Replacing The Fuel Pump On A 1997 F350: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel pump on a 1997 F350 with a gas tank can be a challenging task. Before beginning, ensure the gas tank is as empty as possible for safety. The process involves unstrapping the tank and disconnecting various components, such as the fuel filler hose, vent line, and fuel lines. Special tools may be required to remove the fuel lines, which can be sourced from a local parts shop. It is important to be cautious when handling the fuel lines, as some may have a spring inside the coupling that needs to be pushed off.

Removing the fuel pump

To remove the fuel pump from your 1997 F350, you will first need to ensure the tank is as empty as possible. Next, you will need to unstrap the tank and unhook the fuel filler hose and the vent line.

You will then see two or three fuel lines coming out of a round object. You may need a special tool to remove these lines. The clips that hold the lines on may be the type where there is a spring inside the coupling, which will need to be pushed off.

Disconnecting the fuel line

To disconnect the fuel line, you will need to place a suitable container under the filter drain hose. Open the filter drain. Next, remove the turbocharger assembly, the baffle, and the air inlet crossover manifold. Disconnect the water drain hose from the filter.

Now, disconnect the fuel outlet hose located between the fuel and filter housing. Also, disconnect the fuel return hose from the fuel pressure regulator valve. Disconnect the two fuel supply hoses that connect the regulator block to the cylinder fuel rails.

Loosen the clamp at the fuel pump end of the hose, which connects the fuel filter to the inlet of the high-pressure stage at the fuel pump. Disengage the wiring harness from the right side of the filter housing.

Finally, disengage the electrical connections from the water-in-fuel sensor and the fuel heater.

Checking for power at the pump

To check for power at the pump of your 1997 F350, you can perform the following steps:

• Disconnect the fuel line near the engine, usually at the throttle body assembly.
• Turn the key to the "run" position and listen for a buzzing sound coming from the pump. If you don't hear anything or see fuel shooting out of the fuel line, there may be no power reaching the pump, or the pump itself may be faulty.
• Check for power at the pump's connector near the gas tank by powering it up manually. If the pump works manually, there may be an issue with the auto shut-off relay that controls the pump and ignition.
• Check the fuel pump relay, which is typically located on the left fender.
• Locate the fuel pump shut-off switch, which is usually found under the dash on the left side of the steering column or on the passenger side kick panel. Reset the switch if necessary.
• Check the horn relay, as on some Ford models, it is the same relay used for the fuel pump. You can swap and test this before purchasing a new relay.

Checking the auto shutoff relay

To check the auto shutoff relay on your 1997 F350, you'll first need to locate the fuel pump shutoff switch. This can usually be found under the right side of the dashboard, or behind the right kick panel. It may also be located under the hood on the left firewall, or on the right fender apron behind a plastic cover.

Once you've located the shutoff switch, you can check for power by turning the key to the "run" position and listening for a buzzing sound from the pump. If there is no buzzing sound, this could indicate that there is no power to the pump, or that the pump itself is faulty.

If there is no power to the pump, you can check the fuel pump relay, which is usually located under the hood on the left fender. With the key in the "on" position, use a test light to check if there is power on two pins of the relay. If there is no power, you may need to replace the relay or check the relevant fuses.

If the fuel pump shutoff switch is tripped, you can try resetting it. The switch should have a red reset button that you can press to reset it. If resetting the switch does not help, you may need to replace the fuel pump relay.

Locating the fuel pump shutoff switch

The fuel pump shutoff switch on a 1997 Ford F350 is located on the passenger side of the vehicle. Specifically, it can be found behind the passenger kick panel, which is the interior wall where a passenger's feet would rest. There should be a hole behind the panel that you can stick your finger through to reach the switch.

The switch will have a little button on top of it, which you can press to reset it, similar to resetting a breaker. If you cannot find the hole, you may need to remove the kick panel to access the switch.

In some cases, the switch may be located under the right side of the dashboard or behind the right kick panel. There may also be a fuel pump shutoff relay under the hood on the left firewall, and a relay on the right fender apron behind a plastic cover.

Frequently asked questions