When your Dodge RAM 1500 struggles to have a stable speed, or there are backfires and sputtering, chances are the fuel pump on your vehicle has gone bad. You must replace the fuel pump module with a new one to drive your truck smoothly.

But how to change a fuel pump on a Dodge Ram 1500? It’s a complicated process where you need to remove the fuel tank from the vehicle. Then you can take off the old fuel pump and install a new one.

We will break the process down into simpler steps so that you can do it independently. Keep following.

Bad Fuel Pump Indications on a Dodge Ram 1500

How do you know that the fuel pump of your Dodge Ram truck isn’t working properly? Look out for the following signs to identify a faulty fuel pump.

Engine Choking

While driving the truck, you might experience the engine choking. As a result, the vehicle will have a hard time maintaining a constant speed. It means the fuel pump isn’t working properly to deliver the necessary fuel to the engine.

Backfire or Sputtering

Several reasons can cause backfires, and a bad fuel pump is one of them. If the pump doesn’t work properly, there will be sputtering noises from the exhaust.

The vehicle Won’t Start Quickly

When the fuel pump is bad, you may have a hard time turning the engine on. Besides backfiring, the engine will take much longer than average to turn on.

Engine Overheating

The fuel pump and engine components may overheat if enough fuel doesn’t reach the engine. You might also get burning smells from the engine, which is an indication that something is off about the fuel pump.

Check Engine Light

A bad fuel pump on your Dodge Ram 1500 will cause the check engine light on the dashboard to come on. When the light comes on, you need to check the vehicle’s fuel pump immediately.

Also Read: Dash Replacement For Dodge Ram 1500

How to Change a Fuel Pump on a Dodge Ram 1500?

Changing a fuel pump on a Dodge Ram truck is tedious and time-consuming. So, we will break it into smaller steps so that you can handle it one at a time. Before that, know what tools you will need to change the fuel pump.

Tools Required to Change a Fuel Pump

• Flathead Screwdriver
• Socket Wrench
• Torque Wrench
• Pry Bar
• Hydraulic Jack
• Rubber Mallet
• Clean Rag
• Lubricant or solvent
• Hand Gloves
• New Fuel Pump Assembly

Now follow these steps to change a fuel pump on a Dodge RAM 1500.

Step 1: Release Pressure from the Fuel System

Turn the hood up, and you will see a small filler cap on top of the pressure tank. Remove the cap and release the pressure from the system. Start the engine, and it will quickly turn off due to the loss of pressure in the system. Turn the engine off.

Step 2: Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

Use a wrench to loosen the nut of the negative battery terminal. Once the nut is loosened, remove the whole assembly from the negative terminal and set it aside carefully. You should also take off the fuel pump relay.

Step 3: Raise the Truck

It will be best if you can put the truck on a raised platform to work conveniently. Otherwise, you need to use a jack to lift the truck. Use safety gear while you work underneath the truck to keep from hazardous situations.

Step 4: Disconnect Fuel Lines

Spray the fuel line clamp areas with a solvent. It will make working in these areas easier. First, loosen the clamp on the fuel hose and pry open the hose to remove it. The main inlet won’t still come off until you remove the fuel tank from the assembly.

Step 5: Remove the Fuel Tank

This might take some hard work because the space is too tight to reach. You can use a torque wrench to remove the 15mm stud bolts holding the fuel tank in place. The metal shield will come off first once the straps are loosened. You should always place a floor jack below the fuel tank to support it. And giving it a slightly upward push will help you remove straps easily.

When the fuel tank is completely at rest on the jack, you can lower it slowly. Be careful so that the fuel tank doesn’t tip over. Meanwhile, you should remove all electrical connectors from the fuel tank. The main inlet should also come off easily. Take the tank out and place it on a flat surface.

Step 6: Clean the Top Surface of the Tank

There can be dirt or gunk on top of the fuel tank. You need to use acetone or some solvent to clear the area so that no contaminations happen when you remove the fuel pump.

Step 7: Remove the Pressure Regulator and Electrical Connector

You should use a flathead screwdriver or a pry bar to pry open the pressure regulation. But be careful not to damage the seal of the regulator. And then, you want to push the small tab on the electrical connector and take it off.

Step 8: Remove the Lock Ring

Use a rubber mallet and a pry bar to loosen the lock rink. Don’t hit it too hard; otherwise, the rink can be damaged. Rotate the ring counter-clockwise, and it should come off easily. Set the ring aside.

Step 9: Remove the Fuel Pump

Once the lock rink is removed, you can pull the fuel pump upward. Check the fuel filter at the bottom of the pump. If there are gunks on the filter, you need to change it. You should also check the rubber gasket around the hole.

Step 10: Clean the Mounting Hole

Take a clean rag and wipe off any excess solvent from the mounting hole area.

Step 11: Install the New Fuel Pump

Carefully lower the new fuel pump into the mounting hole. Remember, the connector module of the fuel pump should face the driver’s side of the truck. Then, you want to install the lock ring and tighten it using the same mallet and pry bar.

Install the electrical connector, and the pressure regulator seal carefully.

Step 12: Reassemble the Fuel Tank

After the fuel pump is installed, you need to reverse the process you followed while removing the tank. Raise it carefully with a jack, tighten the straps, and secure everything using a torque wrench. You should also reconnect the fuel hoses.

Step 13: Reconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

Put the fuel pump relay in place and carefully reconnect the negative battery terminal assembly. Remember, there should be no fuel vapor in the area.

Step 14: Turn the Vehicle On

First, you should turn the ignition on for about two seconds. Turn off the ignition and wait a few seconds. Then, turn it back on, and the vehicle should start smoothly.

FAQs

Though we discussed the process in detail, some questions might still remain. Let’s answer those questions.

Conclusion

Getting a continuous fuel supply is a must for your Dodge RAM 1500 to perform smoothly. If the performance deteriorates, the fuel pump is probably failing to work correctly. In that case, you need to change the fuel pump of your vehicle.

We showed how to change a fuel pump on a Dodge RAM 1500 so that you can do it on your own and save a few hundred dollars.