Replacing The Fuel Pump On A '88 Ford Ranger

If you're looking to replace the external fuel pump on your 1988 Ford Ranger, there are a few steps you'll need to follow. Firstly, you'll need to remove the old fuel pump and put in a new one. This process involves disconnecting the battery, fuel lines, and the fuel pump from the wiring harness. You will also need to remove the bed of the truck and the tailgate. Additionally, you may need to purchase a special tool to disconnect the fuel lines. It is also recommended to check for any other issues that may be causing problems with your fuel pump, such as a faulty wiring circuit or a bad PCM.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important step when replacing the external fuel pump on your 1988 Ford Ranger. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you safely and effectively complete this task:

Step 1: Park your vehicle and engage the parking brake.

Find a flat, level surface to park your Ford Ranger and make sure to set the parking brake securely. This will prevent the vehicle from moving during the repair process.

Step 2: Locate the battery.

The battery in your 1988 Ford Ranger is typically located in the engine bay, towards the front of the vehicle. It is usually held in place by a metal clamp or bracket.

Step 3: Identify the negative and positive battery terminals.

The negative terminal will have a "-" symbol or a black cover, while the positive terminal will have a "+" symbol or a red cover. It is important to identify these correctly to avoid potential electrical issues.

Step 4: Loosen the battery clamp.

Use a wrench or socket to loosen the clamp that holds the battery in place. This will make it easier to access the battery terminals and disconnect the cables.

Step 5: Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Using an appropriate size wrench, loosen the nut that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. Once it is loose, carefully remove the cable from the terminal. You may need to wiggle it gently to detach it completely. Place the cable away from the battery to avoid accidental contact.

Step 6: Disconnect the positive battery cable.

Similarly, loosen the nut securing the positive battery cable to the positive terminal using a wrench. Remove the cable from the terminal and place it away from the battery, ensuring it does not touch the negative cable or terminal.

Step 7: Clean the battery terminals (optional).

If you notice any corrosion or buildup on the battery terminals, you can use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaning tool to gently clean them. This step will help ensure a better connection and prevent electrical issues.

Step 8: Secure the battery.

Tighten the battery clamp to hold the battery securely in place. Make sure it is fastened correctly to prevent any movement or vibration while driving.

Step 9: Reinstall battery cables (if necessary).

If you are not proceeding with the fuel pump replacement immediately, you will need to reconnect the battery cables. First, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal and tighten the nut securely. Then, connect the negative cable to the negative terminal and tighten the nut. Ensure that the cables are securely attached and cannot move or detach accidentally.

Step 10: Test the electrical system.

After reconnecting the battery, start your vehicle to ensure that the electrical system is functioning properly. Check that the lights, radio, and other electrical components are working as expected.

Remember to exercise caution when working with automotive batteries, as they contain sulfuric acid and can cause injury if handled incorrectly. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. By following these steps, you can safely disconnect and reconnect the battery in your 1988 Ford Ranger during the fuel pump replacement process.

Disconnect the fuel lines

To disconnect the fuel lines of your 1988 Ford Ranger, you will need a Ford Fuel Line disconnect tool. This is a special tool that you can purchase online or at an auto parts store.

First, crawl under the truck and look under the rear bumper. You will need to disconnect the 1/4" and 3/4" fuel lines. Use the Ford Fuel Line disconnect tool to do this. Be very careful not to create any sparks, as this could be dangerous when working with fuel lines.

Once the fuel lines are disconnected, you can move on to the next step of removing the fuel pump.

Disconnect the fuel pump from the wiring harness

To disconnect the fuel pump from the wiring harness of your 1988 Ford Ranger, you will first need to remove the tailgate. Unbolt the two Torx-T45 bolts from the tailgate support and remove the tailgate. Then, unhook the tail lights from the wiring harness. Next, crawl under the truck and look under the rear bumper. If you have a bed liner, remove it first. Make sure to unhook the three 6mm bolts that secure the fuel filler neck. There are six bolts that secure the body to the frame.

Use a steel punch and a 3lb hammer to carefully remove the retaining ring from the fuel tank. Be very careful not to create any sparks. This will slowly allow the ring to come loose. Now, carefully remove the fuel pump and fuel level sensor. There is one retaining clip that is screwed down that secures the pump in place. Remove this screw and the retaining clip.

Remove the one hose connected to the fuel pump, and disconnect the electrical connection from the wiring harness. The fuel pump is now free.

Remove the retaining ring from the fuel tank

To remove the retaining ring from the fuel tank of a 1988 Ford Ranger, you will need a steel punch and a 3lb hammer.

First, make sure to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and keep your face as far away from the tank as possible. Even though you will have released the fuel pressure, there is still a possibility that there is some pressure left in the system.

Now, gently tap the lock ring with the hammer. Once you have loosened it enough, you should be able to remove the rest of the retaining ring by hand. Slide it out over the electrical connector and carefully remove the fuel pump sending unit from the tank.

If you are having trouble getting the lock ring off, there could be a fault with the ring or the tank. Check the threads on both to determine where the fault is. If no fault is found, you will need a caliper to measure each opening and compare until the fault is found.

Remove the fuel pump and fuel level sensor

To remove the fuel pump and fuel level sensor from your 1988 Ford Ranger, follow these steps:

First, disconnect the battery. Then, disconnect the 1/4" and 3/4" fuel lines. You will need a special Ford "spring lock" tool for this step. Next, disconnect the fuel pump from the wiring harness. Now, carefully remove the fuel pump and fuel level sensor. There is one retaining clip that is screwed down, securing the pump in place. Remove this screw and the retaining clip. Finally, remove the hose connected to the fuel pump, as well as the electrical connection from the wiring harness. The fuel pump and fuel level sensor are now free and can be replaced.

Frequently asked questions