Replacing Fuel Pump In Crown Victoria: Step-By-Step Guide

The fuel pump in a Ford Crown Victoria is responsible for delivering gas from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors. If the fuel pump is faulty, it can cause a loss of engine power or prevent the car from starting. Luckily, replacing the fuel pump on a Crown Victoria is relatively straightforward, and can even be done without dropping the tank. The process involves disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery, disconnecting the fuel lines, and then removing the fuel pump assembly. It is important to take all necessary precautions when working with the fuel system to prevent the risk of fire.

Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery

Disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery of your Crown Victoria is an important first step when replacing the fuel pump. This is a safety measure to reduce the chance of a fire occurring during the procedure.

To begin, locate the battery in your car. The negative terminal will be clearly marked, typically with a black cover and a minus (-) symbol. You will need to carefully loosen and remove the terminal, ensuring that you have a secure grip on the tool you are using. A wrench or socket set will be required to loosen the nut holding the terminal in place.

Once you have located the correct terminal, proceed to loosen the nut. You may need to use some force, but be careful not to strip the threads of the nut or damage the battery post. After removing the nut, carefully lift the terminal away from the battery post. Ensure that the terminal does not come into contact with any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.

It is important to note that you should only perform this step once you have gathered all the tools required for the fuel pump replacement and are ready to proceed with the repair. Disconnecting the battery will cause a loss of power to your vehicle, so it is not advisable to drive the car with the battery in this state.

Disconnect the fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump on a Crown Victoria. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively complete this task:

Before beginning any work on your Crown Victoria's fuel system, it is imperative to prioritise safety. Working with the fuel system can be dangerous, and precautions must be taken to prevent the risk of fire. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, and disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to reduce the chance of accidental ignition.

Now, you can begin to disconnect the fuel lines. First, relieve the pressure in the fuel system by opening the Schrader valve, usually found on the fuel rail. You can do this by pressing the valve with a small screwdriver. Be cautious, as fuel may spray out, so wear protective gear and have rags ready to soak up any spilled fuel. Once the pressure is relieved, you can proceed to the next step.

Next, locate the fuel lines connected to the fuel pump. There should be an inlet line and an outlet line. The inlet line supplies fuel from the tank to the pump, while the outlet line carries pressurised fuel from the pump to the engine. Using appropriate wrenches, carefully loosen and detach the fittings that secure the fuel lines to the pump. Place rags around the fittings to catch any residual fuel that may leak out.

Once the fittings are removed, gently pull the fuel lines away from the pump. Be careful not to kink or damage the lines, as this could restrict fuel flow or cause leaks. If the lines are difficult to remove, you may need to use specialised tools such as a line disconnect tool or a fuel line quick-disconnect tool. These tools are designed to safely release the lines without causing damage.

After detaching the fuel lines, it is important to cap or plug the open ends to prevent dirt, debris, or contaminants from entering the fuel system. You can use specialised caps or plugs designed for this purpose, ensuring a tight fit to seal the openings.

Finally, properly dispose of any spilled fuel and rags used during the process, following local regulations and guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively disconnect the fuel lines on your Crown Victoria, allowing you to access and replace the fuel pump. Remember to work cautiously and refer to appropriate repair manuals or seek professional assistance if needed.

Loosen the lock ring

If you have jack stands, place them under the frame in the back of the car to allow more room to access the bottom of the gas tank.

If you are unable to loosen the lock ring, you may need to drop the tank. However, this is not recommended as the studs for the fuel tank straps were cut in half after the straps were bolted on at the factory. This was due to a recall, as the studs would puncture the fuel tank in high-speed rear-end collisions.

Remove the fuel pump assembly

To remove the fuel pump assembly from your Crown Victoria, start by making sure the gas tank is empty. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, then disconnect the fuel lines. Tap the lock ring counterclockwise to loosen, and then pull out the fuel pump assembly.

If you need more space to work, consider putting jack stands under the frame in the back to allow the rear end to hang and give you more room to access the bottom of the gas tank.

You can also try siphoning most of the fuel out of the tank, removing the bolts that hold the filler neck to the body, disconnecting the fuel lines and wire harness, and loosening the strap bolts to drop the tank.

It's worth noting that you don't have to drop the tank to replace the fuel pump. You can try to bend the exhaust out of the way to access the fuel pump.

Check the fuse and reset switch

To check the fuse and reset switch on a Ford Crown Victoria, follow these steps:

First, locate the inertia switch. This is usually found in the trunk, on the left side, behind the left rear tail light and trunk liner, or behind a side panel. The switch has a button on top of it, so if you see a button sticking up, it has been tripped and needs to be reset. Simply push the button back down to reset it.

Next, check for fuel leaks. Turn off the ignition and inspect the area for any signs of leaking fuel. If there are no leaks, push the reset button and turn the ignition back on (but not to start). Wait a few seconds, then turn the key off again. Repeat the inspection for fuel leaks.

If you are unable to locate the reset switch or if resetting it does not resolve the issue, refer to your Crown Victoria's owner's manual for further guidance. You can access a free online version of the manual here: http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/?wpfb_dl=136.

Additionally, here are some general tips for replacing the fuel pump in a Crown Victoria:

• Make sure the gas tank is empty before beginning any work.
• Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to reduce the risk of fire.
• Disconnect the fuel lines.
• Tap the lock ring counterclockwise to loosen it, then remove the fuel pump assembly.

Frequently asked questions