Replacing Fuel Pump In 2001 Ford F150: Step-By-Step Guide

If your 2001 Ford F-150 is stalling, stumbling, emitting a fuel odour, or making a humming sound from the rear, it may be time to replace the fuel pump. This is a complex process, as the fuel pump is located in the fuel tank under the truck bed. You will need to remove the truck bed or the fuel tank to access the fuel pump. This article will guide you through the steps to replace the fuel pump in your 2001 Ford F-150.

Removing the fuel tank

This step requires siphoning gas and using a car jack and several stands. You will also need to spend a lot of time underneath your vehicle and remove all lines that connect the fuel tank to the truck itself. The biggest difficulty with this option is that some of the connections might be very rusty and tough to loosen.

Tools required:

• Clear hose and air pump for siphoning gas
• New fuel pump assembly
• Car jack and four stands
• Flathead screwdriver
• 3/8" fuel line disconnect tool (useful but not necessary)

Step 1: Remove fuel from your tank

Before removing your fuel tank, you will need to siphon the gas out using a clear hose and air pump.

Step 2: Elevate your truck

Use a standard jack and place it in the grooves along the frame of your truck. For trucks that are already lifted, you may have enough room to work without having to jack up your truck.

Step 3: Remove the heat shield

Once your truck is safely and securely raised, crawl under the truck with your impact wrench. You will find that the heat shield is protecting the fuel pump. You will also notice two sets of bolts. One set holds the heat shield in place, and the other set holds the fuel tank in place. First, locate and remove the bolts that hold the heat shield. Be careful not to remove the bolts for the tank straps before removing the heat shield. After removing the bolts, place your knee against the heat shield so it doesn't fall on you as you wiggle it free. Once it is free, put it aside.

Step 4: Remove the fuel tank

Grab two floor jacks and place them underneath the fuel tank to support it as you remove its bolts. Be sure that the jacks are raised just enough to support the tank. It's also a good idea to insert some soft padding between the jack stand and the tank to prevent damage.

Use an impact wrench to remove the four long bolts from the fuel tank. Once both straps are loosened, lower the straps and twist them off gently. Set the two straps and the bolts to the side.

Now your fuel tank should be supported only by the jack stands. Ask someone to slowly lower the stands while you hold the fuel tank. The front end won't drop right away because it is connected to the fuel fill line. You will need a 1/4 inch hex socket to remove this connection.

Once the fuel fill line is disconnected, your assistant can lower the jack stands further, and you should be able to pull the fuel tank out from under the truck.

Tips for removing the fuel tank

One user on a forum shared their experience of changing the fuel pump on a 2001 Ford F150 Supercrew. They removed the bed of the truck, but the pump was actually under the back seat. They recommend using a comealong hooked to the frame to lower the front and a floor jack on the back of the tank. The hardest part was getting the gas lines unhooked, as there was only enough space to use one hand.

Draining the gas tank

To drain the gas tank of your 2001 Ford F-150, you will need a clear hose and an air pump for siphoning the gas. Before you begin, ensure your vehicle is on a flat and safe surface and the engine is off.

First, siphon the gas out of the tank using the clear hose and air pump. You can find a video on the proper steps for this process online.

Next, jack up your truck so that it is propped at least 18 inches above the ground. Use a standard jack and place it in the grooves along the frame of your truck. If your truck is already lifted, you may not need to do this step.

Now, crawl under the truck and locate the heat shield. You will see two sets of bolts—one set holds the heat shield in place, and the other set holds the fuel tank. Use an impact wrench to remove the bolts holding the heat shield. As you remove the bolts, the heat shield will start to drop; place your knee against it to prevent it from falling on you. Once the heat shield is removed, set it aside.

At this point, you will need two floor jacks to support the fuel tank as you remove its bolts. Place the jacks underneath the fuel tank and raise them just enough to support the tank. It is recommended to insert some soft padding between the jack stand and the tank to prevent damage.

Use an impact wrench to remove the four long bolts from the fuel tank. Once both straps are loosened, carefully lower and twist them off, being careful not to force them and ruin the mounting point. Set the straps and bolts aside.

Now, the fuel tank should only be supported by the jack stands. Slowly lower the stands while holding the fuel tank. The front end won't drop immediately because it is connected to the fuel fill line, which you will need to disconnect using a 1/4 inch hex socket.

Once the fuel fill line is disconnected, you can continue to lower the jack stands and remove the fuel tank from under the truck.

Elevating the truck

Elevating your 2001 Ford F150 truck is a crucial step in performing maintenance tasks, such as changing the fuel pump. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely elevate your truck:

Gathering Equipment and Choosing a Location:

Start by gathering the necessary equipment: a high-quality truck jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, a lug wrench (if needed), and safety gear like gloves and safety glasses. It is imperative to use tools specifically designed for lifting heavy vehicles, such as trucks.

Choose a flat and stable surface to lift your truck. Avoid uneven or sloped surfaces, as they can compromise stability and lead to accidents.

Preparing the Truck:

Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. Apply wheel chocks to the wheels on the side opposite to the one being lifted. This will prevent the truck from accidentally rolling.

Locating Jacking Points and Lifting the Truck:

Consult your truck's owner's manual to identify the recommended jacking points. These are typically the frame rails and reinforced areas on the undercarriage designed for lifting. Never attempt to jack up your truck using axles or suspension components, as this can cause serious damage.

Position the truck jack under the designated jacking point, ensuring it is centred and stable. Start pumping the jack handle slowly to raise the truck. Keep a close eye on the vehicle's stability.

Securing with Jack Stands:

Once your truck is at the desired height, place the jack stands under the unused jacking points. Then, carefully lower the truck onto the jack stands by gently releasing the pressure on the jack. This can be done by slowly releasing the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, depending on your jack type.

Final Stability Check:

Before proceeding with any repairs, it is crucial to ensure the stability of the truck. Give your truck a gentle push to make sure it is securely resting on the jack stands. If the truck wobbles or feels unstable, reposition the jack stands and re-check for stability.

Now that your 2001 Ford F150 truck is securely elevated and supported, you can confidently proceed with tasks such as changing the fuel pump. Remember to exercise caution and avoid sudden movements that could dislodge the jack stands.

Removing the heat shield

To remove the heat shield, first grab your impact wrench and crawl under the truck. You will notice two sets of bolts. One set holds the heat shield in place, and the other set holds the fuel tank in place. Be sure to locate the bolts that hold the heat shield. They will be aligned with the heat shield strap.

After locating the correct bolts, use your impact wrench to remove them. As you remove the bolts, place your knee against the heat shield so it doesn't fall on you. Once all the bolts are removed, carefully wiggle the heat shield free and put it aside.

Disconnecting the fuel tank

Before beginning, ensure that your Ford F-150 is parked on a flat and safe surface, and that the engine is turned off. It is crucial to work safely when dealing with fuel and car repairs. Additionally, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a clear hose and air pump for siphoning gas, a car jack, jack stands, and a flathead screwdriver.

First, siphon the gas from the fuel tank using the clear hose and air pump. This step is important as it ensures that the tank is empty or close to empty before proceeding. Next, elevate your truck using a standard car jack, placing it in the grooves along the frame. For trucks that are already lifted, you may skip this step if there is enough room to work underneath.

Once the truck is securely raised, crawl under it and locate the heat shield protecting the fuel pump. You will see two sets of bolts: one set holds the heat shield, and the other set holds the fuel tank in place. Using an impact wrench, remove the bolts for the heat shield, being careful not to remove the bolts for the tank straps. As the heat shield drops, use your knee to support it and prevent it from falling on you. Set the heat shield aside.

Now, grab two floor jacks and place them under the fuel tank to support it as you remove its bolts. Again, use the impact wrench to remove the long bolts from the fuel tank. Once the straps are loosened, carefully lower and twist them off without forcing them, as this can damage the mounting point. Set the straps and bolts aside.

At this point, the fuel tank should be supported only by the jack stands. Slowly lower the stands while holding the fuel tank. The front end of the tank won't drop immediately due to the fuel fill line connection. To disconnect this, use a 1/4 inch hex socket. Once the fuel fill line is disconnected, continue to lower the jack stands and pull the fuel tank out from under the truck.

With the fuel tank disconnected, you can now access the fuel pump module and proceed to the next steps of the fuel pump replacement process. Remember to work carefully and seek assistance if needed, especially when handling the heavy fuel tank and working underneath the vehicle.

Please note that this guide provides general instructions, and it is recommended to refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed repair manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions