Replacing Fuel Pump In 2008 Gmc Truck: Step-By-Step Guide

how to change fuel pump in 2008 gmc truck

If you're experiencing issues with your 2008 GMC truck's fuel pump, you may need to replace it. The fuel pump is located inside your fuel tank and has a small electric motor to ensure that pressurised gasoline flows to the engine. While fuel pumps usually last for the life of the vehicle, they can occasionally fail, causing issues such as a car that won't start or stalls after starting. In some cases, the fuel flow may slowly decrease, causing the check engine light to come on. To replace the fuel pump, a mechanic will need to access the failed pump through the top of the fuel tank via an access panel or by removing the tank from the vehicle. This moderately complicated job is typically performed at a dealership's service department.

Characteristics Values
Vehicle 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
Engine V8 4.8L, 5.3L
Bed Length 97.6 inches
Fuel Pump Location Inside the fuel tank
Fuel Pump Type Electric
Fuel Filter Location Inside the fuel tank or externally in the fuel flow line
Fuel Pump Warning Signs Engine chokes or struggles to maintain speed, noises, backfires, sputtering engine, hesitation at start or take-off, engine overheating
Fuel Pump Replacement Cost $611 to $894 on average

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How to access the fuel pump

To access the fuel pump of a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, you will need to locate the pump, which is usually in the fuel tank. The first step is to identify the exact location of the pump by referring to the vehicle's service manual or seeking advice from a mechanic or a GMC forum.

Once the general location is known, you can decide on the best method to access the pump. One common approach is to tilt or remove the bed of the truck. This method provides good access to the fuel tank and pump, but it can be a more involved process and may require an extra pair of hands.

Another option is to create an access hole or trap door in the bed of the truck. This method can be more straightforward to do alone, as it doesn't require maneuvering the heavy bed. However, it does involve cutting into the truck bed and creating a watertight seal to prevent rainwater from entering.

  • Identify the exact location of the fuel pump by measuring and marking the spot on the bed.
  • Drill a hole in the marked location.
  • Use a nibbler or a thin cutoff wheel on a grinder to cut out the access hole. Make it just large enough to remove and install the pump.
  • To make a trap door, cut out a larger piece, leaving a thin skin of metal around the edges. Use a flathead screwdriver to tap along the cut line, carefully prying the metal up to create a clean edge.
  • Grind the edges of the hole and the patch to remove any sharp edges.
  • Create tabs or brackets to attach the patch. Drill holes and attach with screws or rivets.
  • Seal the gap between the patch and the bed with silicone or butyl tape to make it watertight.

By following these steps, you can gain access to the fuel pump of your 2008 GMC truck through the bed. Remember to take precise measurements and work carefully to avoid damaging any surrounding components.

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Fuel pump replacement cost

The fuel pump in a 2008 GMC truck is located inside the fuel tank. It has a small electric motor to ensure that pressurised gasoline flows to the engine to power the vehicle.

The average national cost for a fuel pump replacement across all vehicles is roughly between $611 and $894, including parts and labour. The cost depends on the age of your vehicle. To get a more specific estimate, it is best to check with your local GMC mechanic or dealership.

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Signs of a faulty fuel pump

A fuel pump is a small electric motor that transfers fuel from the tank to the engine. It is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine and any failure in this process results in a car that won't start or stalls once it has started. Here are some signs of a faulty fuel pump:

  • Whining noise coming from the fuel tank area when the engine is running. This is a precursor to loss of pressure or total failure.
  • Stalling that will restart after several minutes. This could be due to the pump overheating from being operated with low fuel in the tank frequently.
  • Trouble starting the car.
  • Long cranking time. This indicates that the fuel pump won’t hold positive pressure in the fuel line with the engine off.
  • Surging engine. This is caused by too much fuel being sent to the engine.
  • Lower gas mileage. Damaged or worn components in the fuel pump can let excess fuel into the engine that goes to waste.
  • Car sputters or dies while driving. The low pressure caused by a faulty fuel pump means that your engine isn’t getting the fuel and air mixture it needs to initiate combustion and power the car.
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Fuel pump replacement parts

When it comes to fuel pump replacement parts for your 2008 GMC truck, there are a variety of options available. Here is a list of some of the parts you may need:

  • Dorman OE FIX Fuel Pump Driver Module 601-132: This part is designed to fit your 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 and comes with a limited-lifetime warranty.
  • Dorman Fuel Pump Driver Module 601-022: Another option for the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, this fuel pump driver module is also available with a limited-lifetime warranty.
  • ACDelco Fuel Pump Driver Module 20759945: This fuel pump control module is designed for the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 with 4 doors and a crew cab pickup or extended cab pickup body style. It requires programming and comes with a limited-lifetime warranty.
  • Duralast Fuel Pump Driver Module DM103: This fuel pump flow control module must be programmed to the vehicle for proper functioning. It is compatible with the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500.
  • Spectra Premium Fuel Pump Driver Module FD1004: This fuel pump driver module is also compatible with the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500.
  • TruGrade Fuel Pump: There are several TruGrade fuel pump module assemblies available for the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, depending on the specific model and bed length. These come with a limited-lifetime warranty.
  • Delphi Fuel Pump: Delphi offers several fuel pump module assemblies for the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, depending on the sub-model and bed length. These also come with a limited-lifetime warranty.
  • Brock Replacement Fuel Pump Assembly: This aftermarket fuel pump is compatible with the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 and includes a fuel pressure sensor. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

It is important to verify the compatibility of these parts with your specific 2008 GMC truck model and sub-model to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, some parts may require programming or other technical expertise for proper installation.

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How to fix a faulty fuel pump

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Before attempting any repairs, it's important to correctly identify the issue as a faulty fuel pump. Some common signs of a faulty fuel pump include:

  • The engine struggles to maintain speed or "chokes"
  • Noises, backfires, and a sputtering engine
  • Hesitation when starting or taking off
  • Overheating of the engine
  • The "Check Engine" light is on

Step 2: Purchase a Replacement Fuel Pump

If your fuel pump is indeed faulty, you will likely need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement fuel pump online or from an auto parts store. Make sure to get a compatible fuel pump for your specific GMC model.

Step 3: Access the Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. To access it, you may need to remove the fuel tank from the vehicle or gain access through an access panel in the passenger compartment. This step may vary depending on your vehicle's specific design.

Step 4: Remove the Old Fuel Pump and Install the New One

Once you have accessed the fuel pump, carefully remove it from the fuel tank. Take note of the wiring and any other components connected to the fuel pump to ensure proper installation of the new one. Install the new fuel pump following the manufacturer's instructions and reconnect all the necessary components.

Step 5: Test the New Fuel Pump

After installation, test the new fuel pump to ensure it is functioning correctly. Start the vehicle and listen for any unusual noises. Check for any leaks and ensure that the fuel pump is delivering fuel to the engine without any issues.

Additional Notes:

  • It is recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform fuel pump replacements, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process.
  • Always refer to the owner's manual or seek advice from a professional for specific instructions pertaining to your vehicle's make and model.
  • Ensure proper safety measures are taken when working on your vehicle, including wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area.
  • Fuel pump replacements can vary depending on the specific GMC model, so be sure to consult the appropriate resources for your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Warning signs of a bad fuel pump include: engine choking or struggling to maintain speed, unusual noises, backfires, a sputtering engine, and hesitation at start or take-off.

If you ignore these symptoms for too long, your engine will eventually fail to start.

Vehicles today have electronic fuel injection, so fuel pumps are generally mounted inside the fuel tank.

You'll probably need to replace it. Even if you do have the know-how and materials to fix it, it might just be a temporary fix.

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