Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace Fuel Pump
Due to high mileage or increased fuel demands, you might want to replace your fuel pump! It is not only easy, but will ensure your motor runs healthy for many more miles!
This article applies to the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1998-2002).
The OEM fuel pump is a durable unit that is known to last for a long time. However, when you start modifying your car or have high miles, you will have to replace your fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for pushing fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel lines, and eventually the engine's combustion chamber. After thousands of miles of use and abuse, the fuel pump does not function as well as it did new, so it is best to replace it.
If you start to notice decreased fuel pressure or fuel starvation, you might want to look into your fuel system and determine if the fuel pump needs to be replaced. To replace the fuel pump, the most common method is the trap-door trick. Traditionally, you must drop the fuel tank to remove the pump assembly, which requires a lot of extra work. However, by cutting a trap door above the fuel pump assembly, you can gain the access needed and replace it from the trap door. Find out how to do this below!
Materials Needed
- 10mm and 8mm socket
- Flat head screwdriver and hammer
- Pliers
- Rags and cleaning solution
- Dremel cutting tool
- RTV
- Screws or rivets
Step 1 – Cut the trap door
Before you cut the trap door, some steps need to be taken to allow the fuel pump to be replaced safely and successfully. First, pull the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the negative (black) battery terminal. Also, bleed the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the driver's side fuel rail. Make sure you have a bucket and rags ready for this. Lastly, open the gas cap to relieve any more pressure. Now, you can proceed to cut the trap door as shown in Figure 3. Use a Dremel with a cutting wheel and go slowly! Make sure that nothing gets cut that shouldn't be, like wiring harnesses and fuel lines.
Figure 1. Fuel pump fuse. 
Figure 2. Schrader valve. 
Figure 3. Trap door.
Pro Tip
Refer to the video below for dimensions needed for the trap door.
Step 2 – Remove the fuel pump assembly
Now, you must remove the two connectors on top of the fuel pump assembly. They simply unclip and come off of the fuel pump assembly. Also, clean the area in the trap door carefully to minimize the risk of dirt falling into the tank. Now, the three fuel lines can be disconnected by simply pulling and unclipping them off the plastic hose connectors. Have rags ready to catch any fuel that might come out of these lines. Then, you can use a screwdriver and hammer on the edges of the fuel pump retaining ring to spin it away from the locks to be able to remove the assembly. The fuel pump assembly should easily lift out of the trap door now.
Figure 4. Clean working area. 
Figure 5. Fuel lines removed. 
Figure 6. Remove fuel pump assembly.
Pro Tip
Be careful working in the trap door area, as the edges are sharp!
Step 3 – Install new fuel pump and seal trap door
Now, install the new fuel pump assembly in the reverse of removal. Make sure you plug in fuel lines and electrical connectors. Then, once you want to seal the trap door, get a piece of sheet metal and cut it in the same shape, but slightly larger than the trap door. Lay this piece of sheet metal over the trap door with a bead of RTV and your cabin will be sealed from the fuel tank as good as new. Congrats, you have replaced your fuel pump!
Featured Video: Pontiac Firebird Fuel Pump Replacement
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