How to Replace the Fuel Pump on a Chevy Lumina

The fuel pump in your Chevy Lumina supplies gasoline to the fuel injection system at 41 to 55 psi (pounds per square inch). If the fuel pressure drops below the specified pressure, problems such as bogging under acceleration and poor fuel mileage will occur. Replacement of the tank-mounted fuel pump can be difficult, especially if the fuel tank is full, but the average home mechanic can accomplish this repair in an afternoon. Hand tools commonly available at your auto-parts store are the only requirements to complete this repair.

Position a floor jack under the right-rear jacking position, located under the body of the car, just a few inches in front of the rear wheel opening; lift the right-rear of the car until the wheel is off the ground. Place a jack stand under the rear axle, near the wheel, and lower the car onto the jack stand. Loosen the clamps that attach the rubber filler tube and vent tube to the fuel filler neck. Disconnect the rubber filler tube and vent tube from the fuel tank.

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Drain the tank by siphoning the fuel out of the filler neck vent tube into an approved container like a gas can--use a siphon hose designed for gasoline.

Separate the fuel lines that lead to the fuel tank by squeezing the quick disconnect tabs together while pulling with a twisting motion. Disconnect the vapor tube tube by twisting the rubber connector while pulling the plastic line out of it.

Remove the rubber exhaust hangers by prying them off the steep pin they are attached to, so as to allow the exhaust to drop out of the way. Push the exhaust to the driver side of the car.

Support the tank, using a floor jack with a piece of wood on top, and remove the 15 mm gas tank strap bolts. Lower the gas tank slightly and disconnect the fuel pump wiring harness from the top of the fuel tank. Lower the tank completely and slide it out from under the car.

Clean the debris and dirt from the top of the fuel tank. Remove the pump assembly by rotating the locking ring counter-clockwise and pulling the assembly from the tank. Insert the new fuel pump assembly into the tank and lock it into place with the locking ring.

Slide the fuel tank back under the car and lift it into place using the floor jack. Plug the electrical connector into the top of the pump assembly. Attach the tank straps and tighten the strap bolts, in order to secure the tank to the car. Slip the filler hose and vent hose into place and tighten the clamps securely. Reattach the negative battery cable. Fill the tank with gas and start the engine. Check for leaks before lowering the Lumina to the ground and test-driving it.