Some of the key steps involve replacing a fuel pump in a pickup truck, which is time-consuming and requires great precision. On average, the cost of a fuel pump replacement may range from $400 to $1,200, depending on the model of the vehicle, the rate of labor, and the type of fuel pump. For instance, the Ford F-150 has a fuel pump assembly costing about 200-400 dollars, and it takes about 3 to 6 hours of work. Thus, the total cost of replacement would be about 600-1,000 dollars in total.
First, the battery should be disconnected for safety and to avoid any electrical accidents. Then, find the fuel tank, where fuel is stored. It can hold as low as 15 gallons or as high as 30 gallons, depending on the capacity of the truck. After relieving the fuel pressure from the system by pulling the fuel pump fuse and cranking the engine, the fuel tank should be partially or completely drained to lighten its weight before removal. A gas tank, like those on the Chevrolet Silverado holding approximately 26 gallons, can weigh upwards of over 150 pounds when full, making it necessary to use a jack to support and lower the tank carefully.
Next, remove the fuel tank straps, which are designed to secure the tank in place. These are usually fastened with bolts requiring a socket wrench or impact tool. Once the tank is lowered, disconnect the electrical connector and fuel lines attached to the pump assembly. At this stage, the fuel pump, which is typically housed inside the tank, should be accessible. This can be removed by releasing the locking ring of the fuel pump module, which consists of the pump, filter, and sending unit. It generally takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the access to the fuel pump.
Replacement of the old pump with a new one requires much more detail to match the specifications with that of the original part, which would be its voltage-most of them are at 12V for most pickup trucks-and flow rate/pressure ratings. As an example, most of the Dodge Ram 1500 have normal working pressures between 45 to 60 PSI on a fuel pump. Place the new pump securely in and reconnect fuel lines and electrical connectors.
After refitting the fuel tank, seal up the system and eliminate fuel leakage. Once the work has been done, connect the battery and turn the engine on. A test run of 10 to 15 minutes will be a very good idea to check the correctness of the pump functionality and appropriate fuel flow through the car.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a defective Fuel Pump replacement could restore fuel efficiency by up to 15% or more, depending on the truck’s age and condition. Besides, trucks with poorly performing fuel pumps might also face stalling or poor acceleration, both of which are potential reasons for reduced safety and performance.