Replacing Fuel Pump In '06 Grand Prix: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump on a 2006 Grand Prix involves a series of intricate steps. Before attempting any repairs, it is essential to ensure that the fuses and relays of the electric fuel pump are functional. Additionally, the fuel system pressure should be relieved, and the fuel tank should be drained until it is about a quarter full. The negative battery cable should be disconnected, and the jack and spare tire should be removed to access the trunk lining. To expose the fuel pump, the nuts on the fuel sender access panel must be removed using a socket wrench. Once the fuel pump is visible, the electrical connector and quick-connect fittings can be disconnected, and the retaining ring can be removed to extract the fuel pump assembly. It is worth noting that some models may require additional steps, such as removing the rear seat and pulling up the carpet to access the fuel tank cover.

Prepare your vehicle for fuel pump servicing

To prepare your 2006 Grand Prix for fuel pump servicing, you should first relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the fuel tank until it is one-quarter full. Then, disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench.

Next, remove the jack and spare tire so that you can remove the lining in the trunk. This will allow you to open the fuel sender access panel by removing the nuts with a socket wrench. Now you can remove the electrical connector from the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel pump.

At this point, your 2006 Grand Prix should be prepared for fuel pump servicing.

Remove the fuel tank and change it

To remove the fuel tank and change it, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that the fuses and relays of the electric fuel pump are working. Next, relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the fuel tank until it is one-quarter full. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Remove the jack and spare tire to access the lining in the trunk. Remove the nuts with a socket wrench to open the fuel sender access panel.

Now, remove the electrical connector from the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel pump. Disconnect the quick-connect fittings for the fuel pump and remove the retaining ring for the fuel pump. Take out the fuel pump assembly and discard the old O-ring.

At this point, you can install a new fuel pump using the items included in the kit, especially a new O-ring.

To finish, reverse the removal procedure, tightening the nuts on the access panel to 89 in-lbs with a torque wrench.

Please note, that according to one source, there is no fuel pump access panel in the trunk of the 2006 Grand Prix, so the fuel tank must be removed to access the fuel pump.

Access the pump from the rear seat

To access the fuel pump from the rear seat of a 2006 Grand Prix, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to fold down the trap in the middle of the rear seat to access the trunk. Then, lift the carpet inside the trunk to reveal the fuel tank cover. You should see two electrical connections and three gas lines connected to the Fuel Sending Unit.

Disconnect the electrical connections and the three tubes from the Fuel Sending Unit. You will need to use a pair of pliers to disconnect the tubes. A small amount of fuel will spill out, so it is recommended to have some old towels on hand to soak this up.

Next, you will need to remove the locking disc that is holding the fuel pump in place. This is a metal ring with a large knob that needs to be turned counterclockwise to unlock. You can use a wrench key and a hammer to achieve this. Simply cover the knob with a rag, place the wrench key on top, and hammer it counterclockwise to unlock.

Once the locking disc is removed, you can take out the fuel sending unit, which contains the fuel pump.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that the fuel tank must be removed to access the fuel pump, as there is no access hatch in the trunk. However, the above steps provide a potential method to access the fuel pump from the rear seat.

Disconnect the quick-connect fittings

Disconnecting the quick-connect fittings is a crucial step when changing the fuel pump on a 2006 Grand Prix. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Firstly, ensure you have relieved the fuel system pressure and drained the fuel tank. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid spills. Next, disconnect the quick-connect fitting at the fuel filter. This will involve releasing the fuel pressure from the fuel lines. You can do this by starting the car and then pulling the pump's fuse, which is located in the box under the hood. Once the car dies, you are ready to move on.

Now, disconnect the quick-connect fittings at the end of the fuel lines. These are the outer two fuel lines connected to the pump. To disconnect them, push in the blue tabs on both sides, and they should slide right off. Be careful, as some fuel will spill out. It is recommended to have some old towels on hand to absorb the fuel and protect the surrounding areas.

At this stage, you will also need to disconnect the middle fuel line, which requires a different process. To disconnect the middle fuel line, squeeze and pull it off. It may take some effort and maneuvering to remove it successfully.

Once all three fuel lines have been disconnected, you can proceed to the next step of removing the fuel pump assembly. Remember to work carefully and patiently, as dealing with fuel can be hazardous.

Remove the retaining ring and take out the fuel pump assembly

To remove the retaining ring and take out the fuel pump assembly, you will need to follow the steps outlined below.

Firstly, relieve the fuel system pressure and drain the fuel tank until it is about one-quarter full. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Remove the jack and spare tire to access the lining in the trunk. You will then need to open the fuel sender access panel by removing the nuts with a socket wrench.

Next, disconnect the electrical connector from the fuel tank pressure sensor and the fuel pump itself. Disconnect the quick-connect fittings for the fuel pump.

Now, you can remove the retaining ring for the fuel pump and take out the fuel pump assembly. Be sure to discard the old O-ring.

If you are installing a new fuel pump, be sure to use the new O-ring provided in the kit.

Frequently asked questions