I have accessed the fuel pump but cannot get the fuel line off the pump? How do I do this?

The fuel pump is 8 or 9 years old now, and that's about the average life span of those pumps. Just by turning the key to on should cause the fuel pump to turn on for 2 seconds. This is to prime the fuel lines and the engine with gas, so it will be easy to start. Do you hear the pump buzz on for that 2 seconds when key is turned to on, not start? If you don't hear it, then probably a failed pump, but of course you can't rule out the possibility it is a fault in the pump circuit. That is why mechanics will test the pump or at least the wiring to the pump before condemning the pump and having to remove the old one. Yours should be fairly easy to access through an access panel in the trunk, or under the rear seat. You get access to the top of the fuel tank, where you can remove the pump module assembly. And that is what you replace, is the module assembly.
The filter would be found underneath the car. Just follow the fuel lines from the tank towards the engine. One is the feed line, the other is the return line from the engine to the tank. The fuel filter will be in the feed line, the pressure line from the pump in the tank to the fuel rail on the engine. The filter is on this line.

BMW has a unique habit, the automaker has, for years, used the rear passenger area of its cars to mount items like batteries, fuel pumps and fuel pump sender units. It makes sense in a weird way as it does keep wire runs short and makes access to the fuel pump and the sender unit more convenient than in other vehicles. The downside is that you have to disassemble the passenger seat to gain access to the fuel pump and the fuel pump sender.

To replace the fuel pump, you have to remove the rear seat starting with the child safety seat holddown covers. The child seat holddown covers simply unclip and slide away.

Next, you have to remove loosen the rear seat back so you can remove the rear seat bottom. The rear seat back slides up slightly so the seat bottom can be removed. You remove the rear seat bottom, being careful to watch the seatbelt lap attachment units, by moving it out and forward. It may take several movements to do this. Once the seat is free, swing it vertical and out of the way.

With the rear seat out of the way, you will see the fuel pump and fuel pump sender access cover panel. It is a sheet of composite material with four access holes per side. Remove any holddown clips or nuts that you find in the access cover panel, being careful to leave it in place, for the moment. Once you have removed the clips or nuts that are used to hold down the access cover panel , place them in a secure spot out of the way, such as an ashtray or one of the cargo trays to ensure you that the clips or nuts don't become victims of the repair (they are easily lost).

Now, it's time to orient yourself to the fuel pump and fuel sender sites. Looking toward the rear of the BMW, you will find the fuel pump on the left (passenger side) of the vehicle and the fuel pump sender unit on the right (driver side).

Next, find the access holes in the fuel pump cover seal plate. Insert a 10 mm ratchet socket and drive arm and remove the fuel pump cover plate access screws.

Since you have already loosened the fuel pump and fuel pump sender access cover panel, simply remove the sheet of composite material and expose the fuel pump cover seal plate. Now, remove the metal fuel pump cover seal plate.

On removing the fuel pump cover seal plate, you have access to the fuel pump assembly. Looking at the top of the fuel pump assembly, you will see the power plug and fuel line.

Next, remove the power plug from the left hand side of the fuel and loosen the fuel line clamp. After loosening the fuel line clamp, remove the fuel line and place it in a small metal container to trap any fuel that might leak out.

Next, remove the fuel pump retaining ring. There is a special tool available from BMW to handle this chore. Or, if you take a flat-bladed screwdriver and a small hammer and place the blade of the screwdriver against one of the raised nubs on the retaining ring, you can gently tap the screwdriver, exerting pressure toward the rear of the X5, to loosen the retaining ring. Once it is loosened, unscrew the ring by hand.

Now, remove the fuel pump assembly and place it on a cloth on the ground. The cloth is there to absorb any leakage.

Now, take the replacement fuel pump and insert it into fuel pump site and replace the retaining ring, spinning it tight by hand. Then, take the screwdriver and hammer again and gently tap the ring, exerting pressure toward the front of the vehicle.

Reattach the power lead and fuel line, tightening the fuel line clamp, and you are finished.

Clean up and complete the repair by replacing the fuel pump cover seal plate and fuel pump access cover panel. Reinsert any clips or nuts to hold down the fuel pump access cover panel. And, reinsert the four 10 mm nuts for the fuel pump cover seal plate through the access cover panel and torque them down.

Finish up by reversing the seat removal steps.

That's it, you have just finished removing and replacing the fuel pump.

The fuel tank is in the fuel tank, some models of cars have a fuel pump access cover in the trunk. Remove carpet in trunk to see if there is an access cover. If there is remove cover , disconnect fuel lines and electrical connections and remove sending unit from tank. Pump will be attached to fuel lines on sending unit. If no access cover you must remove tank from vehicle, this is a much harder procedure.Unless you have the proper tools and a hoist it is best left to experts.

Filter: Under hood, driver side, front side of strut tower, rear of battery, mounted on fender in fuel line
Pump: inside fuel tank but accessible from inside the car--see procedure below from autozone.com.

1993-99 Cabrio, Golf, and Jetta

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
4. Remove the rear seat and the access cover.
5. Disconnect the wiring and hoses.
6. Remove the fuel lines from the pump.
7. On 1993-99 Golf, Jetta and Cabrio vehicles, unscrew the fuel pump retaining ring.
8. On all other models, remove the mounting bolts and the fuel pump.
9. Carefully lift out the pump and gauge sending unit assembly.
10. Empty the fuel pump into an approved container

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION NOTE: On CIS systems the main fuel pump is located under the vehicle in front of the rear axle or in front of the tank on the right side. 1990–92 Cabriolet, Golf, Jetta and Fox TRANSFER PUMP

1. Remove the rear seat and the access cover.
2. Disconnect the wiring and hoses and unscrew the lock ring.
3. Carefully lift out the pump and gauge sending unit assembly.
4. When installing the assembly, use a new seal.

MAIN PUMP

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Raise and safely support the rear or right side of the vehicle on jack stands.
4. Disconnect the wiring from the pump. Clean any dirt away from the fuel line fitting.
5. Use locking pliers to pinch off the fuel line from the transfer pump to the main pump. If the fuel line is metal, remove the rear seat and access panel and disconnect the line at the transfer pump.
6. Place a pan under the pump and disconnect the fuel line fitting from the pump.
7. Remove the retaining ring screws and slide the pump out of the reservoir. To install:
   
8. Moisten the pump O-ring with a little fuel and slide it into the reservoir. Install the retaining ring screws.
9. When connecting the fittings, use new copper washers and tighten the fittings to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm).

1993–99 Cabrio, Golf, and Jetta

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
4. Remove the rear seat and the access cover.
5. Disconnect the wiring and hoses.
6. Remove the fuel lines from the pump.
7. On 1993–99 Golf, Jetta and Cabrio vehicles, unscrew the fuel pump retaining ring.
8. On all other models, remove the mounting bolts and the fuel pump.
9. Carefully lift out the pump and gauge sending unit assembly.
10. Empty the fuel pump into an approved container. To install:
    
11. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to use new sealing rings and/or gaskets.

Nissan Car Altima & Sentra 1999-06 Repair Guide
Fuel Pump - Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Relieve the pressure from the fuel system.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   NOTE When the fuel sending unit needs to be removed, pull the tab upwards. The tab is located on the sending unit, opposite the end of the float. After the tab is pulled, the sending unit will lift straight out of the tank bracket.
   Negative battery cable Rear seat and the access cover Fuel pump electrical connector Fuel lines from the fuel pump assembly Locking ring Fuel gauge assembly Fuel tube and connector from the fuel gauge
   Fuel pump by pinching the 2 locking tabs together. Lift the fuel pump assembly straight upward and out of fuel tank. O-ring and discard
4. Place a clean rag in the hole to keep out dirt.
   

To install:

1. Remove the rag
2. Install or connect the following:
   NOTE Verify that the mark on the fuel tank and the components are aligned when installing the pump and fuel gauge sending unit.
   New O-ring and fuel pump Electrical connection and fuel tube to the fuel gauge sending unit Fuel sending unit into the tank
3. If equipped with a threaded lock ring torque the ring to 22-26 ft. lbs. (30-35 Nm). If equipped with a lock ring held by six retaining screws, torque the screws to 18-22 inch lbs. (2-2.5 Nm).
   Fuel lines and fuel pump electrical connector. Always install new clamps on the fuel lines. Negative battery cable
4. Start the engine, check for leaks and repair if necessary.
   Fuel pump access cover Rear seat
   

The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank on all vehicles. In-tank fuel pumps are accessible by lifting up the rear seat to gain access to the inspection cover.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Negative battery cable Rear seat from the vehicle Inspection cover that is located under the rear seat Inlet and outlet fuel lines from the fuel pump assembly Fuel pump and gauge wiring connections 6 mounting bolts that secure the fuel pump assembly to the top of the fuel tank
4. Raise up the fuel pump assembly and detach the fuel tubes and connector.
   Fuel gauge assembly Fuel pump with the fuel chamber
5. Pull up the front of the fuel pump chamber and slide the chamber forward.
   Fuel pump from the chamber O-ring seal or gasket

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   Fuel pump to the fuel pump chamber and slide chamber rearward Fuel pump with the fuel pump chamber Fuel gauge assembly using a new O-ring Fuel tubes and connector. Use new hoses and clamps. 6 mounting bolts to the top of the fuel gauge unit and torque the bolts to 18-22 inch lbs. (2-2.5 Nm) Fuel pump and gauge wiring connections New inlet and outlet fuel lines to the fuel pump assembly Negative battery cable
2. Start the vehicle, check for leaks and repair if necessary. Inspection cover and the rear seat

Hope helps (remember comment and rates this).

Removal & Installation WARNING Extreme caution should be taken when removing the fuel tank from the vehicle! Ensure that all removal procedures are conducted in a well ventilated area! Have a sufficient amount of absorbent material in the vicinity of the work area to quickly contain any fuel spillage. NEVER store waste fuel in an open container, as it presents a serious fire hazard!

This procedure will require a new fuel pump gasket for pump installation, so be sure to have one before starting.

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
   
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
3. Remove the rear seat cushion and unplug the electrical connectors from the fuel pump.
   
4. Unfasten the four pump access cover screws and remove the cover.
   
5. If equipped, unplug the pump electrical connector located under the cover.
   
6. Unfasten the fuel line clip(s) and disconnect the line(s) from the pump.
   
7. Use a fuel pump locking ring removal tool or a brass drift and a hammer to unfasten the pump locking retaining ring.
   
8. Remove the fuel pump and the gasket from the tank.
   

To install:

1. Install a new gasket and place the pump into position in the tank.
   
2. Install the pump locking retaining ring.
   
3. Connect the fuel line(s) to the pump and install the line retaining clip(s).
   
4. If equipped, attach the fuel pump electrical connection(s).
   
5. Install access cover, then tighten the retainers.
   
6. Attach the pump electrical connector(s).
   
7. Install the rear seat cushion.
   
8. Connect the negative battery cable.
   
9. Start the car and check for proper operation.
   

Removal & Installation

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
   
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
3. Remove the rear seat.
   
4. Remove the fuel pump access cover.
   
5. Disconnect the electrical connector at the fuel pump assembly.
   
6. Disconnect the fuel line.
   
7. Remove the fuel pump assembly clip.
   
8. Remove the fuel pump assembly from the tank.
   
9. Remove and discard the gasket.
   

To install:

1. Clean the gasket mating surface on the fuel tank.
   
2. Position the new gasket in place.
   
3. Install the fuel pump into the fuel tank in the same location as removed for ease of line and connector installation.
   
4. Install the fuel pump assembly clip.
   
5. Connect the fuel pump assembly connector.
   
6. Install the fuel pump line.
   
7. Install the fuel pump access cover.
   
8. Install the EF10 fuse.
   
9. Connect the negative battery cable.
   
10. Perform an operational check of the fuel pump.
    
11. Install the rear seat.
    

Unfortunately not. most fuel pumps are located inside the tank and the fuel filters are located along the frame work of the vehicle, running in line with the fuel lines. There are some exceptions. Some cars have fuel pump locations that will allow you to access them without dropping the tank but, this model will require you to at least lower the tank for complete access.

The fuel pump is in the fuel tank. There is an access port that resides under the back seat (drivers side). It can be use to replace and inspect the fuel gauge sensor. You can replace the fuel pump through this access port. To access the port.."flip the rear seat cushion up and forward, then remove the inspection hole cover." Before disconnecting the fuel lines you can remove the fuel pump relay or the fuel pump fuse and run the engine till it dies. Then crank the engine a few times to release any pressure in the lines. You can test the physical function of the fuel pump by attaching a fuel pressure gauge to the front fuel line under the hood.Turn the key on but don't start the engine and the fuel pressure should rise to 40lbs. Start the engine and let it idle, there the fuel pressure gauge should read 35 give or take a few pounds. As you rev the engine the pressure should fluctuate between 30 and 45. If this all works as such then the fuel pump and pressure regulator are good. You can also apply an Ohms meter across the fuel pump leads and test the electronics of the pump. Should be .2 to 5.0 Ohms

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