Replacing A Fuel Pump In A '95: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing a fuel pump in a 1995 car can be a moderately complicated job, and the process may vary depending on the car's model. In some cases, an access panel may be available to reach the pump without dropping the tank. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to lower or completely remove the tank to access the pump. Before beginning the replacement process, it is important to relieve the pressure in the system and ensure that the battery is disconnected. When removing the old pump, it is crucial to be careful not to twist off the screws, as they all need to be removed intact. Additionally, keeping the opening to the gas tank covered will prevent debris from falling in. The new pump can be tested by momentarily hooking it up to the battery before installing it.

Check if you need to remove the tank

Before you begin replacing the fuel pump, it is important to check if you need to remove the tank.

First, make sure your vehicle doesn’t have an access panel that will allow you to access the pump without removing the tank. Some vehicles have an access cover below the rear seat that makes the job much easier. If you do need to drop the tank, it is recommended to have an assistant to facilitate the process.

Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface and set the parking brake. Find the fuel pump, which on most vehicles is in the fuel tank. Once located, open the fuel cap and have an assistant turn the key to the ON position while you listen at the filler opening. The fuel pump will hum for two to three seconds if it is working properly. If no sound is made, replacing the pump may be necessary.

Next, find and verify the fuel pump fuse and relay. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage. Check fuel pump operation. If the fuel pump works, your job is done. If the fuse and relay are functional, check for power and ground at the fuel pump. If there is power and ground at the pump, then the pump is faulty and you will need to remove the tank to replace it.

If you do need to remove the tank, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure you are thorough and careful. Don’t forget to wear safety glasses and gloves. Give yourself room to work and have cleanup materials ready to clean any spills immediately. Work in a well-ventilated area away from an open flame or anything that could cause a spark or ignite fuel, such as pilot lights and incandescent light bulbs. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand. Don’t smoke, either. Always relieve fuel pressure prior to opening fuel systems because releasing fuel under pressure can cause fire and injury. Store fuel in an approved container like a gas caddy or gas can.

Now you are ready to begin the process of removing the tank. First, you’ll need to lift the vehicle so you can remove the tank. If there’s gas in the tank, you’ll have to drain it into an approved container first. It's important to clean the tank thoroughly during the repair. Next, remove the clamps from the fill lines and then remove the fill lines as you prepare to drop the gas tank. You can use a rag to avoid getting dirt in the tank. Make sure to support the tank as you remove the straps and carefully lower the gas tank.

Disconnect the fuel pump assembly

To disconnect the fuel pump assembly, you will first need to check if your model has an access panel under the rear seat. To do this, remove the bottom cushion on the passenger side and look for the access panel. If your vehicle does not have an access panel, you will need to either drop the tank or cut your own access panel.

Once you have gained access to the fuel pump, there are several items to disconnect. First, clean the top of the pump assembly and wire brush the screws, then spray them with a penetrating fluid. Next, remove the hoses and clamps (some models will only have one hose). Then, remove the fuel line that goes to the engine. Before doing this, be sure to remove the fuel pump fuse and start the vehicle to relieve the pressure in the system. Spray the nuts with a penetrating fluid and use the appropriate size line wrenches to hold the fitting that goes to the fuel pump. Turn the nut on the line to the front—be careful not to twist anything off. Cover the line that goes to the front so that nothing gets into it. Finally, unplug the connector for the wires.

Remove the fuel pump assembly

To remove the fuel pump assembly in a 1995 Toyota Camry, first depressurize the fuel system by opening the gas cap, locating the fuse panel under the hood, and taking out the relay "C/OPN". Then, start the engine and let it run until it stops. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Remove the rear seat by lifting the front edge of the cushions and disconnecting the mounting bolt. Lift up the cushion and pull up the seatback locks, lowering the seatbacks. Remove the bolts that mount the seat in place. Find the service hole cover and remove it—it's on the floor under the seat and covers the fuel pump.

Take off the electrical and fuel line connectors from the fuel pump. Withdraw the unit from the fuel tank after removing the retaining bolts. Use a screwdriver to release the clips holding the fuel assembly support. Take the rubber isolator off, and remove the filter for the fuel sock. Disconnect the electrical connector located on the assembly top. The fuel pump can now be removed from the housing.

The process for removing the fuel pump assembly in a 1995 Mustang involves disconnecting the electrical connector behind the tank and relieving the fuel pressure. Remove the three screws around the filler inside the door, and the screw that holds the bracket around the filler tube where it meets the tank. Remove the fuel lines and replace the fuel filter. Remove the bolts that hold the straps to the frame and lower it, angling it to get out the filler tube, and pull out the vent tube.

Replace the fuel pump

Firstly, depressurise the fuel system by opening the gas cap, locating the fuse panel under the hood, and removing the relay "C/OPN". Then, start the engine and let it run until it stops. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the rear seat from the car by lifting its front edge, disconnecting the mounting bolt, and pulling up the cushion. Pull up the seatback locks and lower the seatbacks. Remove the bolts mounting the seat in place. Find and remove the service hole cover on the floor under the seat—this will expose the fuel pump. Take off the electrical and fuel line connectors from the fuel pump, and then remove the retaining bolts and withdraw the unit from the fuel tank.

Now, use a screwdriver to release the clips holding the fuel assembly support. Take off the rubber isolator and remove the filter for the fuel sock. Disconnect the electrical connector on the assembly top, and then remove the fuel pump from the housing. Place the new fuel pump on the assembly housing and connect it. Reconnect the electrical connector to the filter for the fuel sock, replace the rubber isolator, and put the fuel pump/sending unit back into the plastic support. Bolt the unit into the fuel tank and reattach the electrical connectors and the fuel line. Finally, put the rear seats back in the car.

To finish, you need to re-pressurise your Toyota Camry fuel system. You can do this by turning on the ignition for a few seconds, turning it off for 10 seconds, and repeating this sequence from five to ten more times.

If you are looking to replace the fuel pump in a 1995 Honda Civic, 1995 Chevrolet 1500 Extended Cab, or a 1995 Ford Mustang GT, it is recommended that you take your car to a service centre or your dealership's service department.

Install the pump assembly

As you are replacing the fuel pump in a 1995 model car, I have provided instructions for a few different makes and models from that year.

Toyota Camry

• Place the new fuel pump assembly into the fuel tank and bolt it in.
• Reconnect the electrical connectors and reattach the fuel line.
• Put the rear seats back in the car.
• Pressurize the fuel system by turning the ignition on for a few seconds, then off for 10 seconds. Repeat this sequence 5-10 times.

Honda Civic

It is recommended that you take your 1995 Honda Civic to a dealership's service department to have the fuel pump replaced.

Chevrolet 1500 Extended Cab

It is recommended that you take your 1995 Chevrolet 1500 Extended Cab to a dealership's service department to have the fuel pump replaced.

Ford Mustang GT

• Put the new fuel pump in the tank and bolt it in.
• Reconnect the electrical and fuel line connectors.
• Fill the tank with at least 10 gallons of fuel and cycle the key 5-10 times to prime the pump.

Frequently asked questions