Replacing Fuel Pump In Chevy Silverado: Step-By-Step Guide

If your 2000 Chevy Silverado is not performing as it should, you may need to replace the fuel pump. This is a significant undertaking but is remarkably easy to do yourself and will save you a lot of money. There are two ways to replace the fuel pump: by removing the bed or by dropping the fuel tank. This article will introduce you to the steps involved in changing your fuel pump by removing the bed.

Remove the bed or drop the fuel tank

To access the fuel pump in your 2000 Chevy Silverado, you can either drop the fuel tank or remove the bed. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove the bed:

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

You will need a ratchet, an extension for your ratchet, and a breaker bar. An impact wrench is optional but can be useful if you have one available. Make sure you also have a jack, blocks of wood, and a helper for this process.

Step 2: Locate and Remove Bed Bolts

The bed of your Chevy Silverado is attached to the frame with bolts. There are eight 18mm bolts in total: four on each side. The bolts can be accessed through holes in the frame from the bottom. Use your ratchet and extension to remove these bolts. If the bolts are rusted or difficult to remove, you may need to use a breaker bar and have someone assist you by holding the socket in place.

Step 3: Tilt the Bed

Once the bolts are removed, place a jack under the side of the bed with the fuel pump. Carefully block and support the bed to ensure it remains stable and secure. You will need to get under the bed to access the fuel pump, so make sure you have enough clearance.

Step 4: Disconnect Fuel Line and Ground Wire

Before tilting the bed, remember to disconnect the fuel line from the filler to the tank and the breather vent. Also, locate and disconnect the ground wire that runs from the filler to the frame.

Step 5: Access and Replace Fuel Pump

With the bed tilted and the necessary connections disconnected, you should now have access to the fuel pump. Carefully remove the old fuel pump and install the new one, ensuring all connections are secure.

Step 6: Reattach the Bed

Once the fuel pump replacement is complete, carefully lower the bed back into place and reattach the bolts, torquing them to the specified level (typically around 50 foot-pounds).

Removing the bed of your 2000 Chevy Silverado is a feasible option to access the fuel pump. This method may be preferred over dropping the fuel tank, especially if you are working alone and don't have a lift. Remember to work carefully and have a helper for added safety.

Disconnect the fuel filler neck

Disconnecting the fuel filler neck is a crucial step in changing the fuel pump of a 2000 Chevy Silverado. This step can be a little challenging due to the difficult position of the fuel filler neck.

To begin, locate the fuel filler neck on the driver's side of the tank, above the frame. You will see that it is connected to the tank with a hose clamp. To loosen the hose clamp, use a stubby flat-head screwdriver. Once loosened, the fuel filler neck should pull right off fairly easily.

It is important to be cautious during this process to avoid any damage to the surrounding components. Ensure that you have adequate lighting and space to work comfortably. Additionally, always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any gasoline spillage.

Before proceeding to the next step, make sure that the fuel filler neck is securely disconnected and there is no risk of leakage. This will help prevent any potential hazards during the rest of the fuel pump replacement process.

Now that the fuel filler neck has been successfully disconnected, you can move on to the next step of removing the fuel tank straps and lowering the tank. Remember to have a helper assist you in holding the tank as you remove the rear strap to prevent it from crashing down.

Disconnect the fuel tank lines

To disconnect the fuel tank lines of your 2000 Chevy Silverado, you must first move around to the passenger side of the tank. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area, free of any heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Do not smoke while working around fuel sources.

Start by disconnecting all the lines going into the top of the tank. Begin with the vapor line, pulling it off from the charcoal overflow tank. Next, disconnect the larger supply line. These two lines have a similar type of connector that you'll squeeze at the base of the connection. The lines should pop right off with a little wiggling.

There are two more lines above the vapor and supply lines that need to be disconnected as well. These two lines will pop right off, but you'll need two hands as there are white connector clips that need to be pushed in simultaneously as the other hand pulls on the hose.

When you take these hoses off, a lot of gas will start spilling from the lines as there will still be a little pressure left. Make sure you wear safety goggles to prevent gasoline from getting in your eyes.

Disconnect the power lines to the fuel pump

To disconnect the power lines to the fuel pump of your 2000 Chevy Silverado, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the fuel tank. This is found on the passenger side of the vehicle. Identify the two quick-release electrical plugs on top of the fuel tank that power the fuel pump. These are the power lines that need to be disconnected. Before beginning any work, ensure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear, including safety goggles, and that you are working in a well-ventilated area free of any heat sources, sparks, or open flames. It is also recommended to have shop rags on hand to deal with any spilled fuel.

Now, to disconnect the power lines: Using your hands, simply squeeze the base of the connection to release the pressure. Simultaneously, gently pull on the power lines to disconnect them from the fuel pump. They should come off fairly easily with a little wiggling. Be prepared for some fuel to spill from the lines as there will still be some residual pressure. Ensure this does not come into contact with your skin or eyes.

Once the power lines are disconnected, you can move on to the next step, which is to remove the gas tank straps and carefully lower the tank. This is done using a 15 mm socket and ratchet with a long extension to remove the bolts holding the straps in place.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the power lines to the fuel pump on your 2000 Chevy Silverado, and you can continue with the rest of the fuel pump replacement process.

Remove the fuel pump

To remove the fuel pump from a 2000 Chevy Silverado, you can either remove the bed or drop the fuel tank.

If you choose to remove the bed, start by removing the torx screws on the filler door and a plastic fastener. Then, push the assembly into the fender. Move under the truck and remove the four bolts on the driver's side holding the bed in place. Loosen the same four bolts on the passenger side so that you are engaged into the threads by four turns. Next, move to the back and remove the tailgate. Then, remove the two electrical plugs from the frame to the bed. Now, put your shoulder under the driver's fender well, push up, and put a 16-inch 2 x 4 between the frame and the bed just past the axle. Put two more in for safety.

If you choose to drop the fuel tank, follow these steps:

• Relieve the fuel line pressure by pulling the fuel pump relay from the fuse box and starting the vehicle until it shuts down.
• Lift the truck using the appropriate lifting points and place it on jack stands in the manufacturer's recommended locations on level ground.
• Remove the fuel filler neck from the tank. This can be difficult to access, but you will find it on the driver's side of the tank above the frame. It is a large-diameter hose connected to the tank with a hose clamp. Use a stubby flat-head screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp and remove the fuel filler neck.
• Disconnect the fuel tank lines. On the passenger side of the tank, disconnect all the lines going into the top of the tank, starting with the vapor line and then the larger supply line. These lines have similar connectors that you'll squeeze at the base to disconnect. There are two more lines above these that will need to be disconnected as well. They have white connector clips that need to be pushed in while pulling on the hose.
• Disconnect the power lines to the fuel pump. There are two quick-release electrical plugs on top of the fuel tank.
• Remove the gas tank straps and lower the tank. Use a 15 mm socket and ratchet with a long extension to remove the gas tank straps. Remove the front strap completely. For the rear strap, you may need an assistant to hold the tank while you remove it, as it will be heavy.
• When the tank is on the floor, clean around the fuel pump, removing any debris, leaves, or rust.

Once you have accessed the fuel pump by following the steps above, you can proceed to remove it. Disconnect the three lines from the fuel pump by squeezing in the quick-release clips with one hand and pulling the hose off with the other. Once the hoses are off, turn the locking ring counter-clockwise, and it should pop right up. Pull up on the pump and remove the entire module.

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