Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 2003 Buick Century

The fuel pump in a 2003 Buick Century is located inside the fuel tank. It is possible to access the fuel pump for replacement through an access panel in the trunk. Before attempting to replace the fuel pump, the battery should be disconnected to reduce the risk of fire. The retaining ring on the top of the tank may also pose an issue, and you may need to rent a tool to remove it. The cost of a new fuel pump is estimated to be between $75 and $350, while labour costs will vary depending on the garage.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step in changing the fuel pump of a 2003 Buick Century. This is a crucial safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the battery:

Step 1: Put on safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Working with car batteries can be dangerous, so it is important to take the necessary precautions.

Step 2: Locate the battery. In most cars, the battery is located in the engine bay, usually at the front of the vehicle.

Step 3: Identify the negative battery cable. This is usually a thick, black cable connected to the negative terminal of the battery, which is often marked with a "-" symbol.

Step 4: Prepare the necessary tools. You will need a wrench or socket set that fits the battery terminal.

Step 5: Loosen the nut on the negative battery cable using the appropriate tool. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Do not remove the nut completely; just loosen it enough so that you can disconnect the cable.

Step 6: Carefully disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Be gentle and avoid causing any sparks. Set the cable aside, ensuring it does not touch any metal parts of the car.

Step 7: Secure the cable. You can use a cable tie or tape to secure the cable away from the battery and any metal surfaces. This will prevent accidental reconnection or short circuits.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the battery in your 2003 Buick Century, ensuring a safer environment for you to work on replacing the fuel pump. Remember to reconnect the battery properly once you have completed the fuel pump replacement.

Remove the fuel tank access cover

To remove the fuel tank access cover in your 2003 Buick Century, start by relieving the fuel system pressure. Drain the fuel tank with a handheld siphon until the level is less than a quarter full.

Next, remove the negative battery cable, the spare tire, and the jack. Pull back the floor trunk liner to access the fuel sender access panel. Disconnect the fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector, the fuel sender electrical connector, and the fuel sender assembly quick-connect fittings. Finally, remove the retaining lock ring from the fuel sender.

Now that the fuel tank access cover has been exposed, you can carefully lift it off and set it aside. Be sure to keep track of the order in which you removed the various components for easier reassembly.

Once the access cover is removed, you can proceed with replacing the fuel pump. Remember to exercise extreme caution when working with the fuel system to prevent fires and other hazards.

Disconnect fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump of a 2003 Buick Century. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, relieve the fuel system pressure. This is an important safety precaution to avoid any accidental spillage or injury. Drain the fuel tank using a handheld siphon until the fuel level is less than a quarter full. Next, remove the negative battery cable. This is another essential safety measure as it reduces the risk of fire during the repair process.

Now, you can proceed to remove the spare tire and jack, as well as the floor trunk liner by pulling it back. This will give you better access to the fuel sender access panel, which you should now remove. After that, disconnect the fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector and the fuel sender electrical connector.

At this point, you will need to disconnect the fuel sender assembly quick-connect fittings. Be careful and deliberate in your movements to avoid any damage to the connectors or the fuel lines. Finally, remove the retaining lock ring from the fuel sender. This will allow you to access and replace the fuel pump itself.

Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when working with the fuel system of your vehicle. It is always a good idea to have a professional mechanic perform this type of repair if you are not experienced in auto repair.

Remove retaining lock ring

To remove the retaining lock ring from the fuel sender of your 2003 Buick Century, you will first need to relieve the fuel system pressure. Drain the fuel tank with a handheld siphon until the level is less than a quarter full.

Next, remove or disconnect the following:

• Negative battery cable
• Spare tire and jack
• Floor trunk liner (by pulling it back)
• Fuel sender access panel
• Fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector
• Fuel sender electrical connector
• Fuel sender assembly quick-connect fittings

Once these items have been removed or disconnected, you can then remove the retaining lock ring from the fuel sender.

Install new fuel pump and reconnect

To install a new fuel pump and reconnect for a 2003 Buick Century, follow these steps:

First, relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the fuel tank until it is less than a quarter full. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and remove the spare tire, jack, and floor trunk liner. Pull back the fuel sender access panel and disconnect the fuel tank pressure sensor electrical connector, fuel sender electrical connector, and fuel sender assembly quick-connect fittings. Remove the retaining lock ring from the fuel sender.

Next, install a new O-ring on the fuel tank, followed by the fuel sender, lock ring, electrical connector, and pressure sensor electrical connector. Reconnect the quick-connect fittings at the fuel sender and the negative battery cable. Add a small amount of fuel to the tank.

Turn the ignition to the "ON" position for two seconds, then turn it off for ten seconds. Repeat this process, checking for leaks each time.

Finally, reinstall the fuel sender access panel, trunk liner, spare tire, jack, and spare tire cover. Refill the fuel tank.

This process should help you successfully install a new fuel pump and reconnect the necessary components in your 2003 Buick Century.

Frequently asked questions