Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 1998 Honda Civic

If your 1998 Honda Civic is struggling to start, stalling after starting, or hesitating at take-off, you may need to replace the fuel pump. The fuel pump is located inside your fuel tank and can be accessed through an access panel under the rear seat.

To replace the fuel pump, you will need to remove the rear seats, the pump cover, and the pump assembly. You will then need to disconnect the wiring connector, fuel line, and rubber hose before removing the pump. Finally, you can install the new pump and reconnect everything.

While it is possible to replace the fuel pump yourself, it is recommended that you take your car to a service center or dealership if you have any doubts about the procedure.

You don't need to drop the gas tank to replace the fuel pump

Step 1: Remove the rear seats

Firmly grab both ends of the seat and pull upwards. It may help to wiggle the seat as you pull. Take the seats out of the car to avoid any damage.

Step 2: Remove the pump cover

Once the seats are removed, locate the metal cover and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four bolts that hold it in place. Then, tilt the cover out of the way to gain more access.

Step 3: Prep the pump for removal

Slip off the boot that covers the wiring connector and unplug the connector. Use pliers to remove the clamp on the rubber hose and disconnect the main fuel line. You will need to squeeze it to remove it.

Step 4: Remove the strainer and replace the pump

With the pump disconnected, pull it upwards, making sure you have a drip pan handy to catch any fuel from the strainer. Once the fuel pump strainer is out, disconnect the top plug and remove the strainer clamp.

Step 5: Install the new pump

Slide the new pump into place and reconnect the plug and fuel strainer. Bolt the bracket back in place and connect the fuel line and rubber hose. Plug the connector back in, reattach the connector boot, and reattach the access cover.

Finally, reinstall the back seat.

The fuel pump is accessible through the rear seats

The fuel pump in your 1998 Honda Civic is accessible through the rear seats. To gain access, grab both ends of the seat and pull upwards, wiggling it as you do so. Take the seats out of the car to avoid damaging them. There are small latches on the front edge of the seat.

Once the seats are removed, locate the metal cover and remove the bolts that hold it in place with a Phillips screwdriver. Then, tilt the cover out of the way to gain more access to the fuel pump.

When the cover is removed, there are a number of items you have to remove before the pump can be retrieved. Slip off the boot that covers the wiring connector and unplug the connector. Use pliers to remove the clamp on the rubber hose and disconnect the main fuel line. You will need to squeeze it to remove it.

Now that the pump is disconnected, pull it upwards, making sure your drip pan is handy, as the fuel strainer can drip fuel. Once the fuel pump strainer is out, disconnect the top plug and remove the strainer clamp.

Disconnect the main fuel line

Disconnecting the main fuel line of a 1998 Honda Civic is a crucial step when replacing the fuel pump. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively complete this task:

Step 1: Safety First

Before beginning any work involving fuel, it is imperative to ensure there are no sources of smoke or open flames nearby. Working near fuel can be dangerous, and the presence of smoke or flames could lead to a sudden fire or explosion. Always exercise extreme caution and work in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Accessing the Fuel Pump

The fuel pump in the 1998 Honda Civic is located inside the fuel tank and is accessible through the rear seats. To reach it, start by firmly grabbing both ends of the back seat and pulling upwards, wiggling it gently as you do so. Remove the seat from the car to avoid any damage.

Step 3: Removing the Pump Cover

Once the rear seat is removed, locate the metal cover that provides access to the fuel pump. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the bolts holding the cover in place, and then tilt the cover out of the way to gain better access to the fuel pump.

Step 4: Preparing the Fuel Pump for Removal

With the cover removed, you will see several components that need to be detached before removing the fuel pump. First, slip off the boot that covers the wiring connector, and then unplug the connector itself. Use a pair of pliers to carefully remove the clamp on the rubber hose.

Step 5: Disconnecting the Main Fuel Line

Now, we arrive at the critical step of disconnecting the main fuel line. This step requires careful handling. Use your hands to gently squeeze and detach the main fuel line. It should come off without the need for any specialized tools. Be cautious to avoid any spillage or dripping fuel during this step.

Step 6: Unbolting the Bracket

After the main fuel line is disconnected, use a 10 mm socket wrench to unbolt the bracket holding the fuel pump in place. With the bracket unbolted and all connections detached, you can now proceed to remove the fuel pump from the vehicle.

Remember to refer to the owner's manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic if you have any doubts or concerns during this process. Working on fuel-related components can be hazardous, so always prioritize your safety and work in a well-ventilated area.

Remove the strainer and replace the pump

Now that the pump is disconnected, grab it and pull it upwards. Make sure your drip pan is nearby, as the fuel strainer can drip fuel.

Once the fuel pump strainer is out, perform the following steps:

• Disconnect the top plug.
• Remove the strainer clamp.
• Be careful not to drip any fuel while removing the pump strainer.
• The fuel pump is located inside the metal cylinder/canister.

The next step is to install the new pump and reconnect everything.

Slide the new pump into place.

Reconnect the plug and fuel strainer.

Slide it back into the fuel tank opening.

Bolt the bracket back in with the six screws to hold it in place.

Connect the fuel line and rubber hose.

Plug the connector back in.

Reattach the connector boot.

Reattach the access cover with the five bolts.

Finally, reinstall the back seat.

Re-install the new pump and test for leaks

Now that you have removed the old fuel pump and strainer, it's time to install the new pump and test for leaks.

First, slide the new pump into place. Reconnect the plug and fuel strainer. Slide the pump back into the fuel tank opening. Bolt the bracket back in place with the six screws to hold it in place.

Next, connect the fuel line and rubber hose. Plug the connector back in. Reattach the connector boot. Reattach the access cover with the five bolts. Finally, re-install the back seat.

To test for leaks, put a piece of paper towel under the discharge line. Put the car key in the position right before starting the engine to make the pump active for 2 seconds. Do this 4 times and check the paper towel for gasoline stains each time. If there are no stains, you're good to go.

Frequently asked questions