Replacing Fuel Pump In Nissan Truck: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to change the fuel pump on your Nissan truck, you've come to the right place. This is a step-by-step guide on how to do it. First, pull the truck up on blocks and activate the parking brake. Next, locate the fuel pump; it's usually found under the driver's side. Then, unplug the usage cord from the side of the fuel pump. Now, loosen both sides of the fuel pump with an end wrench and remove it, covering the input valve side to prevent fuel leakage. Wipe the valves clean with a rag, then slide the new fuel pump into place and tighten both sides, ensuring the valves aren't cross-threaded. Finally, replace the usage cord plug, making sure it's secured. That's it! You've successfully replaced the fuel pump on your Nissan truck.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is one of the first steps to take when changing the fuel pump on a Nissan truck. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Protective Measures

Before you begin, it is important to take some safety precautions. Put on utility work gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes. If you are wearing any rings or bracelets, it is advisable to remove them as well to reduce the risk of electrocution.

Locate the Battery

The battery will be a large block with cables attached to it. It is usually located under the hood of your Nissan truck, but in some cases, it may be under the passenger seat or in the trunk. If you are having trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual.

Identify the Positive and Negative Terminals

The positive terminal will be marked with a "+" and will typically have a red plastic cap. The negative terminal will have a "-" symbol and a black plastic cap. Remove these plastic caps if they are present.

Loosen the Nut on the Negative Terminal

Using a socket wrench or a small adjustable wrench, loosen the nut on the negative terminal by turning it counter-clockwise. You only need to loosen it enough to remove the terminal; there is no need to remove the nut completely.

Remove the Negative Terminal Cable

If there is significant corrosion, wiggle the connector to free it from the battery. Then, push the cable away from the battery tray to prevent accidental reconnection. If the cable keeps springing back, cover the metal terminal connector with tape to prevent contact.

Disconnecting the Positive Terminal

Repeat the same process for the positive terminal. Loosen the nut, remove the bracket, and push the cable away from the battery.

At this point, your battery is officially disconnected, and you can proceed with changing the fuel pump. Remember to exercise caution and refer to a mechanic if you encounter any issues or complications.

Access the fuel pump through the trunk

To access the fuel pump through the trunk of your Nissan truck, you will first need to disconnect the negative battery cable. This is important for safety, to avoid sparks around the open fuel tank.

Next, you will need to remove the rear seat of the truck. This will give you access to the trunk floor. You will then need to locate the fuel pump access panel, which is usually covered by a small metal plate. Remove this plate to access the fuel pump.

Once you have located the fuel pump, you will need to disconnect the electrical connector and any fuel lines that are attached to it. Be careful when handling the fuel lines, as they may be under pressure and could spray fuel. You may want to relieve the pressure in the fuel lines before disconnecting them.

Now that the fuel pump is accessible, you can begin the process of removing and replacing it. This typically involves removing any mounting bolts or brackets holding the fuel pump in place, as well as detaching any other connections or hoses. Be sure to have a replacement fuel pump and any necessary tools on hand before beginning this process.

Check the fuel filter

Checking the fuel filter on your Nissan truck is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance. The fuel filter is responsible for cleaning the fuel before it reaches the engine, preventing contaminants like dust, dirt, and rust from entering the combustion and fuel chambers. Most auto mechanics recommend changing the fuel filter every 24 months or 30,000 miles, but this can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Here are some steps to help you check the fuel filter on your Nissan truck:

Signs of a Clogged Fuel Filter

Firstly, it's important to know the signs of a clogged fuel filter, which include:

• An engine that misfires, especially when idling or during acceleration.
• Difficulty starting the engine, which may take longer than usual.
• Reduced engine performance, such as loss of power, especially during acceleration or when driving up a steep incline.

Fuel Filter Replacement Test

You can also perform a simple blow test on the fuel filter to check if it's clogged:

• Locate the tube indicating the flow direction of fuel into the filter. This tube is usually labelled.
• Blow into the inlet part of the filter. If it's unclogged, you should be able to blow into it without much difficulty. If it's clogged, blowing into it will be difficult or nearly impossible.

Location of the Fuel Filter

If you decide to replace the fuel filter, the first step is to locate it. For most cars, the fuel filter is mounted on the vehicle's frame near the engine. For Nissan trucks, the fuel filter is typically located on the frame rail by the gas tank. You can refer to your Nissan truck's service manual for more specific information.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting to check or replace the fuel filter, it's important to take some safety precautions:

• Depressurize the fuel system by removing the fuel relay or fuse and starting the engine.
• Disconnect the battery to prevent the engine from being started accidentally.
• If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, use a jack to lift the vehicle and place jack stands underneath for support.
• Place a bowl or bucket under the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill during the removal process.
• Wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from fuel splatter.

By following these steps, you can effectively check the fuel filter on your Nissan truck and determine if it needs to be replaced. Remember to refer to your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Remove the cooling fan

To remove the cooling fan, you will need some basic tools, including pliers or plumber's grips. The cooling fan is held in place by four 10mm bolts. Use the pliers or grips to tap and break the flange free from any corrosion that has built up. Once you have removed the bolts, gently tap or wiggle the fan to remove it.

Now that the cooling fan is out of the way, you can move on to the alternator. This needs to be unbolted from the adjuster; there is one 12mm bolt through the bracket and alternator. Once the alternator is removed, pull off the two drive belts and then remove the bracket that is held by two 12mm bolts just above the water pump.

Next, you will need to remove the EGR setup. First, remove the cross pipe (there are two 14mm bolts on each flange). Then, remove the EGR itself. There are two 14mm bolts on the feed pipe from the exhaust, and two 17mm bolts above the water pump (one to the left and one to the right). There is no need to remove the water pipes; simply lie them on the inner wing out of the way.

Loosen and remove the fuel pump

To loosen and remove the fuel pump on a Nissan truck, you will need an end wrench. First, locate the fuel pump under the driver's side of the truck. Next, unplug the usage cord from the side of the fuel pump. You may need to lift the front clip on the plug to do this. Now, you can loosen both sides of the fuel pump with the end wrench and remove it. Remember to cover the input valve side with your finger to prevent too much fuel from leaking out.

If you are working on a D22 or D21 model from 1985-2010, you will need some basic tools, including pliers or plumber's grips. First, remove the cooling fan by loosening the four 10mm bolts. You will probably need to tap the flange to break it free from corrosion. Next, remove the alternator by unbolting it from the adjuster and the bracket. Then, remove the two drive belts and the EGR setup, followed by the intercooler. Now, you can unplug the electrical connections and move the wiring to give yourself room to work. Next, remove the brackets that the looms are secured to. Then, remove the water pipe on the manifold by first removing the rubber pipe and then loosening the two 10mm bolts. Now, you can remove the fuel lines, making sure to mark them so you know which one goes where when it's time to reassemble. Finally, you can remove the three 12mm bolts that secure the bracket on the rear of the pump to the block, and the pump itself can be removed.

Frequently asked questions