Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 1999 Dodge 1500 Truck

If you're experiencing problems with your 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, you may need to replace the fuel pump. This process involves removing the fuel tank, cleaning it, and installing a new pump. While it can be completed with the right equipment and patience, it's important to exercise caution when handling volatile liquids like fuel. This complex process can be made easier with the help of a step-by-step guide and video tutorials.

How to Change Fuel Pump in 1999 Dodge Ram 1500

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is an important first step when replacing the fuel pump in your 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. This step is crucial for safety reasons, as it helps to avoid any accidental electrical shocks while you work on the vehicle. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Locate the negative battery cable: The negative battery cable is typically black in colour and is usually clearly marked or labelled. It is often located near the battery, which is typically found in the engine bay or in the vicinity of the vehicle's electrical system.

Gather the necessary tools: You will need a 10mm wrench to loosen and remove the negative battery cable. Have some electrical tape handy as well.

Loosen and remove the cable: Using the 10mm wrench, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the battery terminal. Turn the wrench in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen it. Once it is loose, carefully remove the cable from the terminal.

Set the cable aside safely: Place the disconnected cable in a secure location where it cannot accidentally come into contact with the battery terminal. You can use electrical tape to cover the exposed terminal to provide an extra layer of protection. Make sure the cable is placed away from any metal surfaces or conductive materials that could create a short circuit.

Verify the disconnection: Before proceeding with the fuel pump replacement, double-check that the negative battery cable is indeed disconnected. Ensure that there is no chance of the cable making contact with the battery terminal during the repair process.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the negative battery cable, ensuring a safer environment for working on your vehicle's fuel pump replacement. Remember to reconnect the cable once the repair is complete and before starting the vehicle.

Release the fuel pressure

To relieve the fuel pressure in a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, follow these steps:

Locate the fuel pump fuse in the under-hood fuse box. There should be a diagram on the fuse box cover indicating its location. Remove the fuse and set it aside.

Attempt to start the engine. With the fuel pump fuse removed, the engine should stall on its own. This will help relieve some of the pressure in the fuel system.

If the fuel pump is not functioning or the engine does not stall, you will need to locate the pressure relief valve on the fuel rail. You can use a screwdriver to press the small valve inward, but be cautious as fuel will spray out. For a safer method, attach a fuel pressure gauge with a drain hose to the pressure relief valve.

Once you have completed these steps, you can proceed to loosen the fuel tank straps and continue with the fuel pump replacement procedure. Remember to always exercise extreme caution when working with flammable liquids like fuel.

Raise and secure the truck

To raise and secure your 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, you'll need to follow a careful process to ensure safety and stability. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it's imperative to have the right tools for the job. For raising and securing a truck, you'll need vehicle jacks and jack stands. A hydraulic jack is recommended for its reliability, and it's crucial that the jack matches your truck's weight. The emergency jack supplied with your vehicle is not suitable for this task.

Before you begin, ensure your truck is on a firm, level surface, preferably concrete or asphalt. Engage the parking brake and, if your truck has a manual transmission, put it in gear. If it's an automatic, put it in park. This will prevent the truck from moving during the process.

Now, locate the correct jack points as specified in your owner's manual. These points are designed to support the weight of your truck during the lift. Place the hydraulic jack at the correct jack point, maintaining proper contact. Start pumping the jack handle steadily to raise the truck to the desired height.

Once the truck is raised, it's crucial not to rely solely on the hydraulic jack to support the weight. Place the jack stands beneath the vehicle, adjacent to the jack points, to provide additional support. This step is essential to prevent the truck from falling unexpectedly.

If you've lifted the front wheels off the ground, make sure to chalk the rear wheels to prevent any rolling. Double-check all contact points for stability to ensure they can bear the weight of the truck while you work underneath. Only when you've completed these steps should you consider the truck properly lifted and secure.

Now that your truck is raised and secure, you can proceed with the fuel pump replacement, ensuring you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, as outlined in the fuel pump replacement guide. Remember to work safely and follow the instructions carefully.

Please note: This is a general guide, and your truck's specific requirements may vary. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate information.

Disconnect the fuel filler line

Disconnecting the fuel filler line is a crucial step in changing the fuel pump in a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Locate the fuel filler neck: Open the fuel door and look for the filler hose opening. You will see three or four Phillips head screws surrounding this opening. These screws secure the fuel filler neck to the body of the truck.

Remove the screws: Using a Phillips head screwdriver, carefully remove the screws that hold the fuel filler neck in place. Place them aside in a safe location so they do not get lost.

Loosen the fuel filler hose and vent hose clamps: Once the screws are removed, locate the fuel filler hose and vent hose clamps. These clamps are typically located near the filler neck. Loosen them carefully, being mindful not to damage the hoses.

Disconnect the hoses: After loosening the clamps, gently pull the hoses away from the fuel filler neck. This will separate the fuel filler line from the body of the truck.

Inspect the hoses: Before proceeding, take a moment to inspect the hoses for any signs of damage or wear. If they appear cracked, brittle, or damaged in any way, it is recommended to replace them with new hoses to ensure the safety and integrity of the fuel system.

Secure the hoses: If the hoses are in good condition, carefully set them aside, ensuring they are securely fastened or tied down to prevent any accidental spills or damage.

This step-by-step guide should provide a clear and focused instruction on disconnecting the fuel filler line when changing the fuel pump in a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500. Remember to work carefully and safely, as dealing with the fuel system can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Support the gas tank and remove it

To support the gas tank and remove it, you will need to place a jack stand underneath the gas tank. Remove each of the strap bolts from underneath the chassis. You will need to disconnect the fuel line from its supporting clip and remove the vent line to the pump assembly. Now, you can unplug the electrical connection to the fuel pump and remove the fuel line from the fuel pump. Once you have completed these steps, you can remove the gas tank.

Before removing the gas tank, ensure you have completed the previous steps, including disconnecting the negative battery cable, releasing the fuel pressure, and raising and securing the truck.

It is important to note that fuel is a volatile liquid, so this job must be handled with caution and the proper equipment.

Frequently asked questions