This procedure removes the rear seat bottom cushion and access cover to replace the fuel pump module assembly in the fuel tank without dropping the tank.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel pump module assembly × 1 — 23220-0T030 or equivalent
• Fuel pump module O-ring seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Access cover gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage with all ignition sources removed from the area
2. Ensure fuel tank is less than 3/4 full. If necessary, drain excess fuel using approved equipment
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Open all vehicle doors and windows to maximize ventilation
6. Have fire extinguisher immediately accessible
7. Place shop towels and fuel-safe container nearby for fuel spillage control
8. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 3 hours after last operation to reduce fuel system pressure and temperature

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve fuel system pressure
   Locate the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment fuse box (marked EFI MAIN or FUEL PUMP). Remove the relay. Attempt to start the engine; it should start briefly then stall as fuel pressure drops. Crank the engine 2-3 additional times to ensure all residual pressure is released. Turn ignition to OFF position.
   ⚠️Even after relieving pressure, residual fuel will spray when lines are disconnected. Keep face and ignition sources away from connection points.
2. 2

   Remove rear seat bottom cushion
   From inside the vehicle, locate the two seat cushion retaining clips at the front edge of the rear seat bottom. Push down firmly on the front of the seat cushion while pulling upward to release the clips. Lift the front of the cushion up and pull forward to remove it from the vehicle. Set aside in a clean area.
3. 3

   Remove fuel pump access cover
   Locate the rectangular access cover in the floor pan beneath where the seat was located. Remove the four Phillips head screws securing the cover. Carefully lift the cover and disconnect any sound insulation material. Clean the area around the access opening thoroughly to prevent dirt from entering the fuel tank.
4. 4

   Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector
   Locate the fuel pump module electrical connector on top of the pump assembly. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight up to disconnect. Do not pull on wires. Move the connector aside where it will not contact fuel.
   ⚠Do not allow the connector to fall into the fuel tank opening.
5. 5

   Disconnect fuel supply line
   Locate the quick-connect fuel line fitting on top of the pump module. Using a fuel line disconnect tool, press the tabs on the quick-connect fitting and pull the fuel line straight up to disconnect. Have shop towels ready as residual fuel will drain from the line. Cap or plug the fuel line to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Fuel will spill from the disconnected line. Position towels to catch spillage and prevent fuel from entering the tank opening.
6. 6

   Remove fuel pump lock ring
   Using the fuel pump lock ring tool (SST 09808-14020 or equivalent), engage the tool with the lock ring tabs. Turn the lock ring counterclockwise to loosen. The lock ring may be tight; use controlled force. Once loosened, remove the lock ring completely by hand and set aside.
   ⚠Do not use a hammer and punch as this can create sparks. Use only the proper lock ring tool.
   ℹ️Note the orientation of the lock ring for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove fuel pump module assembly
   Carefully lift the fuel pump module assembly straight up and out of the tank opening. Tilt the assembly slightly to avoid damaging the fuel level sender float arm. The assembly will have residual fuel in it; hold it over the tank opening or a fuel-safe container to drain. Be careful not to damage the O-ring sealing surface on the tank opening.
   ⚠The fuel level sender arm and float extend below the pump. Lift carefully to avoid bending these components.
   ℹ️Place the old pump assembly in a fuel-safe container. Do not set it on vehicle upholstery or paint.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean tank opening
   Inspect the O-ring groove on the fuel tank opening for debris, corrosion, or damage. Clean the sealing surface with a lint-free cloth. Check the old O-ring for damage and compare with the new one to ensure correct part. Do not allow any dirt or debris to enter the fuel tank.
9. 9

   Install new fuel pump module assembly
   Install the new O-ring seal onto the fuel pump module if not pre-installed. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean gasoline (not petroleum jelly or oil). Align the fuel pump module assembly with the tank opening, ensuring the alignment marks or tabs match. Carefully lower the assembly into the tank, tilting slightly to clear the fuel level sender arm and float. Press down gently until the assembly seats fully on the O-ring.
   ⚠Ensure proper alignment before pressing down. Forcing misaligned components can damage the fuel level sender or tank.
10. 10

    Install and torque fuel pump lock ring
    Place the lock ring over the fuel pump module, aligning it with the tank threads or locking tabs. Using the fuel pump lock ring tool, turn the lock ring clockwise until it is hand-tight. Then torque the lock ring to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) using a torque wrench with the lock ring tool. Verify the lock ring is fully seated and the pump module does not rotate.
    ⚠CRITICAL TORQUE SPECIFICATION: Under-torquing will cause fuel leaks. Over-torquing can crack the tank flange. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
11. 11

    Reconnect fuel supply line
    Remove the cap or plug from the fuel supply line. Inspect the quick-connect fitting for damage or debris. Push the fuel line straight onto the pump module fitting until you hear and feel a distinct click. Pull gently on the line to verify it is locked in place.
    ℹ️The connection must click audibly. If it does not, remove and reconnect.
12. 12

    Reconnect fuel pump electrical connector
    Align the fuel pump electrical connector with the pump module connector. Press firmly until the connector locks in place with an audible click. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector body (not wires).
13. 13

    Reinstall access cover and rear seat
    Position the access cover over the opening, ensuring any sound insulation material is properly placed. Install the four Phillips screws and torque to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft). Reinstall the rear seat bottom cushion by inserting the rear hooks into the seat frame and pushing down firmly on the front edge until both clips lock in place.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and reinstall fuel pump relay
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Reinstall the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment fuse box. Do not start the engine yet.
15. 15

    Prime fuel system and check for leaks
    Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine) for 2 seconds, then OFF. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times to allow the fuel pump to prime the system. Check the fuel pump access area, fuel line connections, and under the vehicle for any signs of fuel leaks. If any leaks are detected, immediately turn off ignition, relieve pressure, and correct the issue before proceeding.
    ⚠️CRITICAL LEAK CHECK: Any fuel leak is a fire hazard. Do not start the engine if leaks are present. Correct all leaks before proceeding.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify fuel line quick-connect fittings clicked into place and are secure
4. Confirm access cover screws are torqued to specification to prevent fuel vapor escape into cabin

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and listen for fuel pump operation for approximately 2 seconds
• Check fuel pump access area and all connections for fuel leaks while pump is running
• Start the engine and allow it to idle. Check for leaks, unusual noises, or rough running
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel pressure or fuel pump operation
• Verify fuel gauge reads correctly and corresponds to actual fuel level
• Test drive the vehicle and verify normal acceleration and no hesitation or fuel delivery issues
• After test drive, perform a final leak check of the access cover area and fuel line connections
• Monitor for fuel odor in the cabin over the next few days, which would indicate a leak or improperly sealed access cover

More procedures for this vehicle