How do you change a fuel pump on a ford contour 97?

Answer 1

The fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank. You can get to it from inside the car. You will need a 3/8" socket set (to remove the rear seat cushion), a brass drift punch, a hammer, and miscellaneous other common hand tools. Also, you might want to buy a special Fuel Pressure Test Gauge that will have a built-in pressure relief button.

1. Look in the seam between the seat cushions to find the bolts holding the seat to the car. Unbolt the bottom seat cushion , then pull the cushion out of the way to reveal the fuel pump.

2. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. NOTE: THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO PREVENT SPARKS THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

3. Locate the fuel injection rail on the top of the engine. Remove the cap from the Schrader valve on the injection rail, wrap a rag or paper towels around the valve, and use a small screwdriver (or similar) to push the center pin to release pressure in the system. Reinstall the cap on the Schrader valve. Dispose of the fuel-wet rag or towels outside and allow them to dry in an open area. (NOTE: A better way to do this is to use the Fuel Pressure Gauge tool mentioned above.)

4. Back inside the car, take off the plastic cap around the fuel pump using your hands. Unplug the electrical connections to the fuel pump. Push in the tabs on the fuel lines and pull them off of the fuel pump.

5. Using a BRASS drift (NOT a steel drift or punch - no sparks!) on the ring that locks the fuel pump to the gas tank, tap the end of the drift with a hammer until the ring pops off of the fuel pump. Lift the fuel pump up and out of the gas tank and allow it to drip dry before you pull it out of the car.

6. I strongly recommend you replace the fuel pump strainer screen at the same time you replace the pump. Also, check the inside of the fuel tank for accumulated debris that you might want to clean out before you put your new pump in place. Put the new pump back into the tank the same way the old one came out. Make sure the fuel level float moves freely. Using the brass drift again, put the lock ring back in place making sure it is fully locked. Use a new gasket on the lock ring if necessary (I recommend it.)

7. Reconnect the fuel lines and electrical connections to the pump, and COMPLETELY wipe up any spilled fuel.

8. Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

9. WITHOUT STARTING THE ENGINE, turn the ignition key on for 10 seconds, then turn it off. Check the pump connections for any leaks. Repeat this procedure one more time.

10. If no leaks are found, the engine should now start and run. If it does, reinstall the rear seat cushion, and you're done!

It should go without saying that you should not smoke or use any sort of open flame near the car while doing this job. Do it in a well-ventilated area. If you're in a garage, keep the door open. I recommend you have a fan blowing so you'll have air movement clearing gasoline vapors away. Also, it would be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy, and a buddy standing by - just in case!