How to Replace a Fuel Pump in a 1995 Nissan Altima
by Leonardo R. Grabkowski
Replacing the fuel pump in a 1995 Nissan Altima is a task recommended for experienced home mechanics, or others very familiar with automotive fuel systems. All in all, the procedure will take approximately one hour to finish, depending on your lever of experience. Use extreme caution when attempting to replace the fuel pump. Fuel spills, leaks and pressure can pose safety risks if the proper precautions are not taken. A special tool is required to access the Nissan Altima fuel pump; this tool (J-38879) is available at any Nissan dealer. Many automotive parts stores will also carry an aftermarket equivalent.
Step 1
Remove the plastic panel in the passenger side footwell (next to the glove box). Then remove the plastic fuse box cover. Pull out the fuel pump fuse (refer to the diagram on the underside of the fuse box cover).
Step 2
Crank the engine and let it run until it shuts off. Then, crank the engine again to completely relieve the fuel system pressure. Turn the engine off and remove the key.
Step 3
Disconnect the negative battery cable (--) with the pliers. Loosen the nut around the cable and lift it away from the terminal.
Step 4
Pull the straps along the bottom of the rear seat cushion to remove it from the floorboard. The fuel pump access cover is underneath the rear seat cushion.
Step 5
Remove the four Phillips head screws from the fuel pump access cover. Lift the cover away to view the fuel pump assembly.
Step 6
Disconnect the electrical harness attached to the assembly, and then carefully pull off the two hoses (use a pair of pliers to open the clamps). Label or mentally note the hose connection ports; you don't want to crisscross them when installing the new fuel pump.
Step 7
Matchmark the locking ring per its position. Make a small mark on the ring and the vehicle (this is to prevent overtightening during re-installation). Use the fuel pump locking ring tool (number J-38879) to twist and remove the locking ring. Do not attempt to remove it with pliers or other tools; this could cause damage.
Step 8
Lift the fuel pump assembly from its mount. Detach the fuel pump from the assembly by pinching the two tabs together. Insert the new fuel pump into the assembly.
Step 9
Remove the old o-ring gasket from the assembly. Attach the new o-ring gasket to the assembly.
Step 10
Re-insert the fuel pump assembly into its mount. Attach and tighten the locking with tool J-38879. Line up the matchmarks to prevent over-tightening (this could cause damage to the threads) or under-tightening.
Step 11
Re-attach the electrical harness and the fuel pump lines per their original position. Reinsert the fuel pump fuse into the passenger side fuse compartment.
Step 12
Reconnect the negative battery cable. Insert the key and cycle it between "On" and "Off" a few times, back and forth. This will help rebuild system pressure.
Step 13
Start the engine. Inspect the fuel pump area and connections for leaks. Turn the engine off, replace the fuel pump access cover, and tighten the screws. Replace the rear seat cushion to finish.
References
Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Rubber gloves
- Phillips screwdriver
- Shop towels
- Fuel pump lock ring tool (J-38879)
- Marker or label
- Replacement fuel pump
- Replacement gasket (o-ring)
Warnings
- Relieving the fuel system pressure will eliminate most fuel spills; however, several shop rags should be kept on hand for safety. Immediately wipe away even small amounts of fuel.
- Wear rubber gloves during the procedure. This will prevent fuel from getting on your skin.
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
