Replacing Fuel Pump In 2003 Pontiac Vibe: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump in a 2003 Pontiac Vibe is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and parts. The fuel pump is accessible under the rear passenger seat, and the process involves removing the seat bottom cushion, disconnecting electrical connectors, and carefully removing and installing the new fuel pump assembly. It is recommended to replace the fuel filter and pickup screen at the same time, and there are different shapes of filters for AWD and FWD models. When reassembling, it is important to clean or replace the gasket and ensure proper sealing to avoid leaks.

Removing the rear seat bottom cushion

To remove the rear seat bottom cushion of a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, first remove the two fasteners and swing the rear seat bottom cushion up and out of the way. Then, remove the two bolts from the front of the passenger side rear seat. The bottom of the seat will then fold up. Next, remove the stick-on cover over the wiring that protects it from errant hands and coat hangers getting pushed under the seat. Then, remove the access panel by prying it off with your fingers—it's just stuck on with tape. You'll have to remove the grommet from the cover as you do this. Now, disconnect the two wiring connectors: one for the pump/fuel gauge, the other for the EVAP sensor. The fuel pump connector is a bit tricky. You squeeze the tab down hard and you'll probably feel it snap as it clears the tang on the mating part. It then pulls off easily.

Disconnecting the fuel sender electrical connector

To disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector of a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, follow these steps:

First, remove the two bolts from the front of the passenger-side rear seat. This will allow you to fold up the bottom of the seat and access the fuel pump. Remove the stick-on cover over the wiring to protect it from any objects that might be pushed under the seat.

Next, remove the access panel by prying it off with your fingers. You will need to remove the grommet from the cover as you do this. Then, disconnect the two wiring connectors. One is for the fuel pump/fuel gauge, and the other is for the EVAP sensor. To disconnect the fuel pump connector, squeeze the tab down hard and you will feel it snap as it clears the tang on the mating part. It will then pull off easily.

Now, start the car to bleed off any pressure in the supply line. Remove the yellow clips and disconnect the EVAP sensor and the return line, being careful to catch any fuel spillage in a small container. Then, remove the pressure line by squeezing the tangs together hard and twisting and pulling off the quick-connect.

Finally, with all the connections disconnected, you can now remove the fuel sender assembly and replace or repair any parts as needed.

Disconnecting the fuel tank pressure sensor

To disconnect the fuel tank pressure sensor of a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, follow these steps:

First, start the car to bleed off the pressure in the supply line. Next, remove the yellow clips and disconnect the EVAP sensor and the return line. Be careful, as even though pressure was bled off, fuel may still leak out. Have a small container ready to collect any fuel that may spill. Then, remove the pressure line. To do this, squeeze the tangs together and twist and pull off the connector. The part you are squeezing will come off with the quick connect. Now, remove the 8 bolts/screws that hold the retaining ring on. You can use a Phillips head or a hex tool for this step. Once the bolts are removed, take off the retaining ring by feeding it over the pressure nipple.

These steps will allow you to access and disconnect the fuel tank pressure sensor safely. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby and exercise extreme caution when working with flammable liquids like gasoline.

Removing the retaining clip from the fuel line fitting

To remove the retaining clip from the fuel line fitting of a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, you will first need to locate the fuel sender assembly. This can be found under the rear passenger seat.

Once you have located the fuel sender assembly, you will need to disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector and the electrical connector of the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor. You can then remove the retaining clip from the fuel line fitting. It is important to note that there is fuel in the line, so be prepared to catch any spillage with a small container.

After the retaining clip is removed, you can proceed to remove the fuel line from the fuel sender assembly. Be sure to have a container ready to catch any fuel that may spill. The next step is to disconnect the fuel tank vapor line from the fuel sender assembly.

Now that the retaining clip has been removed from the fuel line fitting, you can continue with the fuel pump replacement procedure. It is important to work carefully and refer to a trusted repair guide for your vehicle to ensure a safe and successful repair.

Reinstalling the cover in the passenger compartment

To reinstall the cover in the passenger compartment of your 2003 Pontiac Vibe, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, clean the gasket or install a new one. Wipe down the sealing surface, which is the rib just inside the bolting ring. You can use brake cleaner to clean the O-ring sealing surfaces and ensure that all the brake cleaner is emptied before heading back to the car.

Next, you will need to put the new fuel sender assembly O-ring on the fuel sender assembly. Install the assembly into the fuel tank and secure it with the hold-down plate. Use the correct fastener in the correct location and ensure that the replacement fasteners have the correct part number for that application.

Now, you can install the fuel tank vapour line and the fuel pipe to the fuel sender fitting. Secure the fuel pipe with the retaining clip.

Connect the fuel sender electrical connector to the fuel sender assembly. Then, connect the FTP sensor electrical connector to the fuel sender assembly.

Finally, connect the negative battery cable. Pressurise the fuel system and check for any leaks. Inspect the butyl caulk seal for the fuel sender access panel and replace any missing butyl caulk as necessary. Install the access panel to the rear seat floor and relocate the carpet under the seat and the left sill plate area. Reinstall the sill plate to the left side door opening and the rear seat bottom cushion. Secure the seat cushion with the two fasteners.

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