and reconnecting the wires and hoses. The average cost for this replacement is between $1,169 and $1,380, with labour costs estimated between $210 and $265, and parts priced between $959 and $1,115.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step in replacing the fuel pump in a 2006 Jeep Liberty. This is a safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the battery:

Locate the battery in your Jeep Liberty. It is usually found in the engine compartment or in the trunk, secured by a bracket or clamp.

Identify the positive and negative battery terminals. They are typically marked with a "+" and "-" symbol, or red and black colours, respectively.

Loosen and remove the connectors from the battery terminals. You may need a wrench or pliers to loosen the connectors. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection during this step.

Secure the connectors so that they do not touch the terminals. You can use electrical tape or insulators to cover the terminals and prevent accidental contact.

Place the disconnected battery in a safe location, away from any flammable materials or sources of heat. If you are not planning to reinstall the battery right away, it is a good idea to clean the battery posts and cables with a wire brush to remove any corrosion.

It is important to note that disconnecting the battery will reset the computer system in your Jeep Liberty. This may cause the clock and radio settings to be lost, and you may need to reprogram certain electronic features. Therefore, it is recommended to make a note of any important settings before proceeding.

Additionally, always exercise caution when working with car batteries. Ensure that you do not short-circuit the battery terminals, as this can cause sparks, explosions, or damage to the electrical system.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely disconnect the battery in your 2006 Jeep Liberty, allowing you to proceed with the fuel pump replacement or other maintenance tasks.

Remove rear load carpet

To remove the rear load carpet of a 2006 Jeep Liberty, you will need to drill out the rivets in each corner. There are two rivets in each corner, and you only need to remove the rearmost two to pull the carpet back. However, you may find it easier to remove three corners for more access.

Once the heads of the rivets are drilled off, use a punch to knock out any remaining parts of the rivets. This will allow you to pull the carpet back and gain access to the area underneath.

Remove access panel to the top of the fuel tank

To remove the access panel to the top of the fuel tank of a 2006 Jeep Liberty, you will first need to remove the rear load carpet. There are two rivets in each corner that need to be drilled out. Once the head of the rivet is drilled off, the rest of the rivet can be knocked out with a punch. Removing the rearmost two corners should give you enough access to pull the carpet back.

With the carpet out of the way, you will be able to see the access panel. There is a 10mm head nut in each corner of the panel, which is covered in sealant. Chip away the sealant with a hammer and chisel, or by whatever means possible, until you can access the nuts. Once the nuts are removed, chip away the remaining sealant around the panel until it comes free.

Remove old fuel pipes

To remove the old fuel pipes from your 2006 Jeep Liberty, you'll first need to drill out the rivets in the corners of the rear load carpet. Once the heads of the rivets are drilled off, use a punch to knock out any remaining pieces. You only need to remove the two rearmost rivets to access the carpet, but you can remove three corners if that makes it easier.

Next, you'll need to remove the access panel to the top of the fuel tank. There's a 10mm head nut in each corner of the panel, which is covered in sealant. Chip away the sealant with a hammer and chisel, then remove the nuts. Once the nuts are off, chip away the remaining sealant around the panel.

With the access panel removed, you can start removing the old fuel pipes. Begin with the outlet, which is the larger of the two pipes and the one closest to the rear of the vehicle. Press both sides of the quick-connect coupling simultaneously and pull it off, then go underneath and remove it from there.

Repeat this process for the return pipe. While it's not strictly necessary to replace both pipes, it's a good idea to do so if you have the time. The only difference is that the return pipe requires a 7mm ID pipe.

Be very careful not to cut yourself on any sharp edges when removing the old pipes, and make sure you have a bucket or container ready to catch any fuel that may spill.

Install new hoses

To install the new hoses, you will need to grab your new hose and slide it onto the connector on the tank first. Be very careful when pushing it on, as the elbows on the tank are made of plastic and can break easily. The size of the hose you need for the outlet is 8mm in internal diameter. Before sliding it onto the tank, be sure to put your new clamp on first. Tighten the clamp, but be careful not to over-tighten, as the elbow is plastic and could break. Once that's done, head underneath the vehicle, cut your hose to size, put another clamp on, and tighten it up. This end is going onto a metal pipe, so make sure it's tight.

Repeat the process for the return pipe. While it is not strictly necessary to replace both hoses, it is recommended to do so, as it will not take much additional time. The only difference for the return pipe is that you will need a 7mm internal diameter pipe.

Frequently asked questions