Replacing Fuel Pump In 2006 Corvette: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump on a 2006 Corvette is a moderately complicated job that is best performed by a professional mechanic. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and can be accessed through an access panel in the passenger compartment or by removing the tank from the vehicle. The process requires general automotive mechanic knowledge and experience, and it is important to follow all safety precautions when handling gasoline. The fuel pump is responsible for ensuring that pressurized gasoline flows to the engine, and a failing fuel pump may cause the car not to start or to stall after starting.

Jack up the car and remove the driver's side rear wheel

Jacking up your car is a simple and safe process if you take the right precautions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to jack up your car and remove the driver's side rear wheel:

Park on Level Ground

First, make sure to park your car on a hard, flat surface, such as a level parking lot or driveway. Avoid soft or broken surfaces, as they can be unstable for lifting your car.

Secure the Car

Straighten the steering wheel, engage the parking brake, and put the car in park (or in first gear for a manual transmission). This ensures the car doesn't move unexpectedly.

Locate Jack Points

Refer to your car's owner's manual to locate the jack points. These are reinforced spots along the body where the vehicle is designed to be lifted. Typically, there's a jack point behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.

Position the Jack

Place the jack under a jack point, ensuring the wide, flat base is facing down. Make sure the jack is positioned correctly and aligned with the jack point.

Raise the Jack

Depending on the type of jack you have, use the jack handle or lever to raise the jack until it touches the car. Continue raising it until the car is lifted and the driver's side rear wheel is off the ground.

Stability Check

Before proceeding, test the stability of the raised vehicle by giving it a gentle push. Ensure the car is secure and doesn't move unexpectedly.

Use Jack Stands

If you need to work under the car, it is essential to use jack stands for added stability and safety. Place the jack stands under the car near the jack points and slowly lower the car onto them.

Remove the Wheel

Now, you can remove the driver's side rear wheel. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench before removing the wheel. If you have a rim brake, open the brake caliper's quick-release lever to create more space. For a disc brake, pay attention to the alignment of the disc rotor when removing the wheel.

Remember to follow all safety precautions and work on a stable, level surface. Once you have completed your repairs or maintenance, you can reinstall the wheel and lower the car by carefully reversing the jacking process.

Remove the plastic wheel well liner

To remove the plastic wheel well liner of a 2006 Corvette, first, jack up the car and remove the driver's side rear wheel. Then, remove the plastic wheel well liner. This will expose the fuel pump assembly, which is covered by a metal shield.

Removing the plastic wheel well liner is a simple process, but it is important to be careful not to damage any other components in the process. It is also important to make sure that the car is securely jacked up before beginning any work, to avoid accidental injury or damage to the vehicle.

Once the plastic wheel well liner is removed, the metal shield covering the fuel pump assembly can be taken off. This shield is held in place by several bolts, which should be removed carefully to avoid stripping the threads or dropping them into the engine bay. With the shield removed, the fuel pump assembly will be accessible for further maintenance or replacement.

It is recommended to have a basic understanding of automotive repair and maintenance before attempting to remove the plastic wheel well liner or perform any other maintenance on a vehicle. If you are unsure about any steps or procedures, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic or automotive professional for assistance.

Overall, removing the plastic wheel well liner on a 2006 Corvette is a straightforward task that can be completed with standard tools and some basic automotive knowledge. By following the proper safety precautions and working carefully, you can successfully access the fuel pump assembly and perform the necessary maintenance or repairs on your vehicle.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of a 2006 Corvette, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to raise the car on a jack or a suitable lift. Next, relieve the fuel pressure by depressing the Schrader valve on the end of the driver's side fuel rail. You will need to catch the escaping fuel in an appropriate container.

Then, using a supplied quick disconnect tool, remove the braided fuel line that runs from the hard factory fuel line to the fuel rail. Again, you will need to catch the escaping fuel in an appropriate container. Attach a clear hose to the factory hard line and route the other end into a large gas can or similar container.

Now, remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box, which is located in the engine compartment. You can check your owner's manual to find the exact location of the relay. Insert a jumper wire into the fuse box terminals. This will run the fuel pump and drain the tank into the gas can. Keep draining the tank until no more fuel flows. Finally, disconnect the battery when the draining is complete.

This process will allow you to safely and effectively drain the fuel tank of your 2006 Corvette, which is an important step when replacing the fuel pump. It is important to follow all safety precautions when handling gasoline and working on your vehicle.

Remove the metal shield covering the pump assembly

To remove the metal shield covering the pump assembly of a 2006 Corvette, first jack up the car and remove the driver's side rear wheel. Then, remove the plastic wheel well liner. You should then be able to remove the metal shield covering the pump assembly.

It is also recommended that you drain the tank before removing the pump assembly. This can be done by removing the fuel pump relay from the fuse box in the engine compartment and inserting a jumper wire into the fuse box terminals. This will run the fuel pump and drain the tank.

Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connection

To disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connection on a 2006 Corvette, follow these steps:

Firstly, make sure you have the correct tools for the job. You will need a fuel line disconnect tool, which can be purchased from any auto parts store for around $10. This tool is designed to slide into the fitting and compress the springs that lock the fuel line in place. You may also want to purchase a new fuel pump and fuel filter sock from a fuel system specialist, such as Racetronix.

Before beginning work on your Corvette, ensure that you have relieved the pressure on the fuel rail. You can do this by locating the Schrader valve on the front driver's side fuel rail and releasing the pressure into a cup. It is also recommended to pull the fuel pump fuse and let the engine run out of gas to prevent fuel from spraying.

Now, you can begin to disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connection. Locate the four bolts that hold the fuel pump assembly in place and remove them. Before removing these bolts, be sure to disconnect the fuel lines and unplug the electrical connection. You may need to apply some WD-40 to the plastic connector to make this process easier.

Once the bolts are removed, you can pull the assembly out of the tank. Place a paper towel under the connection to catch any fuel that may drain out. Now, detach the sending unit part from the assembly to free up the float arm. This will make it easier to remove the entire assembly.

Next, remove the fuel sock by gently unlatching it from the pump. Install a new O-ring on the end of the pump before putting on a new fuel sock. The new fuel sock will clip into place on the end of the fuel pump.

Finally, reconnect the wires from the new sending unit into the assembly plug. Ensure that the wires are connected correctly—the blue wire goes above the red wire, and the gray wire goes above the black. If these wires are connected incorrectly, the fuel gauge will not read properly.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the fuel lines and electrical connection on your 2006 Corvette.

Frequently asked questions