Replacing The Fuel Pump In A 1997 Honda Accord: Step-By-Step Guide

how to replace the fuel pump on 1997 honda accord

If your 1997 Honda Accord is experiencing issues such as stalling, failing to start, or a check engine light that won't turn off, you may need to replace the fuel pump. This is a moderately complicated job that may be best performed by a professional mechanic, but if you're feeling adventurous, here's a basic step-by-step guide to help you get started.

First, you'll need to drain your gas tank. You can do this by inserting a tube into the tank through the gas cap and pouring the gasoline into a safe container. Once the tank is drained, you'll need to raise and secure your car using a jack and jack stands. Next, locate and disconnect the fuel-sending unit, which is found underneath the access hatch in the trunk. There should be four fuel lines to disconnect, all located behind the left rear wheel. With those disconnected, you can now remove the tank straps and carefully lower the fuel tank. Now you're ready to remove the old fuel pump and install the new one, making sure to position it correctly inside the gas tank. Finally, mount the fuel tank and lines back in place, reconnect the fuel lines, and you're almost done! Just add some fuel, start up your car, and you should be good to go.

Keep in mind that working with the fuel system can be dangerous, so always take the necessary precautions to avoid starting a fire. If you're unsure about any part of this process, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

Characteristics Values
Fuel pump location Inside the fuel tank
Fuel pump replacement cost Between $1,048 and $1,402
Labor cost Between $85 and $107
Parts cost Between $964 and $1,295
Fuel pump replacement process Siphon out the gas tank, raise and secure the car, disconnect the fuel-sending unit, disconnect the fuel lines, remove the tank straps, remove the fuel pump, install the new pump, mount the fuel tank and lines

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Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step in replacing the fuel pump on a 1997 Honda Accord. This is a crucial safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire when working on the fuel system.

Before disconnecting the battery, it is important to ensure that the car is securely raised and supported on jack stands. Once the car is safely raised, locate the battery and disconnect it. This will involve removing the battery cables from the battery terminals. It is recommended to disconnect the negative cable first, which is usually black or marked with a minus (-) sign. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the cable clamp and then carefully lift the cable off the terminal. Repeat this process for the positive cable, which is usually red or marked with a plus (+) sign. Ensure that the cables do not touch any metal parts of the car to avoid creating a short circuit.

After disconnecting the battery, it is safe to proceed with the next steps of the fuel pump replacement process, such as draining the fuel tank and removing the fuel lines. Remember to take all necessary precautions when working with the fuel system to prevent fires and ensure a safe repair process.

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Siphon out the gas tank

To replace the fuel pump on a 1997 Honda Accord, you'll first need to siphon the gas out of the tank. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Take a tube and insert it into the gas tank through the gas cap. Create a vacuum by blowing into the tube and then pour the gasoline into a safe container. Drain out as much gas as you can from the tank. If you have access to one, use a vacuum pump to avoid accidentally sipping any gasoline.

Alternatively, you can run the car until the tank is almost empty, but be aware that you'll still need to catch 2-3 gallons of gasoline when you drain the tank.

Once you've siphoned the gas tank, you can move on to the next steps of raising and securing the car, disconnecting the fuel-sending unit, and disconnecting the fuel lines.

Remember to take all necessary precautions when working with your car's fuel system, and always refer to a professional mechanic if you're unsure about any part of the process.

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Raise and secure the car

To raise and secure your 1997 Honda Accord, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have a flat surface to work on, such as a garage floor, driveway, or level concrete or asphalt surface. Check your local laws to ensure you are not violating any codes, especially if you are working on a street.

Next, gather the necessary equipment: a hydraulic jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, and a working vehicle. The jack and jack stands must be rated for your vehicle's weight, so check your owner's manual or look up the weight of your car online.

Now, prepare the car for lifting. Engage the parking brake and place the wheel chocks on the opposite side of the vehicle to the side being lifted to prevent rolling. If your car has a manual transmission, put it in gear, or put it in park if it's an automatic.

Position the jack underneath the frame of the car, at the jack points specified in the owner's manual. These points are designed to support the car's weight and prevent damage to the vehicle during lifting.

Slowly and steadily raise the jack until it meets the jack point and becomes slightly difficult to raise further. Check that the jack and vehicle are stable and have not shifted. Continue to raise the jack until you reach the desired height, which should be enough to allow you to access the fuel pump.

Once you have reached the desired height, place the jack stands underneath non-articulating points, such as the frame, subframe, or engine cradle. Adjust the jack stands to the desired height, then gently lower the vehicle onto them. You can now slowly lower and remove the jack. Always use jack stands to support the vehicle, never rely solely on the hydraulic jack.

Finally, double-check that all contact points are stable and can support the vehicle. Gently shake the car to ensure it is secure. Now your 1997 Honda Accord is properly lifted and secured, and you can begin working underneath it.

Remember to always take safety precautions when working on your vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack, and always use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

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Disconnect the fuel-sending unit

To disconnect the fuel-sending unit of your 1997 Honda Accord, you will first need to siphon the gas out of the tank. Insert a tube into the tank through the gas cap and blow into the tank to create a vacuum. Then, pour the gasoline into a safe container.

Next, you will need to raise and secure the car. Use a jack on one of the car's safety points and raise it. Position jack stands under the car to secure it in the air.

Now, you can disconnect the fuel-sending unit. This is found underneath the access hatch located inside the trunk. Open the hatch and disconnect the unit.

There are four fuel lines that need to be disconnected, all of which are located behind the left rear wheel. Remove the rear left wheel and begin disconnecting the fuel lines. There are two hard lines, a high-pressure line, one brass line that connects directly to the tank, and a large line for fuel input.

  • Use a vacuum pump, if available, to avoid accidentally sipping gasoline when siphoning the gas tank.
  • The exhaust heat shield may need to be removed to access one of the 14mm tank strap bolts.
  • Make sure to tighten the high-pressure line when reconnecting the fuel lines.
  • The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank.

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Disconnect the fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump of a 1997 Honda Accord. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Start by locating the fuel lines. They are found behind the left rear wheel of your Honda Accord. To access them, you will need to remove the rear left wheel. Once the wheel is off, you can begin the process of disconnecting the fuel lines.

There are four fuel lines that need to be disconnected: two hard lines, a high-pressure line, and a brass line. The two hard lines are fuel input lines, one of which is a large line. The high-pressure line is also crucial, as it needs to be tightened securely when reconnecting the fuel lines later. The brass line is the one that connects directly to the fuel tank.

When disconnecting the fuel lines, it is important to be cautious and careful. Fuel lines carry flammable fuel, so it is essential to take the necessary precautions to avoid any spills or leaks. Make sure to have a container ready to catch any fuel that may spill during the disconnection process.

Begin by clamping the fuel lines to prevent fuel spillage. Then, using the appropriate tools, carefully loosen and detach the connections. It is recommended to have a helper during this process to make it easier and safer. Place the disconnected lines in a safe area away from any potential sources of ignition.

Once all four fuel lines are successfully disconnected, you can proceed to the next step of removing the fuel tank straps and lowering the fuel tank. Remember to refer to a reliable repair manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic if you encounter any difficulties or uncertainties during the process.

Now, let's go through the steps of disconnecting the fuel lines in a bit more detail:

  • Clamping and Containment: Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as line clamps and a suitable container for catching any spilled fuel. Place the container near the fuel lines and have rags or absorbent materials ready in case of any leaks.
  • Left Rear Wheel Removal: Jack up the car and remove the left rear wheel to access the fuel lines. Place the wheel safely aside.
  • Disconnecting the First Two Fuel Lines: Identify the two hard lines for fuel input. Carefully loosen and detach the connections, clamping the lines as needed to prevent fuel spillage.
  • High-Pressure Line Disconnection: Locate the high-pressure fuel line and carefully disconnect it. Ensure that you will be able to tighten it securely when reconnecting the fuel lines later.
  • Brass Line Disconnection: Find the brass line that connects directly to the fuel tank. This line carries fuel from the tank to the engine. Carefully loosen and detach the connection.
  • Safe Containment and Placement: Once all four fuel lines are disconnected, ensure that they are securely clamped and placed in a safe area away from any potential sources of ignition.
  • Clean-up and Inspection: Before proceeding, take a moment to clean up any spilled fuel and inspect the disconnected lines for any signs of damage or wear.

Remember, working with fuel lines can be dangerous, so it is essential to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure proper ventilation in your workspace. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic.

Frequently asked questions

If your engine is struggling to maintain speed, making unusual noises, backfiring, or stalling, it may be a sign of a faulty fuel pump. If you ignore these symptoms for too long, your engine will eventually fail to start.

The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. To access it, you will need to siphon out the gas tank, raise and secure the car, disconnect the fuel-sending unit and fuel lines, remove the tank straps, and then you will be able to access the fuel pump.

While it is possible to replace the fuel pump yourself, it is a moderately complicated job that is best performed by a professional mechanic at a dealership's service department. Working with the fuel system is dangerous, and there is a risk of fire, so take all necessary precautions.

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