Replacing Fuel Pump In 2000 Pontiac Firebird: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump in a 2000 Pontiac Firebird is a job that can be done in a driveway with the right tools and preparation. The fuel pump is responsible for pushing fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel lines and the engine's combustion chamber. Over time, the fuel pump will degrade and need to be replaced. The two most common methods for replacing the fuel pump are to drop the fuel tank and remove the pump assembly or to cut a trap door above the fuel pump assembly for access.

How to Change a Fuel Pump in a 2000 Pontiac Firebird

Cutting a trap door to access the fuel pump assembly

To cut a trap door to access the fuel pump assembly of a 2000 Pontiac Firebird, you will need to first take some steps to ensure that the fuel pump can be replaced safely. Start by pulling the fuel pump fuse and disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Then, bleed the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the driver's side fuel rail, and open the gas cap to relieve any pressure.

Now, you can cut the trap door. Use a Dremel with a cutting wheel, and go slowly, being careful not to cut anything that you shouldn't, such as wiring harnesses and fuel lines.

Once the trap door has been cut, you can remove the fuel pump assembly. Disconnect the two connectors on top of the assembly, and clean the area in the trap door to minimise the risk of dirt falling into the tank. Then, disconnect the three fuel lines by pulling and unclipping them from the plastic hose connectors. Use a screwdriver and hammer on the edges of the fuel pump retaining ring to remove the assembly.

Finally, install the new fuel pump assembly and seal the trap door. Cut a piece of sheet metal in the same shape as the trap door, but slightly larger. Lay this over the trap door with a bead of RTV to seal it.

Disconnecting the negative battery cable

To begin, locate the negative battery cable. It is typically black in colour and connected to the negative terminal of the battery, which is also usually marked with a "-" symbol. Once located, you will need to disconnect it. This process can vary depending on the specific model of your Firebird, but there are some general steps that can be followed.

First, make sure the car is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake to prevent any accidental movement. Then, open the hood of the car to access the battery. If there is a plastic cover over the battery, remove it to expose the battery and cables. Next, using an appropriate size wrench or socket, loosen the nut that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. It is important not to allow the wrench or socket to touch any other parts of the car, as this could result in an electrical short. Once the nut is loosened, carefully remove the cable from the terminal. Be cautious not to let the cable touch any other metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.

After the cable is disconnected, it should be secured to prevent it from accidentally falling back onto the terminal. This can be done by using a cable tie or zip tie to attach it to a nearby secure point. Ensure that the cable cannot move and that there is no risk of it making contact with the battery terminal.

With the negative battery cable now disconnected and secured, you can proceed to the next steps of replacing the fuel pump, which may include relieving pressure from the fuel system and removing the fuel tank.

Removing the fuel tank pipe bracket support bolt

To remove the fuel tank pipe bracket support bolt, you will need a 10mm socket. Before you begin, make sure you have removed the fuel filler cap and the fuel fill pipe shield. You will need a 7mm socket, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and possibly a trim puller for this.

Once the fuel filler cap and fuel fill pipe shield are removed, you can then remove the fuel tank pipe bracket support bolt. It is important to note that you will need to apply 89 lb-in of torque (or 10 Nm if you are using an inch-pound wrench) when removing this bolt.

After removing the fuel tank pipe bracket support bolt, you can proceed to the next step, which is to remove the track/Panhard bar. For this step, you will need a 15mm socket, 13/16” and 11/16” sockets and wrenches, and a 7mm socket to remove the heat shield screws in the tie rod bracket brace (the top part of the Panhard bar).

Disconnecting the electrical plugs at the pass-through connector

First, pop the hood of your Firebird and locate the negative battery cable. It is important to disconnect this cable before proceeding with any electrical work on your vehicle. This will help prevent any accidental short circuits or electrical shocks.

Next, locate the pass-through connector. This is where the electrical plugs for the fuel system and other components are connected. You will find three electrical plugs at this connector. Two of them are for the fuel system, and the third one goes to the axle. Even though the axle will be dropped momentarily during this process, it is important not to stress the wires by disconnecting only the fuel system plugs. Therefore, undo all three electrical plugs at the pass-through connector.

Now, you can continue with the next steps in changing the fuel pump. Remember to refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed guide for the subsequent steps, as changing a fuel pump involves several complex procedures.

Safety should always be a top priority when working on your vehicle. Ensure you are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and that you have a thorough understanding of the task at hand before proceeding.

Removing the exhaust from the cat-back

To remove the exhaust from the cat-back of your 2000 Pontiac Firebird, follow these steps:

First, remove the sway/stabilizer bar end links on both sides. These are usually 13mm for the top and bottom. You can use a wrench and a deep-well socket to do this.

Next, disconnect the shocks from the axle. For this car, you will need a 13/16” socket and a 7/8” wrench.

Now, remove the torque arm at the rear axle. This will require a 13/16” wrench and socket.

After that, remove the springs and their isolators.

Loosen the exhaust clamps up to the mid-pipe. You will need a 1/2” socket to remove the driver-side exhaust hanger from the underbody. There were three washers above the bracket for each bolt, separating the bracket from the body.

On the passenger side of the exhaust, you will find a twisted bracket. This allows you to remove the hanger without detaching it from the underbody. Use a 1/2” socket for this.

Now, lower the jack and let the rear hang. The exhaust should now be able to be removed from the rear of the vehicle with ease.

Remove all of the heat shielding with a 7mm socket.

Blow off the fuel pipe connections to prevent contamination.

Disconnect the fuel return pipe and the EVAP purge pipe. These are both quick-connect fittings, but they are different styles. For the return pipe, pinch the white plastic collar and then pull the two pieces apart. For the EVAP, pinch the outside of the fitting and pull to separate the pieces.

Now, disconnect the fuel feed pipe from the fuel filter. You can change the fuel filter at this point if you wish—you will need a 5/8” wrench for the front half of it.

Finally, remove the rear pipe clip with a 10mm socket.

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