Replacing Fuel Pump In 1990 Ford F150: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace the fuel pump on your 1990 Ford F150, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, and the process of replacing it may involve removing the bed of the truck, which can be challenging. It is recommended to have some helping hands to make the process easier. Additionally, you will need to purchase a new fuel pump that is compatible with your vehicle. You can find these online or at auto parts stores, with prices ranging from $19 to $150. Before starting the replacement process, make sure to consult a repair manual or seek advice from a trusted mechanic to ensure you have the correct tools and knowledge to complete the job safely and effectively.

Removing the bed

To remove the bed of your 1990 Ford F150, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials, including a wrench or socket set, penetrating oil or lubricant, and some rags or paper towels. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Park your Ford F150 on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure it doesn't move during the process. Gather your tools and materials, and place them within easy reach.

Step 2: Disconnect the Wiring Harness

Open the tailgate and locate the wiring harness that connects the truck's electrical system to the rear lights and other components. Carefully disconnect this wiring harness and set it aside, ensuring it doesn't get damaged or strained.

Step 3: Remove the Bed Bolts

Locate the bolts that secure the bed to the frame of the truck. These bolts are typically located along the sides and front of the bed. Spray penetrating oil or lubricant on the bolts and threads to help loosen them, as they may be rusted or seized. Use your wrench or socket set to remove these bolts, placing them in a safe location as you work.

Step 4: Lift and Remove the Bed

Enlist the help of at least one other person to carefully lift the bed off the frame. The bed can be quite heavy, so having extra hands will make the job safer and easier. Once the bed is removed, place it on a set of sawhorses or a similar structure to provide a stable work surface.

Step 5: Clean and Inspect

With the bed removed, take the opportunity to clean and inspect the frame and underside of the bed. Look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. Address any issues that may impact the safety or performance of your vehicle.

Step 6: Access the Fuel Pump

With the bed removed, you will now have clear access to the fuel pump. Proceed with the necessary repairs or replacements, following the appropriate guidelines and safety precautions.

Remember to work safely and carefully throughout the process, and always refer to reliable sources for specific instructions and guidelines that match your vehicle's make and model.

Testing the voltage

Step 1: Park your Ford F150 on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Ensure the engine is cool before beginning the test.

Step 2: Locate the fuel pump's electrical connector. It is usually located near the fuel pump, which is inside the fuel tank. Refer to your vehicle's repair manual for the exact location.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector from the fuel pump. You may need to remove some components to access it, such as the rear seat or the bed of the truck.

Step 4: Acquire a digital multimeter, which will be used to measure the voltage. Set the multimeter to the appropriate voltage setting, typically 20 Volts DC or higher.

Step 5: Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the fuel pump connector. Connect the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the fuel pump connector.

Step 6: Start the vehicle's engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. Ensure that the multimeter is securely connected during this process.

Step 7: Observe the reading on the multimeter. A healthy fuel pump should show a voltage reading between 12 and 14 Volts DC. If the voltage is lower or higher than this range, it indicates a problem with the fuel pump or the electrical system.

Step 8: Turn off the engine and disconnect the multimeter leads from the fuel pump connector. Reconnect the fuel pump's electrical connector.

Step 9: Interpret the results. If the voltage reading was within the specified range, your fuel pump is likely functioning correctly. If the voltage was too low or too high, further diagnostics are required.

Step 10: If the voltage was outside the acceptable range, check for issues such as a faulty fuel pump relay, damaged wiring, or a failing fuel pump. Refer to a repair manual or seek professional assistance for further troubleshooting steps.

It is important to note that testing the voltage is just one aspect of diagnosing fuel pump issues. Other tests, such as checking fuel pressure and observing engine symptoms, should also be conducted for a comprehensive diagnosis. Always refer to safety guidelines when working with electrical systems and flammable substances.

Checking the wiring plug

To check the wiring plug on your 1990 Ford F150's fuel pump, you will need to locate the pump itself. The fuel pump on a 1990 Ford F150 is located inside the fuel tank.

Once you have located the fuel pump, you can proceed to inspect the wiring plug. The wiring plug on the fuel pump should have a colour-coded connector with pins that correspond to the wires. The colours of the wires may vary depending on whether you have a dual-tank system and which tank you are working on.

For the front tank, the wires are typically as follows:

• Orange: Pump Ground
• Red: Pump Power
• Yellow/Blue: Sender Power
• Black: Sender Ground

For the rear tank, the wires are usually:

• Orange: Pump Ground
• Brown: Pump Power
• Yellow: Sender Power
• Black: Sender Ground

It is important to note that the brown and yellow wires may have white on them as well.

If you need to replace the wiring plug or connector, you can purchase a new one from auto parts stores or online retailers. You may also be able to reuse the pins from the old connector by carefully sliding them out of the plastic harness using a pick or similar tool.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a waterproofing sealant or grease, such as XG-12, on the connector to protect it from moisture and corrosion.

Replacing the pump

The fuel pump on a 1990 Ford F150 is located inside the gas tank. The process of replacing the fuel pump will involve removing the bed of the truck to access the tank. This can be challenging and may require additional help.

Firstly, ensure you have the correct replacement pump for your vehicle. You can purchase these online or from auto parts stores. Once you have the new pump, follow these steps:

• Park your truck on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Remove the negative battery cable from the battery to prevent any accidental electrical shorts during the process.
• Locate and loosen the bolts that secure the truck bed to the frame. You may need to apply a penetrant spray to the bolts to remove them.
• Carefully lift the bed off the frame with the help of at least one other person. Place the bed aside, preferably on a set of jack stands or sawhorses.
• With the bed removed, you will now have access to the gas tank.
• Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connections to the fuel pump.
• Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle, taking care not to spill any fuel.
• With the tank removed, you can now access the fuel pump for replacement. Remove the old pump and install the new one, ensuring all connections are secure.
• Reinstall the fuel tank and reconnect the fuel lines and electrical connections.
• Carefully lower the truck bed back into place and secure it with the bolts you removed earlier.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable.

At this point, you should be able to start the vehicle and test the new fuel pump. Ensure that there are no fuel leaks and that the truck is running smoothly.

Note: It is important to work with caution when dealing with fuel systems. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.

Buying a new pump

When buying a new fuel pump for your 1990 Ford F-150, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the fuel pump is compatible with your specific vehicle. Check that the fuel pump you are purchasing is designed for the 1990 model year, as well as the specific trim and engine configuration of your F-150.

There are a variety of places where you can purchase a new fuel pump, including online retailers and automotive parts stores. Some popular options include CarParts.com, eBay, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, which offer a range of fuel pumps and related components specifically for the 1990 Ford F-150. It is recommended to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you are getting a quality product at a fair price.

When shopping for a new fuel pump, you will come across different types, including fuel pump hanger assemblies, fuel pump modules, and fuel pump and strainer sets. It is important to understand the differences between these options and select the one that best suits your needs. For example, a fuel pump hanger assembly includes the hanger, sending unit, and strainer, while a fuel pump module includes additional components such as the fuel pump, fuel sender, and wiring harness.

Additionally, pay attention to the specific characteristics of the fuel pump, such as the inlet type, outlet diameter, pressure rating, voltage, and flow rate. Ensure that these specifications match the requirements of your Ford F-150. It is also beneficial to look for fuel pumps that come with warranties, as this can provide added peace of mind and protection in case of any issues.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the cost of the fuel pump. Prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and features included. Remember to factor in the cost of any additional components or tools you may need for the installation process, as well as shipping or delivery charges if you are purchasing the fuel pump online. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when buying a new fuel pump for your 1990 Ford F-150.

Frequently asked questions