Replacing Fuel Pump In 2002 Pontiac Firebird: Step-By-Step Guide

how to change fuel pump 2002 pontiac firebird

Replacing the fuel pump in a 2002 Pontiac Firebird is a complex task that can be made easier with some advanced preparation. The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank, so the first step is to relieve the pressure in the fuel system and drain the gas from the tank. Next, disconnect and remove the fuel tank and sender assembly from the fuel pump. You can then disconnect the fuel sender from the tank and remove the pump. To install the new fuel pump, simply reverse these steps, taking care to plug in the fuel lines and electrical connectors.

Characteristics Values
Vehicle 2002 Pontiac Firebird
Tools Required/Recommended Sockets/Wrenches in standard depth, deep-well and wrenches, 7mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm 1/2", 11/16”, 13/16”, 7/8” Phillips screwdriver, Large flathead, Hammer, Trim panel tool for the fuel pipe shield, Razor knife/Box Cutter, Long razor knife with breakaway blades, Fuel pressure gauge, Air compressor, Needle nose pliers, Flush side cutters, Fencing pliers, Jack stands
Preparation Disconnect the negative battery cable, Remove the rear wheels, Put your jack under the rear end for support, Remove the fuel filler cap, Remove the fuel fill pipe shield, Remove the fuel tank pipe bracket support bolt, Remove the track/Panhard bar, Disconnect the electrical plugs at the pass-through connector, Remove the exhaust from the cat-back, Disconnect the shocks from the axle, Remove the springs and their isolators, Loosen the exhaust clamps up to the mid pipe, Remove the driver side exhaust hanger from the underbody, Lower the jack and remove the exhaust from the rear of the vehicle, Remove all the heat shielding, Disconnect the fuel return pipe and the EVAP purge pipe, Disconnect the fuel feed pipe from the fuel filter, Remove the rear pipe clip
Fuel Pump Assembly Disconnect the pipes and electrical connectors, Remove the locking ring, Lift the unit out of the tank, Remove the wires from the fuel level sender, Install the new fuel pump assembly, Plug in fuel lines and electrical connectors, Install the pipes back into the pipe clip, Install the fuel tank fill pipe support bracket bolt, Install the fuel tank filler pipe shield, Install the heat shields, Install the exhaust, Raise the rear end, Install the springs and isolators, Install the torque arm bolts and nuts, Connect the shocks to the axle, Connect the sway/stabilize bar end links, Install the track bar, Replace the rear wheels

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Remove the fuel tank

To remove the fuel tank from a 2002 Pontiac Firebird, follow these steps:

Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the fuel cap to relieve pressure in the tank.

Jack up the rear of the car and secure it with jack stands. Make sure the car is stable and you have enough room to work underneath. Remove the rear wheels.

Locate the fuel tank and identify the fuel lines, electrical connections, and mounting hardware. Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connectors from the fuel tank. This may involve removing nearby components or covers for access.

Place a drain pan or container underneath the fuel tank to catch any remaining fuel. Slowly lower the fuel tank from the vehicle, being careful not to damage any surrounding components.

Once the fuel tank is removed, you can access the fuel pump for replacement. It is important to work carefully and safely when dealing with flammable liquids and high-pressure fuel systems. If you are unsure about any steps, consult a qualified mechanic.

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Disconnect the fuel sender

To disconnect the fuel sender, you must first relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Open the gas cap, go to the fuse box within the engine, and remove the fuse for the fuel system. Then, start the engine and let it run until it stops.

Next, disconnect the negative battery cable and raise the car on jack stands. Drain the fuel from the tank by removing the tank's drain plug or the line running to the fuel filter. Make sure you know how much fuel is in the tank and have an approved container to pour it into.

Now, you can disconnect and remove the fuel tank and sender assembly from the fuel pump. To do this, first, clean the fuel system's exterior, especially around the fuel-sender assembly. Then, disconnect the fuel sender from the tank by removing its retaining ring. Finally, remove the pump from the sender.

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Cut a trap door

To cut a trap door to change the fuel pump in a 2002 Pontiac Firebird, you will need a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer, rags and cleaning solution, and a Dremel with a cutting wheel.

Before you cut the trap door, some steps need to be taken to allow the fuel pump to be replaced safely and successfully. First, pull the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the negative (black) battery terminal. Also, bleed the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the driver's side fuel rail. Make sure you have a bucket and rags ready for this. Lastly, open the gas cap to relieve any more pressure. Now, you can proceed to cut the trap door. Use a Dremel with a cutting wheel and go slowly! Make sure that nothing gets cut that shouldn't be, like wiring harnesses and fuel lines.

Now, you must remove the two connectors on top of the fuel pump assembly. They simply unclip and come off of the fuel pump assembly. Also, clean the area in the trap door carefully to minimize the risk of dirt falling into the tank. Now, the three fuel lines can be disconnected by simply pulling and unclipping them off the plastic hose connectors. Have rags ready to catch any fuel that might come out of these lines. Then, you can use a screwdriver and hammer on the edges of the fuel pump retaining ring to spin it away from the locks to be able to remove the assembly. The fuel pump assembly should easily lift out of the trap door now.

Be careful working in the trap door area, as the edges are sharp!

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Remove the fuel pump assembly

To remove the fuel pump assembly from a 2002 Pontiac Firebird, first relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Open the gas cap, remove the fuse for the fuel system, and start the engine. Let the engine run until it stops.

Next, disconnect the negative battery cable and raise the car on jack stands. Drain the fuel from the tank by removing the tank's drain plug or the line running to the fuel filter. Make sure you have an approved container to pour the fuel into.

Now you can disconnect and remove the fuel tank and sender assembly from the fuel pump. Disconnect the fuel sender from the tank by removing its retaining ring and remove the pump from the sender.

At this point, you can lift the fuel pump assembly out of the tank. Be careful not to damage the float arm on the way out.

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Install a new fuel pump

To install a new fuel pump, you will need a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer, rags, and a cleaning solution. You will also need a friend to help you.

First, remove the two connectors on top of the fuel pump assembly. Clean the area in the trap door carefully to minimize the risk of dirt falling into the tank. Then, disconnect the three fuel lines by pulling and unclipping them from the plastic hose connectors. Have rags ready to catch any fuel that might come out of these lines.

Next, use a screwdriver and a hammer on the edges of the fuel pump retaining ring to spin it away from the locks and remove the assembly. The fuel pump assembly should now easily lift out of the trap door.

Now, install the new fuel pump assembly in the reverse of removal. Make sure you plug in the fuel lines and electrical connectors.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few ways to change the fuel pump in your 2002 Pontiac Firebird. The first is to drop the fuel tank and remove the pump assembly. The second is to cut a trap door above the fuel pump assembly and replace it from there.

You will need a flat-head screwdriver, a hammer, rags, a cleaning solution, and a Dremel with a cutting wheel.

Before you begin, pull the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Also, bleed the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the driver's side fuel rail and open the gas cap to relieve any pressure.

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