DIY Guide: Replacing the Fuel Pump and How to Access Door on Your Jeep

The fuel Pump is an essential part of a Jeep’s fuel system. The pump delivers fuel to the engine to keep it running smoothly. However, this fuel pump can get damaged and need to be replaced over time.

To replace the fuel pump on a Jeep, you need to go through some steps. First, locate the fuel pump access door, which is generally under the rear seat. Then remove the old pump and replace it with a new one.

All these tasks may sound daunting, but they are possible. Keep reading this as we will guide you with a DIY guide to help you do this, and our tips will make the process easier.

Signs of A Faulty Fuel Pump: Reasons for Replacement

When you have a faulty fuel pump on your Jeep, it will start to show some signs. Let’s take a look at them below:

• Your engine could stall or hesitate while accelerating.
• Low fuel pressure is a definite sign of a faulty fuel pump. You can check the pressure with a fuel pressure gauge.
• A loud, whining noise from the gas tank or the pump.
• Your Jeep could misfire because of a faulty fuel pump.
• Fuel leaks could also be a sign of a faulty fuel pump.
• Long crank before starting.
• Check engine light may show up. While diagnosing the issue, you may get a P0087 or P0190 problem code.

So, when you see any of these signs, you might have a faulty fuel pump that needs to be repaired or replaced. You need to address the issue and check it immediately to prevent further damage to your vehicle and ensure it runs smoothly.

Tools and Materials Needed to Replace a Fuel Pump on Jeep

You must gather the necessary tools and materials before replacing the fuel pump, especially when you decide to do it DIY. However, some of the tools that you will need are:

• Ratchet wrench set with a universal joint.
• Tubing or open-end wrenches.
• Screw drivers or hose clamp pliers.
• Bolt or wooden dowel
• Replacement fuel pump assembly
• New fuel filter and gasket
• New fuel hose (if required)
• Teflon tape
• Shop rags
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• O-rings
• Grease

You must collect all these tools and materials before proceeding. However, the list of the needed tools may vary depending on your Jeep’s model and year.

Accessing the Fuel Pump Door On Jeep

The location of the fuel pump door on a Jeep depends on the specific model and year. However, in most Jeep models, it’s under the rear seat or in the cargo area. Let’s see how you can access there:

• First, turn off the car and remove the negative terminal from the battery.
• Pull up on the front edge to remove the rear seat and unhook it from the brackets.
• Remove the carpet from the Jeep’s floor and find the metal plate covering the fuel pump. It’s the pump door.
• Drill out the joints or rivets that hold the metal plate.
• There, you will see a rubber seal; lift it up and disconnect the fuel lines and connectors from the assembly.

In this way, you can access the fuel pump door of the Jeep Cherokee XZ (1984-2001) models. The access door should be in the trunk for Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018) models. 

In Grand Cherokee (2011-2014) models, it’s behind the rear seat, and in 2015-2021 models, it’s underneath the rear seat and the plastic panel.

DIY Steps to Replace the Jeep’s Fuel Pump  

Replacing the damaged or faulty fuel pump on your Jeep will save you a lot of money. However, you should have some patience while doing the whole procedure. Here, we bring you the step-by-step procedure to help you out:

Transmission Fuel Pump Replacement Process for Jeep Models With Fuel Injection Engine

Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-1990), Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997-2004), Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-present), Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) (2011-2021), and some other Jeep models have fuel injection type engines. 

Here’s the process of changing the fuel pump for these models:

Step 1: Preparation

Before proceeding, ensure you have all the tools we mentioned earlier. Now, park the vehicle in a well-ventilated and well-lit area and engage the parking brake.

Don’t forget to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal to avoid any electrical accidents.

Step 2: Fuel system depressurization

Find the fuel pump relay or fuse. It should be in the fuse box inside the power distribution center. Now, start the engine and keep it idle until it stops.

Turn off the ignition and release the fuel pressure by removing the pump relay. Next, try to start the engine to ensure you have released all the remaining pressure.

Step 3: Accessing the fuel pump

Now, locate the fuel pump. The fuel pump might be in the trunk or under the back seat. There will be a door or access panel there. 

From our previous discussion, you already know how to access the door. However, the location may vary depending on the model of your Jeep.

Step 4: Clean the pump area

After removing the access door, you might see a lot of dirt or debris, making it hard to find the pump assembly sections. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.

Step 5: Remove the fuel pump

Disconnect the electrical connectors and fuel lines from the pump assembly to remove the fuel pump. Now, remove the mounting bolts with your tools and remove the old pump assembly. Now clean the whole area with a rag carefully.

Step 6: Install the new fuel pump

In this step, put and install the new fuel pump assembly in the exact location. Connect the electrical connectors and fuel lines to the new pump assembly. Now, re-install the bolts and tighten them properly to secure the assembly.

Step 7: Reassemble and test the whole system

Now, it’s time to reconnect the relay and fuse from where you disconnected them. Start it by joining the negative terminal of the Jeep’s battery.

Turn the ignition key to “ON,” but don’t turn on the engine. It will prime the fuel system and help it adjust. Don’t forget to ensure there is no leak and that you have secured all the connections correctly.

Finally, start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds. Check the fuel pressure gauge to ensure the newly installed pump works properly.

Once you are satisfied, reassemble the parts that you removed earlier.

Fuel Pump Replacement Process for Jeep Models With Carburetor Engine

Soke older Jeep models like Jeep CJ-5, Jeep CJ-7, Jeep Scrambler, andJeep Wrangler YJ (1987-1990) have carburetor engine. Changing the fuel pump in these Jeep models is quite similar to the process we have shown above.

The only difference is in “step 2”; in carburetor engine models, you must drain the fuel tank instead of depressurizing it. You can drain the fuel with a fuel siphoning system or fuel draining kit. All the other procedures and steps are same.

Safety Precautions While Replacing the Fuel Pump On Jeep

As you are going to DIY the fuel pump replacing, you need to be cautious about some safety measures. Let’s see what they are:

• Try to work in a well-ventilated and well-lit area so that the fuel vapor cannot grow and accumulate.
• Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect them from fuel and vapors.
• Don’t forget to disconnect the negative terminal of the Jeep’s battery.
• Always use the proper tools for the task.
• Clean the inside before installing the new fuel pump.
• Always fill the tank with fresh fuel after changing the fuel pump.
• Check for leaks after finishing the assembly.

FAQs

Do you still have some queries regarding the fuel pump replacement? Go through the following FAQ section to learn more about this:

What happens when you install the wrong fuel pump on your Jeep?

A wrong fuel pump on a Jeep will not supply sufficient fuel to the car’s engine. In most cases, it will not work if the pump is wrong or if you have installed it incorrectly.

Is there anything else you need to replace with the fuel pump on the Jeep?

You can change the fuel filter while changing the pump on a Jeep, as it can trap dirt, and the older one may become dirty.

How often should you replace your Jeep fuel pump?

On average, a fuel pump lasts for about 100,000 miles. But it can fail sooner if you don’t maintain it properly. However, changing the fuel pump only when it’s damaged.

Final Thought

A fuel pump is a vital component that delivers fuel to the engine from the fuel tank. Replacing the fuel pump may need expert assistance, but you can do it independently by following our step-by-step DIY guide.

Always be aware of the signs of a faulty fuel pump, and address the issue immediately. Make sure you locate the door; you can confirm the door’s location from the owner’s manual.

However, if anything goes wrong or beyond your knowledge, feel free to take expert support from an experienced mechanic.