How to Replace the fuel pump on the Jeep Cherokee?

You can assume the task the fuel pump does by its name. It pumps fuel from your Jeep Cherokee gas tank to the engine to continue its normal operation. So, if it faces any issue, it’ll affect the engine performance. Even sometimes, you’ll stall roadside.

When you trace that your fuel pump is faulty, the simple solution is to replace it, as most Jeep Cherokee fuel pumps are electrical. So, if you detect the fuel pump has an issue and you want to replace it, then keep reading the in-depth guide to learn how to replace the fuel pump on the Jeep Cherokee.

When Should I Replace My Jeep Cherokee’s Fuel Pump?

The fuel pump can last the lifetime of the vehicle. But, sometimes, it can face some issues and fail to deliver fuel to the engine. When it fails, you will notice some sign which indicates you should replace your Jeep Cherokee fuel pump.

Below are some common symptoms which indicate you should replace the fuel pump:

The check engine light will appear
It cranks but no start.

The fuel tank makes whirring noises
Long crank before starting the vehicle ( typically, it happens when the vehicle fuel pump gets started weaker.)
The engine loses power when trying to increase speed due to a lack of fuel pressure

Decrease fuel efficiency
The engine will randomly turn off and fail to restart

Can I replace a fuel pump myself?

Replacing a fuel pump is a tricky task. If you are determined to do it by yourself, you should have the right tool, ability, and, most importantly, patience. So, you can replace the fuel pump all on your own if you have the ability and a step-by-step guide.

But don’t forget to take necessary precautions for safety. Otherwise, take help from a professional for complete replacement, which is safer but costly.

How to Replace the fuel pump on the Jeep Cherokee?

Here is a complete overview of how you can replace the fuel pump from your Jeep Cherokee without removing the fuel tank.

Step 1: Remove the rear seat

First, lower the rear seat backs and slide the rear seat forward. You’ll get access to the rear seat mounting nuts and remove them. After locating the airbag electrical connectors, disconnect them.

Then, raise the back seat and slide them backward, and from the left side rear side, remove the bolt trim cover and the bolt on it. From the center position, remove the trim cover and bolts.

For removing the rear seat, remove the headrest and get help from assistance to remove the back seat from your Jeep Cherokee. Now, you can access the fuel pump module without removing the fuel tank.

Step 2: Remove the fuel filler cap

You need to remove the fuel filler cap to release pressure from the fuel tank. For this, find out the access module, which you’ll get in the owner’s manual.

Cut the carpet from where the fuel filler cap is located. To access the fuel pump, remove the cover and disconnect the electrical connector to disable the fuel pump. For more surety, start the vehicle. If it cranks and fails to start, you successfully disable the fuel pump. Do the same task a few times.

Step 3: Disconnect the battery

Open your Jeep Cherokee hood by pressing the lever from the driver-side door. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, remove the negative terminal from the battery by loosening the cable clamp nut.

Step 4: Remove the old fuel pump

Now, you need to clean the top of the fuel pump module area to get rid of debris while doing the replacement process. Disconnect the evap and fuel delivery line connection from the top of the module. Then, use a towel to soak up any leakage fuel.

Using large water pump pliers, loosen the secure lock ring or use a brass drift to tap the locking ring counterclockwise until it’s free.

Then, remove the fuel pump and carefully angle the module to disconnect the transfer line at the bottom of the pump module. Then, drain out the gasoline and put it on shop rags. Then, remove the o-ring from the tank. And lay a towel above the opening of the tank to reduce fumes.

Step 5: Install the new fuel pump

Now, clean the o-ring surface and install a new o-ring on the surface.

Take the new fuel pump to install it, and be careful not to bend the float arm. Lower the new pump module partially into the tank and connect the transfer line to the port for installation. Then, align the locking tab and re-install the lock ring following the same method of removing.

Connect the fuel line and evap line. You’ll hear audible noise if you correctly connect them. Then, reconnect the electrical connector with the fuel pump module and install the cover.

Then, take help from assistance and install the rear seat properly and reconnect the airbag connectors and the wiring harness. Reconnect the battery negative terminal with the battery. Now, you successfully replace the fuel pump on your Jeep Cherokee, and you’re ready to go for a test drive.

Note: If you own a 2014+ Jeep Cherokee, you can follow the step-by-step guide to replace the fuel pump. You’ll find a difference if you have an earlier model than 2014.

How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump on a Jeep Cherokee?

Without the actual making year and location, it’s quite hard to estimate the replacement cost of the Jeep Cherokee fuel pump. However, on average, you should spend around $254, including labor costs, to replace the fuel pump. The parts cost will be approximately $88. But, the price will increase depending on the vehicle year and location.

How many hours does it take to replace a fuel pump on a Jeep Cherokee?

The actual replacement time will depend on several factors, like your expertise in the field and the making year of the Jeep Cherokee. Generally, you need to spend around 1.5 to 3 hours. For example, if you have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, the labor will take about 1.8 hours to replace the fuel pump.

Final words

When the fuel pump turns bad, it’ll create an obstacle to fuel flow in the engine. You’ll witness major issues like engine performance decline and vehicle failure to start. So, you should replace the fuel pump on your Jeep Cherokee. In this regard, the above step-by-step guide will help you know the easiest way to replace the fuel pump on the Jeep Cherokee.

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