Replacing Fuel Pump In Buick Lacrosse: Step-By-Step Guide

The fuel pump on a 2006 Buick Lacrosse CXL is located inside the fuel tank. It is part of the fuel pump sending unit, which also includes the fuel filter. The fuel pump is meant to be a long-lasting piece of equipment, but it may need to be replaced if it fails. Warning signs of a bad fuel pump include engine choking, noises and backfires, sputtering, and hesitation at start or take-off. It is best to consult a mechanic if these issues arise.

Fuel pump location

The fuel pump on a 2006 Buick Lacrosse CXL is located inside the fuel tank. This is because vehicles today have electronic fuel injection, so mechanical fuel pumps are outdated. Electric fuel pumps are generally mounted inside the fuel tank. This is because a pump located in the fuel tank, submerged in cool liquid and at a point farthest away from the hot engine, is less likely to start a fire.

Signs of a bad fuel pump

A fuel pump is designed to last for over 100,000 miles, and sometimes even more than 200,000 miles, so it's not a part that needs to be replaced often. However, if your 2006 Buick Lacrosse CXL is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that the fuel pump is faulty and needs to be replaced.

• Whining Noise from the Fuel Tank: A damaged fuel pump might make a loud, whining sound that you’ll hear from your fuel tank. This noise could also be due to low fuel levels or contaminated fuel.
• Trouble Starting the Car: If the fuel pump cannot deliver enough fuel to the engine, the car will struggle to start and run.
• Engine Sputtering or Stalling: If the fuel pump cannot maintain a constant stream of fuel to the engine, especially at higher speeds, the engine may sputter and threaten to stall.
• Engine Overheating: An old or worn fuel pump may cause the engine to overheat due to reduced fuel pressure.
• Loss of Power: If you experience a loss of power when driving up steep inclines or when the vehicle is loaded with cargo, it could be due to an inadequate fuel supply from the pump.
• Engine Surging: If the fuel pump is sending too much fuel to the engine, it can cause the engine to surge, resulting in speed spikes and drops.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: A faulty fuel pump can lead to lower gas mileage as it may deliver too much fuel to the engine, resulting in more frequent trips to the gas station.
• Car Dying While Driving: Intermittent power loss or sudden engine failure while driving can be a sign of a failing fuel pump.

Fuel pump replacement cost

The fuel pump replacement cost for a 2006 Buick Lacrosse CXL with a V6-3.6L engine is estimated to be between $1,799.68 and $2,592.08. This includes both the cost of parts and labor. The parts themselves are estimated to cost between $226 and $819, while the labor to fit them is estimated to cost between $236 and $1,366.

The fuel pump is located in the vehicle's gas tank and is powered by a compact electric motor. It is responsible for supplying pressurised gasoline to each of the fuel injectors in the car's engine.

It is not recommended that you attempt to replace the fuel pump yourself due to the risk of fire.

Removing the water pump pulley

To remove the water pump pulley from your 2006 Buick Lacrosse CXL, you will need to first drain the cooling system. You can refer to the Draining and Filling Cooling System instructions for your specific engine type (L26 Static Fill, LY7 Static Fill, L26, LY7, GE 47716 Fill, or L26, LY7) .

Next, you will need to remove the drive belt. This will involve repositioning the accessory wiring junction block and loosening the water pump pulley bolts. Once the bolts are loosened, you can remove the drive belt.

Now, you can focus on the water pump pulley itself. Remove the bolts holding the pulley in place, and then take off the pulley.

It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on your specific engine type. For example, for the LY7 engine, you will need to use the EN 46104 Water Pump Pulley Holding Tool to retain the water pump pulley during removal and installation.

Additionally, when reinstalling the new water pump and pulley, be sure to clean the gasket mounting surfaces and install a new gasket. Torque the water pump bolts to the specified tightness for your engine type (e.g., 34 Nm or 25 ft. lbs. for the 3.8L engine).

Removing the water pump bolts

To remove the water pump bolts on a 2006 Buick Lacrosse CXL, you will first need to drain the cooling system. You will then need to either reposition the accessory wiring junction block (if your engine is a 3.8) or remove the generator drive belt (if your engine is a 3.6).

Next, you will need to remove the water pump pulley bolts and then the water pump pulley itself. Now you can remove the water pump bolts.

To install the new water pump, simply follow the removal process in reverse, taking care to install a new water pump seal and clean the water pump sealing surfaces.

Frequently asked questions