Replacing Fuel Pump In 2002 Accord: Step-By-Step Guide

If your 2002 Honda Accord is taking longer to start, producing an annoying whine from the back when running, or is stalling while driving, it could be time to replace the fuel pump. This is a common issue for vehicles with higher mileage, and while it can be a tricky process, it's possible to do it yourself. The fuel pump is accessed by removing the rear left wheel and disconnecting the fuel lines. You will also need to drain the gas tank and lower it to replace the pump.

Siphoning out the gas tank

To siphon out the gas tank of a 2002 Honda Accord, you will need a tube and a safe container to pour the gasoline into. Insert the tube into the tank through the gas cap. Create a vacuum by blowing into the tank through the tube and pour the gasoline into your container. Drain out as much gas as possible. If you have access to one, a vacuum pump can be used to avoid accidentally sipping gasoline.

Raising and securing the car

To raise and secure your 1990-2002 Honda Accord, follow these steps:

First, use a jack to raise the car at one of its safety points. Once the car is raised, position jack stands under the car to keep it securely in the air.

Now that the car is raised and secure, you can begin the process of replacing the fuel pump. This process will involve opening the access hatch behind the seat, disconnecting the fuel-sending unit, and disconnecting the fuel lines.

Remember to exercise extreme caution when working with a car that is raised in the air. Ensure that the car is securely supported by the jack stands and that you are working on level ground. Do not work alone if possible, and always follow proper safety procedures when working underneath a raised car.

With the car securely raised and supported, you can proceed to the next steps of the fuel pump replacement process.

Disconnecting the fuel-sending unit

To disconnect the fuel-sending unit of your 2002 Honda Accord, follow these steps:

First, you need to raise and secure the car. Use a jack on one of the car's safety points to raise it. Then, position jack stands under the car to secure it in the air.

Now you can access the fuel-sending unit, which is located underneath the access hatch inside the trunk. Open the hatch and disconnect the unit.

At this point, you can begin disconnecting the fuel lines. There are four fuel lines to disconnect, and they are all located behind the left rear wheel. Start by removing the rear left wheel. Once the wheel is off, you can access and disconnect the four fuel lines: two hard lines, a high-pressure line, and a brass line that connects directly to the tank.

Be sure to follow proper safety procedures when working on your car, especially when dealing with fuel and electrical systems. It is also important to relieve the fuel system pressure before starting any work.

Disconnecting the fuel lines

Before beginning, ensure you have raised and secured the car using a jack and positioned jack stands. This will provide you with safe and stable access to the undercarriage, where the fuel lines are located.

Now, let's get started with the fuel lines:

Step 1: Remove the Rear Left Wheel

This will grant you access to the fuel lines, which are located behind the left rear wheel. Removing the wheel will make the subsequent steps easier and provide more room to work.

Step 2: Disconnect the First Two Fuel Lines

There are four fuel lines that need to be disconnected. Start with the two hard lines located behind the left rear wheel. These are the high-pressure line and the brass line that connects directly to the tank. Use appropriate tools to carefully loosen and detach these lines.

Step 3: Disconnect the Gas-Receiving Line

This is one of the larger fuel lines and is responsible for fuel input. It is crucial to have a fluid catch pan ready to collect any spilled gasoline during this process. Slowly and carefully detach this line, being mindful of any residual fuel.

Step 4: Disconnect the Final Fuel Line

The last fuel line to disconnect is the second large line. This line is responsible for fuel output and should be carefully detached, ensuring that the surrounding area is clear of any potential ignition sources.

At this point, all four fuel lines should be successfully disconnected. It is important to stay organised and keep track of which line is which, as you will need to reconnect them later.

Now that the fuel lines are disconnected, you can proceed to the next step of removing the tank straps and lowering the gas tank to access the fuel pump. Remember to refer to a trusted repair guide or seek professional advice if you are unsure about any part of the process. Safety should always be the top priority when working on your vehicle.

Removing the tank straps

To remove the tank straps, you will need to place a hydraulic jack with a long piece of wood under the tank. The tank straps are held in place by 14mm bolts, so you will need to loosen these with a socket wrench before removing the straps.

Once the straps have been loosened, slowly lower the jack to relieve the pressure and then carefully lower the tank. It may be necessary to remove the exhaust heat shield to access one of the 14mm strap bolts. Take your time with this step to avoid any damage to the fuel tank or surrounding components.

The tank straps are an important structural component, so it is crucial to ensure that they are properly secured before reinstalling the fuel tank. When refitting the tank, pay close attention to the positioning of the straps and bolts, and ensure that the bolts are tightened securely.

Before beginning any work on your vehicle, it is important to review the relevant safety procedures and ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment. It is also recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or seek advice from a trusted source if you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure.

Frequently asked questions