Replacing Fuel Pump In Chevrolet Silverado: Step-By-Step Guide

If your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is experiencing poor gas mileage or other engine problems, you may need to replace the fuel pump. This is a significant but rewarding undertaking that you can do yourself to save money. This article will guide you through the steps to replace the fuel pump in your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, covering topics such as relieving fuel line pressure, lifting the truck, removing the fuel filler neck, disconnecting fuel tank lines and power lines, and installing a new fuel pump module.

Relieve fuel line pressure

To relieve the fuel line pressure in a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, follow these steps:

Firstly, open the gas cap on the side of the truck. Then, remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box. Start the engine and let it run until the vehicle shuts down. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area, free from any heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Do not smoke while carrying out this task.

Next, disconnect the negative battery cable. Siphon the fuel from the tank into a gas container. Now, raise the rear end of the Silverado and place it on jack stands. Block the front wheels for safety.

These steps will ensure that the fuel line pressure is relieved, and you can proceed with the rest of the fuel pump replacement procedure.

Lift the truck

If you don't have access to a lift, you should use four jack stands and lift the entire truck rather than just the rear end. Use the appropriate lifting points and place on jack stands in the manufacturer's recommended locations on level ground. If you only have access to two jack stands, you can lift the rear end and place jack stands under the rear axle. Block the front wheels.

If you have a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, you can make this process easier by removing the eight bolts holding the bed on and sliding the bed back onto the tires, giving you clear access to the fuel tank.

Remove the fuel filler neck from the tank

To remove the fuel filler neck from the tank of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, you'll need to first locate it. The fuel filler neck is on the driver's side of the tank, above the frame. It's a large-diameter hose connected to the tank with a hose clamp.

Use a stubby flat-head screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp. The fuel filler neck should then pull right off. This step is a little tricky because the fuel filler neck is in a difficult position to access.

If you're unable to lift the bed of your truck, you'll need to drop the fuel tank to access the fuel pump. This is a significant undertaking but can be done at home. Make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area, free of any heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Do not smoke while working around fuel sources.

Before you begin, relieve the fuel line pressure. Pull the fuel pump relay from the fuse box and start the vehicle. Let it run until it shuts down.

Next, lift the truck using the appropriate lifting points and place it on jack stands in the manufacturer's recommended locations on level ground. If you don't have access to a lift, use four jack stands and lift the entire truck.

Now you can remove the fuel filler neck from the tank, as described above.

The next step is to disconnect the fuel tank lines. Move to the passenger side of the tank and start by disconnecting the vapor line from the charcoal overflow tank. Then, disconnect the larger supply line. These lines have similar connectors that you'll squeeze at the base to disconnect. There are two more lines above these that will need to be disconnected. These have white connector clips that need to be pushed in as you pull on the hose.

When you remove these hoses, a lot of gas will spill, so wear safety goggles to prevent gasoline from getting into your eyes.

Disconnect the fuel tank lines

To disconnect the fuel tank lines of your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, follow these steps:

Step 1: Move to the passenger side of the tank.

Step 2: Disconnect all the lines going into the top of the tank, starting with the vapor line from the charcoal overflow tank. You will need to squeeze at the base of the connection to disconnect this line.

Step 3: Disconnect the larger supply line next, using the same method as for the vapor line.

Step 4: There are two more lines above the vapor and supply lines that need to be disconnected. These lines have white connector clips that need to be pushed in simultaneously as you pull on the hose.

Note: When you remove these hoses, a lot of gasoline will spill from the lines, as there will still be some pressure left. Make sure you wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the gasoline.

Now that you have disconnected all the fuel tank lines, you can continue with the next steps to replace the fuel pump module.

Please note that these instructions are based on the assumption that you have already completed the previous steps outlined in the source material, such as relieving fuel line pressure and lifting the truck.

Disconnect power lines to the fuel pump

To disconnect the power lines to the fuel pump of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, follow these steps:

Step 1: Relieve fuel line pressure

Pull the fuel pump relay from the fuse box. Start the vehicle and let it run until it shuts down. This will relieve gas pressure in the line and the pump. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, free from any heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Do not smoke while performing this procedure.

Step 2: Lift the truck

Use the appropriate lifting points and place the vehicle on jack stands in the manufacturer's recommended locations on level ground. If you don't have access to a lift, use four jack stands and lift the entire truck, rather than just the rear end.

Step 3: Remove the fuel filler neck from the tank

The fuel filler neck is located on the driver's side of the tank, above the frame. It is a large-diameter hose connected to the tank with a hose clamp. Use a stubby flat-head screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp, and remove the fuel filler neck.

Step 4: Disconnect the fuel tank lines

Move to the passenger side of the tank and disconnect all the lines going into the top of the tank. Start with the vapor line, followed by the larger supply line. These lines have similar connectors that you can squeeze at the base to disconnect. There are two more lines above the vapor and supply lines that need to be disconnected as well. These lines have white connector clips that need to be pushed in simultaneously as you pull on the hose.

Step 5: Disconnect power lines to the fuel pump

There are two quick-release electrical plugs on top of the fuel tank that power the fuel pump. Disconnect these plugs from the pump.

Step 6: Remove gas tank straps and lower the tank

Use a 15 mm socket and ratchet with a long extension to remove the gas tank straps. Remove the front strap completely. For the rear strap, you may need an assistant to hold the tank while you remove it, as it will be heavy. Alternatively, you can use a hydraulic floor jack to support the tank and lower it carefully. It is helpful to have as empty of a fuel tank as possible for this step.

Frequently asked questions