Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Gs

If your 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is experiencing issues such as stalling while driving or reduced performance, you may need to replace the fuel pump. The fuel pump is located under the back seat, inside the fuel tank, and can be accessed by removing the rear seat cushion. This process can be challenging, but by following the correct steps and choosing a suitable replacement pump, you can restore your vehicle's performance and fuel flow.

Check fuses and relays, ensure you have fuel

To check the fuses and relays of your 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, you'll need to locate the fuse box and relay box. The fuse box is located in the engine compartment on the left side, consisting of a main fuse box and an additional panel on the left side. The relay box is also located in the engine compartment, behind a protective cover on the left side.

Once you've located the fuse and relay boxes, you can proceed to check the specific fuses and relays related to the fuel pump. Here are the steps to follow:

• Engine Control Relay: In the engine compartment, locate the relay box and identify the engine control relay. Check if the relay is functioning properly.
• Fuel Pump Relay: The fuel pump relay is typically located in the passenger compartment, near the centre console or behind the carpet on the passenger side. It is often paired with the MFI (Multi-Function Interface) relay. Check if the relay is damaged or faulty.
• Fuses: Check the fuses associated with the fuel pump and engine control systems. These may be located in the fuse box in the engine compartment or near the ignition switch. Look for any blown fuses and replace them if necessary.
• Crank Sensor: Ensure that the crank sensor is functioning properly. A faulty crank sensor can cause issues with the fuel pump and spark plugs.
• RPM Signal: The fuel pump in your Mitsubishi Eclipse GS will only power up if an RPM signal is detected in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Check if the RPM signal is being transmitted correctly.

To ensure you have fuel in your 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, follow these steps:

• Fuel Level: Check the fuel gauge on your dashboard to ensure there is enough fuel in the tank. If the gauge indicates a low fuel level, refuel your vehicle.
• Fuel Filter: Ensure that the fuel filter is clean and not clogged. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the engine.
• Fuel Pump: Listen for the fuel pump to prime when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position. If you don't hear the pump, there may be an issue with the fuel pump or a related component.
• Fuel Lines: Inspect the fuel lines for any signs of leaks or damage. Leaks in the fuel lines can prevent fuel from reaching the engine.

Prepare the vehicle for servicing

To prepare your 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS for fuel pump servicing, you will need to perform a few important steps to ensure your safety and make the repair process smoother.

Firstly, park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. It is crucial to ensure the vehicle is secure and will not move during the servicing process. Next, relieve the fuel system pressure. This step is essential for safety as it reduces the risk of fuel leakage or spray during the repair. Then, disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench. This will prevent any electrical power from being supplied to the fuel pump during servicing.

After these initial steps, you will need to access the fuel pump, which is located below the back seat. To do this, carefully remove the rear seat cushion by pulling out the seat stopper and lifting the lower cushion. With the rear seat cushion removed, you can now easily access the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove this cover to expose the fuel pump assembly.

Before proceeding further, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid any fire hazards. Ensure that you do not smoke or introduce any open flames near the worksite. Additionally, be cautious of any flammable materials or substances that may be in the vicinity.

Now that your vehicle is prepared for servicing, you can proceed to the next steps of replacing the fuel pump, which include disconnecting the fuel lines and electrical harness, and then removing and replacing the fuel pump assembly.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is the first step in replacing a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS fuel pump. This is a crucial safety measure that must be taken before performing any work on a car's electrical system.

To begin, locate the negative battery cable. It is typically black and connected to the negative terminal of the battery, which is usually marked with a "-" symbol. Once you have located the cable, follow these steps:

• Ensure the car is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.
• Put on safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any battery acid.
• Place the wrench over the negative battery terminal and loosen the nut that secures the cable. You may need to use some force to break the nut free, but be careful not to strip the threads.
• Once the nut is loose, carefully remove the cable from the terminal.
• Move the cable away from the battery to avoid any accidental contact.

At this point, the negative battery cable should be successfully disconnected. It is now safe to proceed with the next steps of replacing the fuel pump. Remember to keep the cable away from the battery to prevent any unintended contact or short circuits.

It is important to note that working on a car's electrical system can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. Always disconnect the negative battery cable first and ensure it is secure before proceeding with any repairs or maintenance.

Remove the rear seat cushion

To remove the rear seat cushion of a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, start by relieving the fuel system pressure and disconnecting the negative battery cable with a wrench. Next, pull out the seat stopper and lift the lower cushion up and out. Now you can access the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The rear seat of a car is usually attached with hooks, clips, or bolts. In this case, the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS rear seat is held in place with a seat stopper. To remove the rear seat cushion, follow these steps:

First, locate the seat stopper. It is usually located under the rear seat, towards the front of the cushion. It may be visible or hidden under a piece of fabric or plastic. Once you find it, pull it firmly to release the stopper from its housing. It may require some force, but be careful not to break the plastic.

Next, lift the lower cushion. With the stopper released, the rear seat cushion should be free to move. Lift it up and towards the front of the car. There may be a slight resistance from the hooks or clips holding the cushion in place, but it should come out easily.

Now you have access to the fuel pump and tank, which are located under the rear seat. You can proceed to disconnect the fuel lines and unplug the fuel pump's electrical harness.

Before beginning any work on a car, it is important to refer to the owner's manual for safety information and ensure you have the correct tools and knowledge to perform the task.

Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical harness

Disconnecting the fuel lines and electrical harness is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump in a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Before beginning, ensure you have relieved the fuel system pressure and disconnected the negative battery cable with a wrench, as mentioned in the previous steps for preparing your vehicle for fuel pump servicing.

Now, locate the fuel lines. These are the hoses that carry fuel to and from the fuel pump. Using the appropriate tools, carefully loosen and detach the clamps or fittings that secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump. Place the detached lines aside, ensuring they do not come into contact with any ignition sources.

Next, focus on the electrical harness. This is the collection of wires that provide power to the fuel pump. Disconnect the electrical harness by carefully unplugging it from the fuel pump. You may need to remove any fasteners or clips that secure the harness to the pump or the surrounding area. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wires.

Once the fuel lines and electrical harness are disconnected, set them aside in a safe place, away from any potential sources of ignition. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of flammable fumes.

It is important to work cautiously when dealing with fuel and electrical systems. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful fuel pump replacement.

Remember to refer to the previous steps mentioned in preparing your vehicle for fuel pump servicing, as well as any relevant safety guidelines, to ensure a smooth process.

Frequently asked questions