Replacing Fuel Pump In Vs Commodore Wagon: Step-By-Step Guide

The Holden Commodore is a car manufactured for the Australian market. The fuel pump is an important component that transfers fuel from the tank to the fuel injectors, ensuring the engine runs smoothly. Replacing the fuel pump on a VS Commodore Wagon can be done by jacking up the car, removing the rear driver-side wheel, disconnecting the electrical connector and fuel lines, and then unscrewing and removing the old pump assembly. It is important to note that working with fuel can be dangerous, so safety precautions such as working in a well-ventilated area and disconnecting the battery are crucial. Additionally, some people recommend draining the fuel tank before starting.

Disconnect electricals and drain fuel tank

Disconnecting the electricals and draining the fuel tank are crucial steps when changing the fuel pump on a VS Commodore wagon. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach these steps:

Disconnecting the Electricals:

Before beginning any work on the fuel pump, it is essential to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical sparks near the fuel tank. Open the bonnet and detach both leads from the battery. This safety precaution ensures no accidental sparks occur during the fuel pump replacement process.

Draining the Fuel Tank:

The fuel tank should be drained of as much fuel as possible before proceeding. Petrol is highly flammable, so work in a well-ventilated outdoor area, and refrain from smoking or creating any potential ignition sources.

To drain the fuel tank, you can use a jack to raise the rear driver's side of the car, providing enough clearance to remove the wheel. Once the car is securely jacked up, place a bucket underneath the fuel tank to collect the drained fuel.

On the front of the fuel tank, you will find a small round panel with one electrical connector and two fuel lines attached. Take note of the orientation of the fuel lines, as they need to be reconnected in the same way. Unplug the electrical connector and, wearing eye protection, use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the fuel lines.

As you unscrew the screws holding the panel in place, starting from the bottom, petrol may leak from the screw holes, so have your bucket ready to collect any spilled fuel. Once the panel is removed, you will gain access to the fuel pump assembly inside the tank.

These steps ensure that the electrical connections are safely disconnected and the fuel tank is drained, allowing you to proceed with the fuel pump replacement process on your VS Commodore wagon.

Jack up car, remove wheel

To begin working on your car, you'll need to raise it securely off the ground and remove the wheel for access to the undercarriage and fuel system. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to jack up your car and remove the wheel:

Jacking up the Car:

• Park your car on a flat, level surface, preferably concrete or asphalt, to ensure stability. Engage the parking brake fully.
• Identify the jacking points on your car. For a VS Commodore wagon, they are usually located just behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels, along the side rocker panels. Consult your car's manual for exact locations.
• Place the jack securely on the jacking point. Make sure the jack is positioned on a solid part of the frame or designated lift point. Never place it on fragile components like the side skirts or suspension arms.
• Before raising the car, ensure you have secure ground clearance to work under. Chock the wheels (both front and back) that remain on the ground with wooden blocks or wheel chocks to prevent accidental rolling.
• Using the car jack, slowly raise the car until the tire is about an inch or two off the ground. Ensure the jack is stable and secure before proceeding.

Removing the Wheel:

• Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench before removing the wheel. Place the lug wrench on the nut and push down firmly (some may require a pull) to break them loose. Do not turn the wheel when doing this, as it may damage the brake rotors.
• Fully raise the car to provide ample clearance for removing the wheel. Ensure the jack stands are securely in place and capable of supporting the car's weight.
• Remove the lug nuts and keep them in a safe place. You can place them in a small container or magnetically attach them to the car's body, under the jack, so they don't roll away.
• Gently pull the wheel straight out from the hub. Set it aside, making sure the front side (with the logo) is facing upwards to prevent scratches or damage.
• If you plan to work on all four wheels, repeat the process for the remaining wheels, ensuring stability and security with jack stands and wheel chocks.

Remember, safety is paramount when working under a car. Ensure that the car is securely raised and supported before proceeding with any repairs or maintenance. Always use jack stands, even if you're working on level ground, to prevent accidents.

Disconnect fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines is a crucial step in changing the fuel pump on a VS Commodore wagon. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Before beginning, ensure the car is securely propped up and you are working in a well-ventilated area. Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical sparks.

On the front of the fuel tank, you will see a small, round panel with an electrical connector and two fuel lines attached. Take note of the orientation of the fuel lines, as they will need to be reattached in the same way. Unplug the electrical connector.

Put on eye protection, as there may be pressure in the line, and use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the fuel lines. Have a bucket handy to catch any fuel that may spill.

Next, remove the screws holding the panel in place, starting from the bottom. Again, keep a bucket nearby to catch any fuel that leaks from the screw holes.

Now, you will need to remove the fuel pump assembly. It is long and has several parts attached, so be careful not to damage anything. Tie a wire around the black fuel line to keep it from falling back into the tank and remove the clip with a pair of pliers. Carefully pull out the assembly, being mindful of the fuel float attached to it.

Once the assembly is out, you can replace the fuel pump by following the instructions provided with your new pump. Ensure you manoeuvre the new pump assembly carefully to avoid damaging the float and pipes.

Unscrew panel, remove fuel pump assembly

To replace the fuel pump on a Holden Commodore VS wagon, you'll need to access the fuel tank and remove the old pump assembly before installing the new one. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Unscrew the Panel

• Park your car on a flat surface and remove the fuel pump relay from the engine bay. Attempt to start the car, which should cut out quickly. This step helps reduce fuel pressure.
• Open the bonnet and disconnect both leads from the battery to prevent any electrical sparks during the process.
• Jack up the rear driver's side of the car. Remove the wheel and secure the car with a stand.
• Locate the small round panel on the front of the fuel tank. It will have an electrical connector and two fuel lines attached. Take note of the orientation of the fuel lines.
• Disconnect the electrical connector.
• Put on eye protection. There may be pressure in the fuel lines, and the next step could release some fuel spray.
• Using a flat-head screwdriver, disconnect the fuel lines. Have a bucket nearby to catch any leaking fuel.
• Start from the bottom and unscrew the screws holding the panel in place. Use the bucket to catch any fuel leaking from the screw holes.

Remove the Fuel Pump Assembly

• The pump assembly has several components attached. Begin by pulling it out until you see the black fuel line secured with a clip.
• Tie a wire around the black fuel line to prevent it from falling back into the tank. Then, use a pair of pliers to carefully remove the clip.
• Carefully pull out the entire assembly, being mindful of the fuel float attached to it. Maneuver it gently to avoid damaging the float.
• Once the assembly is out, follow the instructions provided with your new fuel pump to install it into the assembly.

Now that you have removed the old fuel pump assembly and installed the new pump, you can proceed to reinstall the assembly into the fuel tank by following the previous steps in reverse order. Ensure you use a new gasket when reinstalling the assembly.

Replace fuel pump, re-attach assembly

Now that you have removed the old fuel pump, you can install the new one.

First, follow the instructions that came with your new fuel pump and replace the pump in the assembly. Make sure to handle the new pump carefully and avoid knocking anything around.

Next, carefully put the assembly back into the fuel tank, being mindful of the float. Ensure that the pipes on the outside are in their original position. When screwing the panel bolts back in, use thread lock and avoid over-tightening them. Just screw them in hard enough to mould the new gasket into place.

Now, reconnect the fuel lines and electrical plug. Put the wheel back on and remove the car stands and jack.

Then, pour some fuel into the tank and reconnect the battery. Put the key in the ignition and turn the car 'on' without starting the engine. Let the fuel pump run to prime the car.

Finally, start the car and check that the fuel pump is working correctly.

Frequently asked questions