Sylvie Willis
Changing a fuel pump on a 2001 Prizm can be a challenging task. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, so you will need to drain the tank and relieve the fuel system pressure before attempting any repairs. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and ensure all windows and doors of the vehicle are open, as you will be dealing with flammable liquids. Here are the steps you can follow to change the fuel pump:
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the lower rear seat to access the metal plate bolted down with a wire harness.
3. Unplug the fuel pump wire harness.
4. Remove the fuel pump retaining bolts.
5. Install the new fuel pump.
6. Reconnect the fuel pump wire harness and secure the metal plate.
7. Reinstall the rear seat.
8. Reconnect the battery.
It is recommended to refer to a repair manual specific to your vehicle for detailed instructions and diagrams. Additionally, always take appropriate safety precautions when working with automotive fuel systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | 8mm, 10mm, 12mm sockets and short extension, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, needlenose pliers, respirator, replacement parts |
| Steps | 1. Remove the green plug on the bottom row of 3 located under the steering wheel, near the hood release. 2. Start the car, let it run until it quits due to lack of fuel. 3. Disconnect the battery. 4. Remove the gas cap. 5. Clean out the trunk area. 6. Remove seats. 7. Remove the black styrofoam cubby behind the seat backs. 8. Remove 4 access screws using a Phillips head screwdriver. 9. Disconnect fuel lines and clips. 10. Unbolt the 8 nuts on the black access panel. 11. Remove the whole assembly. 12. Replace the old pump and strainer bag. 13. Use a new rubber gasket or clean the existing one. 14. Put the assembly back in. 15. Tighten the nuts. 16. Reconnect fuel lines and clips. 17. Put the foam gasket and access panel back on. 18. Put the styrofoam cubby back in. 19. Put the seats back in. 20. Reconnect the green clip under the dashboard. 21. Reconnect the battery. 22. Tighten the gas cap. 23. Start the car and hope it works. |
What You'll Learn
Disconnect the battery
Disconnecting the battery is one of the first steps to take when changing the fuel pump on a 2001 Prizm. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, make sure that the ignition is turned off. You should never attempt to disconnect the car battery while the car is still on. It is also recommended that you use safety equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, if you have them.
Next, you need to locate the car battery. Pop open the hood of your car and find the battery. It is a large, block-like component with two large cables attached near the engine bay's surface. If you are having difficulty locating it, consult your owner's manual.
Once you have found the battery, you need to identify the negative terminal. This is usually on top of the battery and marked with a "-" symbol and a black plastic cap. The positive terminal, in contrast, will be marked with a "+" symbol and a red plastic cap.
Now, remove the plastic caps and find a wrench that fits the nuts and bolts of your battery terminals. There is no universal size for terminal hardware, so you may need to try a few different socket wrench sizes. Once you have the correct size, place the wrench on the negative terminal's nut and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it.
After loosening the nut, remove the negative connector cable from the battery and push it aside, ensuring it does not come into contact with the battery. On some modern vehicles, the cables may be "seized" or attached to the battery post or tray, in which case you will need a battery cable removal tool.
Finally, repeat the same process for the positive connector. Again, make sure that you push the cable away and that it does not touch the battery.
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Remove the rear seat
To remove the rear seat of a 2001 Chevy Prizm, start by disconnecting the battery. Then, remove the lower rear seat—you will see a metal plate bolted down with a wire harness. Unplug the fuel pump wire harness and remove the fuel pump retaining bolts.
Now, to the specifics of removing the rear seat. First, fold down the trap in the middle of the rear seat to access the trunk. Lift the carpet inside the trunk to see the fuel tank cover. Disconnect the two electrical connections and the three gas lines.
Next, you will need to remove the locking disc. Cover the knob with a rag and use a wrench key to align it so you can hammer it. Hammer it vigorously, making sure to slide counter-clockwise to unlock it. Slide the locking disc out and the fuel sending unit will be removed (the fuel pump is inside).
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Disconnect the fuel pump wire harness
Disconnecting the fuel pump wire harness is a crucial step in changing the fuel pump on a 2001 Prizm. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, locate the rear seat of your vehicle and remove it. Underneath the rear seat, you will find a metal plate that is bolted down and has a wire harness attached to it. This is the fuel pump wire harness you need to disconnect.
Before proceeding, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area as you will be dealing with flammable liquids. It is important to open all windows and doors of the vehicle for safety.
Now, carefully unplug the fuel pump wire harness. You may need to use a screwdriver or similar tool to gently pry or loosen any clips or fasteners holding the harness in place. Be careful not to damage the wires or connectors.
Once the fuel pump wire harness is disconnected, set it aside, and you can continue with the next steps of changing the fuel pump. Remember to work carefully and consult a professional mechanic if you have any concerns or questions during the process.
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Remove the fuel pump retaining bolts
To remove the fuel pump retaining bolts on a 2001 Prizm, you must first disconnect the battery and remove the lower rear seat. You will then see a metal plate bolted down with a wire harness. Unplug the fuel pump wire harness and remove the fuel pump retaining bolts. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and to open all windows and doors of the vehicle, as this process involves flammable liquid.
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Remove the fuel tank
To remove the fuel tank from a 2001 Prizm, you will need to disconnect the battery and remove the rear seat. You will then need to unplug the fuel pump wire harness and remove the fuel pump retaining bolts.
Before you begin, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area as this job involves flammable liquid. Ensure all windows and doors of the vehicle are open.
Once you have removed the rear seat, you will see a metal plate bolted down with a wire harness. Unplug the fuel pump wire harness and remove the fuel pump retaining bolts. You can then install a new fuel pump.
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