Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 2000 Vw Jetta

If your 2000 VW Jetta is experiencing rough running engine problems, it may be time to replace the fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the fuel injectors, and when it fails, it can cause a loss of engine power or even prevent the car from starting. In this article, we will guide you through the process of replacing the fuel pump in your 2000 VW Jetta, including the tools and parts required, safety precautions, and step-by-step instructions.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important first step when replacing the fuel pump in your 2000 VW Jetta. This is a safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher nearby when working on any fuel-related repairs.

To disconnect the battery, first, locate the battery in your VW Jetta. The battery is typically located in the engine bay, on the side, or in the trunk. Once you have located the battery, follow these steps:

• Identify the negative battery terminal. It is usually marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover.
• Loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal using the appropriate size wrench or socket. Do not allow the wrench or socket to touch any other metal parts in the engine bay to avoid creating a spark.
• Carefully remove the cable from the battery terminal. You may need to wiggle the cable slightly to detach it.
• Move the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. You can use a cable tie or tape to secure it in place.
• Optionally, you can also disconnect the positive battery cable, which is marked with a "+" symbol or a red cover. Follow the same steps as above.

It is important to work safely and carefully when handling the battery. Always wear safety gloves and eye protection. Do not allow any metal tools or jewelry to touch both the positive and negative terminals at the same time, as this can cause a short circuit.

Once the battery is disconnected, you can proceed with the next steps of replacing the fuel pump. Remember to refer to a repair manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Remove the rear seats

Step 1: Removing the Rear Seat Cushion

• Start by opening the rear doors and locate the hinge covers on the front side of the rear seat cushion. These covers need to be removed gently but firmly. You can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry them off.
• Under the hinge covers, you will find two 17mm nuts holding the rear seat cushion in place. Use a socket wrench to remove these nuts.
• Once the nuts are removed, lift up the rear seat cushion slightly and shift it forward. There are metal hooks at the back of the seat cushion that need to be disengaged from the floor brackets.
• Set the seat cushion aside in a safe place, being careful not to damage the fabric or foam.

Step 2: Detaching the Rear Seat Back

• With the cushion removed, you will now have access to the rear seat back. Look for a plastic cover at the bottom of the seat back, near the floor. This cover needs to be gently pried off using a flat-head screwdriver or a similar tool.
• Underneath the plastic cover, you will find two 17mm bolts. Remove these bolts using your socket wrench.
• Now, gently lift and shift the seat back forward. There are metal hooks at the top of the seat back that need to be disengaged from the body of the car, similar to the seat cushion.
• Set the seat back aside, being careful not to damage the fabric or any wiring harnesses that may be attached.

Step 3: Unhooking the Seat Belts

• To fully remove the rear seat assembly, you will need to unhook the seat belts. Look for the seat belt bolts on the lower portion of the seat belt assembly, near the floor.
• Use your socket wrench to remove these bolts, and then detach the seat belt assembly from the seat frame.
• Be sure to keep track of the bolts and any other hardware removed during this process, as you will need to reinstall them later.

Step 4: Final Checks and Removal

• Before removing the entire rear seat assembly, check that all hooks, latches, and attachments are disengaged.
• Carefully lift and remove the entire rear seat assembly from the vehicle. This may require some maneuvering due to the size and shape of the seats.
• With the rear seats removed, you will now have access to the fuel pump and sender unit located in the fuel tank.

Remember to work carefully and patiently when removing the rear seats to avoid damaging any components or the interior of your vehicle. This process will provide you with the necessary access to replace the fuel pump in your 2000 Volkswagen Jetta.

Remove the access cover

To remove the access cover of your 2000 VW Jetta's fuel pump, you will first need to disconnect the negative battery cable. This is an important safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire.

Next, you will need to remove the rear seat. There is an access panel under the rear seat cushion that will allow you to service the fuel pump. Once the seat is removed, you will see the access panel to the fuel pump on the right-hand side.

Now, you can remove the access cover. It is secured by three Phillips-head screws. Remove these screws and gently pry the panel up. There is a small sticky gasket between the panel and the body of the car, which helps to reduce noise and vibration, so do not clean this off.

With the access cover removed, you will be able to see the locating cover and ring seal on the pump, as well as the fuel lines and electrical harness connector. At this point, you can begin to disconnect the electrical connector and fuel lines and proceed with replacing the fuel pump.

Disconnect the electrical connector

Disconnecting the electrical connector is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump in a 2000 VW Jetta. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this safely and effectively:

Before beginning any work on your vehicle, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Ensure that you are wearing fuel-resistant gloves and a carbon filter mask to protect yourself from any raw fuel exposure. It is also crucial to have a fire extinguisher nearby and keep the work area well-ventilated, as fuel vapors can be dangerous.

Now, to access the fuel pump, you will need to remove the right-side lower seat cushion in the rear of the vehicle. You will see a flap cut into the carpet; lift this flap up and over. Underneath, you will find three Phillips head screws holding the cover plate to the floor. Loosen and remove these screws and then pry the cover plate up and off the floor.

With the cover plate removed, you will now be able to see the fuel pump mounted in the fuel tank through the access hole. To disconnect the electrical connector, locate the tab on the connector. Using a small screwdriver, carefully press the tab and pull the connector off the fuel pump. It is important to be gentle during this step to avoid damaging the connector or any surrounding components.

Once the electrical connector is disconnected, set it aside and proceed to the next step of removing the fuel pump. Remember to mark the orientation of the pump with the marks provided so that you can align them correctly when installing the new pump.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely disconnect the electrical connector and continue with the fuel pump replacement process for your 2000 VW Jetta. Always refer to a professional mechanic or a detailed repair guide for further instructions on completing the replacement process.

Remove the locking ring

To remove the locking ring holding the fuel pump in the fuel tank, you will need a screwdriver, a hammer, and a drift. VW sells a special tool for this, but you can use the appropriate-sized drift and hammer instead.

Place the drift on the backside of the ribs and hit the drift in a counter-clockwise direction. It will take a while, but you can get it off. You can also use a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer to drive the ring around to unlock it. Be sure to relieve the pressure in the fuel system before removing the locking ring.

Frequently asked questions