Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

If you're looking to replace the fuel pump in your 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, there are a few things you should know. The fuel pump is located in the vehicle's gas tank and can be accessed through the trunk. You'll need to remove the liner to see the cover, and a special tool is recommended to remove the locking ring. It's important to test the fuel pump to confirm that it isn't functioning before replacing it. Additionally, the fuel pump supply and return hoses, EVAP system hoses, and electrical connections will need to be removed. Make sure to keep the gas tank at least a quarter full after installing a new fuel pump to maximize its lifespan.

Access the fuel pump through the trunk

To access the fuel pump through the trunk of a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, follow these steps:

Open the trunk and remove the liner. You will see a cover that needs to be removed. It is recommended to use a special tool to remove the locking ring. Once the locking ring is removed, you can access the fuel pump.

If there is no access panel in the trunk, you will need to drain the fuel from the tank and lower the fuel tank from the vehicle to access the pump. Be sure to have a container ready to catch the drained fuel.

Before beginning any work, it is important to relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid any accidents. Always refer to the vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Once you have accessed the fuel pump, you will need to remove the fuel pump electrical connection and any other necessary components before installing the new fuel pump. Consult a certified mechanic or a repair manual for detailed instructions on removing and installing the fuel pump.

Remove the rear seat to find the access panel above the fuel pump

To access the fuel pump of your 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, you will need to remove the rear seat to find the access panel above the fuel pump. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, shift both of the front seats forward as close to the dashboard as possible. This step is optional, but it will give you more room to work. Next, locate the rear seat cushion and seat bottom at the back of your car. There are no bolts or screws holding the cushion in place, but there are some clips connecting the seat to the floor. Use your hands to disengage these clips, and then pull the cushion out.

Now, you will need to remove the seat back. Locate the nuts at the bottom of the seat back. There should be two of them. Use a socket wrench to remove these nuts. Once the nuts are removed, pull the seat back forward and remove it from the car. With the rear seat removed, you should be able to locate the access panel above the fuel pump.

It is important to note that the process of removing the rear seat may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Additionally, working on a car's fuel system can be dangerous, so it is always best to consult a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Remove the locking ring with a special tool

To remove the locking ring with a special tool, first, open the trunk and remove the liner. You will see a cover that you need to remove.

After removing the cover, use a special tool to remove the locking ring. This is recommended as it makes the process easier. You can either buy this tool or make your own. To make your own, go to a hardware store and buy a $2 pipe union (4" drainage pipe). Then, use a Dremel tool to cut out some slots. You can also use a brass punch to hit each tab individually, but this is more difficult.

Before using the tool, spray the locking ring with a penetrating oil like PB Blaster and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help to loosen the ring.

Test the fuel pump to ensure it's faulty

To test the fuel pump to ensure it's faulty, you can use a fuel pressure test gauge. This will allow you to determine whether the fuel pump is the cause of your engine problems.

Symptoms of a bad fuel pump include:

• Engine takes longer than usual to start (extended cranking)
• Engine idle is very rough
• Engine backfires through the intake manifold under load
• Engine starts then dies

To test the fuel pump:

• Place a shop towel under the Schrader valve to absorb any fuel leaks.
• Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve. Most gauges can be connected directly, but if yours requires an adapter, connect the correct one to the Schrader valve first.
• Ask a helper to cycle the key on and off without cranking the engine, to check for fuel leaks.
• If no fuel leaks are detected, crank the engine and observe the fuel pressure gauge.

Interpreting your results:

• If the fuel pressure gauge reads 0 PSI, this confirms that your vehicle's no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel, indicating a faulty fuel pump.
• If the gauge reads within the specified fuel pressure range, this confirms that the fuel pump is functioning correctly.
• If the gauge reads significantly below the specified fuel pressure, this indicates that the fuel pump is failing and needs to be replaced.

You can borrow or purchase a fuel pressure test gauge from most chain auto parts stores, such as Autozone.

Additionally, you can perform a visual inspection of the fuel pump by removing the rear seats and lifting the carpet. You will see 7 nuts that hold the fuel pump in place. Remove these to access the fuel pump and inspect for any damage or leaks.

Please note that it is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any of these procedures.

Remove the fuel pump and replace it with a new one

To remove the fuel pump from a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, you will first need to test the pump to ensure it is faulty. Next, you will need to access the pump. In some models, this can be done through an access panel above the tank in the passenger compartment. If no access panel exists, you will need to drain the fuel from the tank and then lower the fuel tank from the vehicle.

Once you have access to the pump, you will need to remove the fuel pump supply and return hoses, as well as EVAP system hoses, and electrical connections to the pump. You may need a special tool to remove the locking ring.

Now that the pump is out, you can install the new pump. Attach any reusable brackets and pick-up screens to the new pump, then insert it into the fuel tank. Re-establish all hoses and electrical connections.

Finally, add fuel to the tank and run the engine to test for leaks.

Please note that this process may vary depending on the specific model of your 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. It is always best to refer to a qualified mechanic or an official Oldsmobile repair manual for detailed instructions.

Frequently asked questions