Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your '04 Armada: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're experiencing issues with your Nissan Armada's fuel pump, it may be time to consider replacing it. While it is a challenging task, with the right tools and knowledge, it can be accomplished in a few hours. Before beginning, source a new fuel pump and ensure you have the necessary tools, including 14mm sockets and wrenches, screwdrivers, a chisel or punch, and a hammer.

First, disconnect the battery to reduce the risk of fire. Next, remove the seats and roll back the carpet to access the fuel pump cover. Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connection, and remove the lock ring. Install the new fuel pump, seal, and reverse the procedure to reassemble.

Alternatively, some people choose to cut a flap in the carpet for access, or even remove the fuel tank altogether. This procedure can be dangerous, so if you're not confident, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is one of the first steps you should take when replacing the fuel pump on a 2004 Nissan Armada. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Locate the battery: The battery in a 2004 Nissan Armada is typically located in the engine compartment, near the front of the vehicle.

Access the battery terminal: Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools, such as a small flat-head screwdriver. Once you have located the battery, identify the negative terminal, which will be marked with a "-" symbol. The negative terminal is usually covered by a protective cap or cover. Using your screwdriver, carefully lift the tab on the connector to release it from the battery terminal. Alternatively, if you are having trouble removing the connector, you can unbolt the entire assembly from the negative terminal and then detach the negative battery cable.

Isolating the battery: After disconnecting the negative terminal, move the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. You can use a battery terminal protector or cover to prevent the cable from accidentally touching the battery terminal.

Additional considerations: Before disconnecting the battery, it is recommended to turn off all electrical systems and components in the vehicle, such as the lights, radio, air conditioning, etc. This will help prevent data loss and reduce the risk of electrical issues. Additionally, if you are working on the center console, it is crucial to disconnect the battery first and wait for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the airbag system to bleed off its charge. This will help prevent accidental airbag deployment during your work.

Remember to follow safety procedures and wear appropriate protective gear when working with automotive electrical systems.

Remove seats and roll back carpet

To remove the seats and roll back the carpet of your 2004 Nissan Armada, you will need the following tools: 14mm sockets, a ratchet and extensions, 14mm wrenches, assorted screwdrivers, a chisel or punch, a hammer, and a large flat-bladed tool for putting the carpet back under the trim.

First, disconnect the battery to reduce the chance of a fire. Next, remove the driver and passenger seats, as well as the rear seats, using the 14mm sockets and wrenches. Some of the bolts for the seats and seat belts are tight, so you may also need a breaker bar.

Once the seats are removed, you can begin to roll back the carpet. Use the chisel or punch to remove the lock ring on the pump, and the assorted screwdrivers for clips and tabs. Be sure to use WD-40 to help with the removal of the lock ring.

After disconnecting the three connections (two lines and one electrical connection), remove the lock ring and replace the seal with a new one. Now, you can roll back the carpet to access the fuel pump access panel door.

Disconnect connections and remove lock ring

To disconnect the connections and remove the lock ring of your 2004 Nissan Armada's fuel pump, you will need the following tools:

• 14mm sockets and ratchet and extensions
• 14mm wrenches
• Assorted screwdrivers
• Chisel or punch
• Hammer
• Large flat-bladed tool for putting the carpet back under the trim
• Rags
• Breaker bar

First, use the breaker bar to loosen any tight bolts on the seats and seatbelts. Then, disconnect the three connections: two lines and one electrical connection. You can use a chisel or punch to remove the lock ring on the pump. Finally, replace the seal with a new one (which should have come in the kit with your new fuel pump).

The lock ring can be a bit of a challenge to remove. Using WD-40 can help. If that doesn't work, try using a heavier hammer, such as a 3-pound sledgehammer, and a mason's chisel. Hitting the lock ring with this combination a few times should loosen it.

Replace the seal

To replace the seal on your 2004 Nissan Armada's fuel pump, you'll need to first remove the carpet and then the pump cover. You'll need 14mm sockets and wrenches, a breaker bar, a chisel or punch, assorted screwdrivers, and a large flat-bladed tool for putting the carpet back under the trim.

Once you've removed the carpet and pump cover, you'll need to disconnect the three connections: two lines and one electrical connection. After disconnecting these, remove the lock ring with the chisel or punch. With the lock ring removed, you can now replace the old seal with the new one.

It's important to note that the lock ring can be a bit tricky to remove, but using some WD-40 can help. Additionally, make sure to vacuum out any debris or dirt from the fuel pump area before starting the replacement process.

After replacing the seal, simply reverse the procedure to reassemble the fuel pump. Before starting the car, give the key a few twists to prime the pump.

Reassemble and prime the pump

Once you have the new fuel pump, it's time to reassemble and prime the pump.

First, reverse the procedure you followed to remove the old pump. Twist the key a few times in the ignition before starting the car to prime the pump.

For pumps inside the fuel tank, there will usually be an access cover that needs to be removed. With the cover off, replace the pump and pre-pump filter screen. In some cases, fuel will need to be drained before removing the access panel. When the pump is outside the tank, disconnect the fuel lines, remove the pump, and install the new one.

Once the pump is replaced, do a final check to ensure there are no fuel leaks and that the problem is solved. We recommend that the fuel filters are replaced at the same time as the fuel pump. This applies to the intake screen for in-tank fuel pumps, too.

On some vehicles, the fuel pump relay is known to fail. It's good practice to replace the relay when the pump is replaced.

Frequently asked questions