How to Change a Fuel Pump in Saturn Cars

The fuel pump to your Saturn car is what pressurizes the gasoline in the fuel tank and sends it to the fuel injectors and then to the engine to burn. If you are experiencing problems while driving your Saturn car such as sudden bursts of acceleration when pressing on the gas pedal steady or if the fuel pump is making noise and/or leaking, then the pump may be faulty and need replacing. This is a task that requires additional and more advanced knowledge about automotive repair, specifically in fuel and exhaust systems.

Under The Hood:

• How to Change a Fuel Pump in a 1997 Saturn
• How to Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2002 Saturn L300
• How to Replace a Fuel Pump in a Saturn VUE
• How to Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2000 Saturn

 How to Change a Fuel Pump in a 1997 Saturn

Drive your Saturn up onto car ramps and place the vehicle in park. Remember to engage the parking brake to prevent possible rolling or sliding.

Climb underneath the vehicle and locate the fuel pump. Follow the fuel line from the tank as the line bends at a 90-degree angle and approaches the motor carriage. Look for a small, cylindrical part jutting from the fuel line, accompanied by mounts on both sides and a valve on the tank side.

Twist the fuel line valve near the fuel pump clockwise with a crescent wrench until it tightens. This will close the fuel line from the gas tank.

Use a 12 mm socket wrench to remove the electrical connection on the pump. This is secured with a simple bolt.

Place a bucket underneath the fuel pump to catch any leftover gasoline that drips out. Use the crescent wrench to loosen the bolt sides on both ends of the pump. Finish loosening the bolt sides while holding the pump. Gently set it in the bucket as the excess fuel in the line drains out.

Slide a new replacement pump into place and re-secure the bolt sides. Cinch them down tightly with the crescent wrench.

Replace the electrical connection, once again using a 12 mm socket. Open the gas valve behind the pump with the crescent wrench.

Climb out from underneath the vehicle and drive it off the car ramps. Remember to disengage your parking brake first.

 How to Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2002 Saturn L300

Remove the fuel filler cap from the gas tank to relieve any built-up pressure in the tank.

Look under the center console for the fuel pump relay. You will see a box with 12 fuses. The relay is clearly labeled with a "- 10 -". Switch off the relay fuse.

Start the engine and wait for it to stall. This will tell you when all the pressure has been relieved in the fuel system and the fuel within the pump lines is completely used up.

Remove the negative cable from the battery terminal with a socket wrench.

Siphon all remaining fuel from the fuel tank with a fuel siphon.

Raise the 2000 Saturn with a jack. Lower the vehicle onto jack stands.

Remove the rubber grommet around the top of the fill pipe. Use a socket wrench to remove the screw under the grommet.

Disconnect the fuel tank sensor and fuel pump unit. These two wires are located under the car, just above the fuel tank.

Disconnect the fill pipe with a socket wrench. Use a ratchet to release the clamps.

Remove the fill pipe. It should slide off once the clamps are removed.

Disconnect the filter/pressure regulator, which is located near the fuel tank, and slide it out of the way.

Support the fuel tank on a wood block using the floor jack to hold it in position directly under the tank. This will prevent the tank from falling and cracking.

Remove the retaining straps holding the tank in position with a socket wrench. Carefully lower the tank.

Hammer the lock ring on top of the fuel tank loose with a brass punch. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the piece, tapping the ring counterclockwise.

Pull the old assembly out of the tank and set the new one inside.

Reassemble the fuel tank and secure it back onto the 2000 Saturn.

Raise the Saturn above the jack stands. Remove the stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. Switch on the fuel pump relay fuse. Close the hood.

 How to Replace a Fuel Pump in a Saturn VUE

Determine which fuel pump your Saturn VUE will need. This depends not only on the make and model, but also the engine size. Models made before 2008 may have a 2.2 L L61, 2.4 L BAS hybrid, 3.0 L L81 or 3.5 L L66 engine. Current models are offered with a 2.4 L LE5, 3.5 L LZ4 and 3.6 L LY7 engine.

Prepare your vehicle for fuel pump servicing. Relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Disconnect the fuel tank.

Disconnect the fuel pump's electrical connector, fuel lines and hoses. Remove the retaining ring for the fuel pump with wrench SA9156E and disconnect the retaining clip by pulling it toward the float arm and lifting up. Lift the fuel pump out of the fuel tank and discard the old fuel tank seal.

Install the new fuel pump using the items included in the kit and be sure to replace the fuel tank seal. Install the lock ring on the fuel pump with tool SA9156E and connect the fuel lines and hoses. Plug in the wiring harness, connect the fuel tank and negative battery cable.

Start your vehicle to check for leaks.

 How to Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2000 Saturn

Removing the Fuel Pump/Level Sensor Module

Relieve your Saturn's fuel pressure system. Remove the fuel cap to equalize the pressure in the fuel tank.

Remove the negative cable from the battery.

Raise your Saturn with the jack and support it with jack stands.

Remove the fuel tank from under your Saturn. The tank must be as empty as possible, which may require some siphoning (with a siphoning kit).

Pinch together the legs of the retainers on the supply and return fuel lines with your needle-nose pliers. Pull the fittings from the fuel pump/level sensor module. Use a shop rag for any spilled fuel.

Mark on the fuel pump and on the fuel tank its exact position in the tank. Make sure these indicators align.

Unscrew the module's locknut counter-clockwise with your large channel locks. You may need to loosen the locknut using a hammer and a brass (not steel) punch.

Take out the module through the mounting hole. Be careful not to abruptly pull on the module, potentially breaking off the float or float arm into the fuel tank.

Check the O-ring seal on the mounting flange and replace if damaged.

Installing the New Fuel Pump/Level Sensor Module

Mark the new module on the same areas you marked on the old module to reference its position in the fuel tank.

Install the new fuel pump/level sensor module into the mounting hole of the fuel tank with care. Do not harm the fuel inlet strainer, float arm and float while inserting the module. Line up the markings you made on the module and fuel tank.

Install and screw on the module's locknut. Tighten it down with your channel locks.

Connect the fuel supply and return lines to the module. Check that they are secure on the module by lightly twisting and tugging them.

Install the fuel tank back under your Saturn.

Pour the fuel from the gas can into the filler hole. Install and tighten the fuel cap.

Reconnect the negative cable on the battery.

Remove the jack stands and lower your Saturn.