Replacing Fuel Pump In Ford Explorer: Step-By-Step Guide

The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank of a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. To replace it, you will need to relieve the fuel pressure, disconnect the battery, remove the fuel tank, and then the fuel pump assembly. You will then need to install the new fuel pump assembly and fuel tank. This process will cost between $652 and $936 for parts and labor.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, follow these steps:

Firstly, reduce the fuel in the tank to almost empty. When the fuel gauge drops to 1/8, place a portable fuel container with 2 gallons of fuel in the vehicle and continue driving until the "CHECK GAUGE" illuminates. If your vehicle is not drivable, siphon the fuel out of the tank using the vent port. The vent port connects to a tube with a 90-degree downward bend in the tank, allowing a hose to reach the bottom. You can also disconnect the inlet to the fuel filter and attach a hose to the feed pipe from the tank, but remember to relieve the fuel pressure first.

Next, relieve the fuel pressure. You can do this by removing the fuel pump relay or fuse in the Battery Junction Box (BJB), starting the engine, and letting it run until there is no longer any fuel pressure. Alternatively, you can activate the Inertial Fuel Shutoff or disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector attached to the inner side of the left frame rail forward of the tank (for 2001 and later models, this connector is not available). Another option is to simply let the vehicle sit overnight, allowing the pressure to bleed off through the check valve in the fuel pump assembly. Finally, depress the Schrader valve in the engine compartment to relieve any remaining pressure.

Now that the fuel tank is almost empty and the pressure has been relieved, you can proceed with the rest of the fuel pump replacement procedure. Remember to always take the necessary precautions when working with the fuel system to prevent the risk of fire.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step in replacing the fuel pump in a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. This is a crucial safety measure that must be taken before beginning any work on the fuel pump to reduce the chance of a fire.

To disconnect the battery, first, locate the battery in the engine bay of your vehicle. The battery is typically located near the front of the vehicle, on the side opposite to the engine. Once you have located the battery, you will need to identify the negative terminal. The negative terminal will be clearly marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover. Using a suitable size wrench or socket, loosen the nut that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. Do not allow the wrench or socket to come into contact with any other metal parts of the vehicle, as this could result in a short circuit. Once the nut is loosened, carefully remove the cable from the terminal. Be sure to avoid touching the cable to any metal parts of the vehicle.

It is recommended to also disconnect the positive cable from the battery, as done by the individual in the forum post. This will allow you to clean the battery posts and connectors. To do this, locate the positive terminal, marked with a "+" symbol or a red cover. Again, using a suitable size wrench or socket, loosen the nut that secures the positive cable and carefully remove the cable. Take care to avoid touching the cable to any metal parts of the vehicle.

With both cables disconnected, you can now proceed to clean the battery posts and connectors. Use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaning tool to remove any corrosion or buildup on the posts and connectors. You can also apply a small amount of battery terminal grease to help prevent future corrosion.

Once you have completed the fuel pump replacement, 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 connected and that there is no corrosion present.

It is important to note that you should only disconnect the battery cables when the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling the battery and cables.

Remove the rear wheel

To remove the rear wheel of a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, you'll need to follow these steps:

Begin by reducing the fuel in the tank to almost empty. Drive your vehicle until the "CHECK GAUGE" light illuminates, indicating a very low fuel level. Alternatively, if driving is not possible, siphon the fuel out of the tank using the vent port, which has a hose that connects to the bottom of the tank.

Next, relieve the fuel pressure. This can be done by removing the fuel pump relay, fuse, or disconnecting the fuel pump electrical connector in the Battery Junction Box (BJB). You can also activate the Inertial Fuel Shutoff or simply let the vehicle sit overnight, allowing the pressure to bleed off.

Once the fuel pressure is relieved, it's important to disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. You may also choose to disconnect both the negative and positive connectors to clean them and the battery posts.

Now, we'll move on to the wheels. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Lower the spare tire and move it away from the vehicle to improve access and visibility. Loosen the lug nuts on the left rear wheel, which is the one we'll be removing.

Jack up the rear axle and place jack stands underneath for support. Use jack stands with sufficient weight capacity, such as 6-ton jack stands for the axle and 2-ton stands for the springs as a backup.

Finally, remove the left rear wheel by unscrewing the lug nuts and lifting the wheel away from the vehicle.

This completes the process of removing the rear wheel on your 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Remember to work carefully and ensure the vehicle is securely supported before proceeding with any further repairs or maintenance.

Loosen the vent hose clamp and disconnect the hose

To loosen the vent hose clamp and disconnect the hose, you will need to locate the hose clamp at the tank. Once you have found it, use a screwdriver or a hose clamp plier to loosen the clamp. You can then disconnect the hose by pulling it away from the tank. Be sure to cover the port with aluminium foil to reduce fumes and keep out dirt.

Loosening the vent hose clamp is a simple process, but it is important to take your time and be careful not to damage any other components. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area when working with fuel hoses, as there is a risk of inhaling dangerous fumes.

Once the hose is disconnected, you can move on to the next step in the fuel pump replacement process. This may involve relieving the fuel pressure, disconnecting the battery, or removing the rear wheel. Always refer to a trusted repair manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance if you are unsure about any steps in the process.

Remember to work safely and carefully when performing any fuel pump repairs or replacements, and always dispose of any old parts and fluids responsibly.

Remove the fuel tank ground strap

To remove the fuel tank ground strap from a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, you'll need to follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that the fuel gauge is indicating that the tank is empty or nearly empty. If it is not, you will need to siphon the remaining fuel from the tank before proceeding. This is an important safety precaution.

Next, you will need to relieve the fuel pressure. There are several ways to do this, including:

• Removing the fuel pump relay in the Battery Junction Box (BJB) and then starting the engine and letting it run until there is no longer any fuel pressure.
• Removing the fuel pump fuse in the BJB and then starting the engine and letting it run.
• Activating the Inertial Fuel Shutoff and then starting the engine and letting it run.
• Disconnecting the fuel pump electrical connector C311, which is attached to the inner side of the left frame rail forward of the tank. This option is only available on models up to 2000.

Once the fuel pressure has been relieved, you can then disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.

Now, you're ready to start working on the fuel tank itself. First, you'll need to remove the left rear wheel. If your vehicle is a 4WD model, you will also need to remove the fuel tank shield and skid plate.

Next, loosen the vent hose clamp at the tank and disconnect the hose. Then, loosen the fuel filler hose clamp and disconnect this hose too.

At this point, you can remove the fuel tank ground strap.

Finally, you will need to support the tank with a jack or jacks. It is recommended to use scissor jacks and boards to allow for better control of the tank.

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