What tools are needed to replace the fuel filter and fuel pump on a 2000 cavalier?

Answer 1

I have done it and not to bad job maybe take most of afternoon. First drain all gass out of tank be careful and DON'T use an electric Pump to drain as sparks from motor will most likely ignite gasoline. (put on EYE PROTECTION as rust and underside DIRT FALLS) I put up on jack stands as you will be under there fro quite awhlie and safer. Put as high as possible the back of car. trace the fuel filler neck to tank there should be a clamp with rubber hose holding to tank (diconnect hose) then look in back of tank for large wire connector for pump (disconnect). look for 2 colored quick connector clamps for fuel lines they are (black) palstic from pump side to medal on frame side. This is trickey part and took me awhile to figure out as GM doesn't explain we'll in instructions. you open liitle door in collor connector and inside you ppush with small screwdriver the inside of connector straight back from door and should come out. They call quick Connectors (I found hard to figure Out) . Then find 2 metal straps around tank and follow up to back were attach to uderside of car. Up long socket wrench with deep socket to take off nuts (will take long time as long bolts and rust slows down removal I used rust remover spray to ease removal). Once that is done all you have to do is bend and move back the flashing on dirvers side used to protect heat from muffler pipes (be sure you get back just right as protects tank from melting and possible fire if not in place same way) SHARP edges so I suggest to use gloves when moving. When release tank move to safe area not near flames heat or CIGARETTES. and use wood or plastic item to hammer counterclockwise the ring holding sender unit with fuel pump loose, carefully remove ring and unit watching the final part of unit the gas gauge float as have to twist to remove (carefull not to bend wire as will change the float level) then GM doesn't seem to have diagram for units, but you slide pump (up) out off unit and replace all filters as are given with pump make not of order as I had trouble putting back in reverse (have to cut off Bottom strainer at start I think) have to remove some screws but don't deassembale all of unit just as needed. Then to replace fuel Filter look for large metal cylinder with nut on one end and remove with 2 wrenches . Good luck and most of tips I gave are ones not given by GM information I found . Also mechanics and shops will try and sell you whole unit wich they want a lot for just go to eBay or car parts online they sell just pump as sender unit (gas Gauge level) is usually good although if have problems with gas levels check then , good time to check when out.