How to Replace an MPV Fuel Pump

by Craig Woodman

The Mazda MPV sport utility vehicles use an electric fuel pump to provide pressure to the injection system and the fuel rail. This fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank, and operates submerged in gasoline. Fuel pumps often fail suddenly and without warning. When the pump fails, the vehicle will not run. The fuel pump can be accessed from inside the vehicle to replace it.

Step 1

Remove the fuel filler can to allow the pressure to release from the fuel tank. Replace the can. Remove the fuel pump relay from the under-hood electrical center to deactivate the fuel pump. Start the engine, and run it until it stalls. Turn the engine over using the starter several times to be sure that it does not restart. Turn off the ignition key and put it back in the lock position. Reinstall the fuel pump relay.

Step 2

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Unbolt and remove the front seats from the vehicle. Remove the front and rear scuff plate trim. Remove the lower console cover, and remove the parking brake lever installation bolts form the parking brake lever assembly. Peel back the floor covering until you can see the service hole cover in the floor. This is a rectangular shaped cover held in place by four bolts.

Step 3

Unbolt the four bolts in the service hole cover, and pull the cover off. Use a small screwdriver to gently pry the tab on the electrical connector away from the connector, and unplug the fuel pump electrical connector. Use a shop towel to clean the area around the plastic fuel line connector and remove any foreign material. Push the tab on the locking coupler 90 degrees until it doesn't move any more. Pull the fuel hose straight back from the pipe. If you remove the stopper from the quick connector, do not lose it. Cover both ends of the fuel pipe and line to keep foreign material out.

Step 4

Loosen and remove the bolts circling the top of the fuel pump unit. Pull the fuel pump module from the tank. Remove the gasket that seals the pump module to the tank, and replace it. Reverse the procedure to install the new fuel pump module in the tank. Do not install the access cover or any of the interior components yet.

Step 5

Turn the ignition key on to pressurize the fuel system. The fuel pump should be operating. Check the connections to the fuel pump with the plastic fuel line to see if there are any leaks. If there are, repair the leaks before proceeding. Start the engine and run for about five minutes to confirm that there are no leaks. Replace the access cover, and all of the removed interior components.

References

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