1995-1999 Nissan Maxima: Fuel pump replacement

How to remove and replace the fuel pump in a 4th gen Maxima.
Due to how I speak and the shitty mic on my camcorder, audio may be difficult to understand at times.

[@zsoltnp4758]

SAFETY TIP : Electric screwdrivers make small sparks inside when they run. So, it's better to use a manual screwdriver to unscrew any screws or nuts when you're working around fuel.

[@boredmder]

Definitely a good point, the safest way would be to not use any electric tools around fuel vapors. Something I've gotten lax with over time, I suppose.

[@CrunkRussian420]

Great Video! Very informative and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@boredmder]

It's possible, yes. When you start the car, let the key sit in the run position for two seconds before you crank it, let the fuel pump prime first. If it starts perfectly when you wait a little while, you need to check in to possible fuel pressure issues; faulty FPR, injectors bleeding down, fuel pump weak, etc.

[@paulligatto8476]

Totally solid repair video

[@MrJLsizzle]

i have a 96 infiniti i30 which is a very similar... I have an ignition problem where sometimes the car doesn't start on the first turn of the key... and after turning the car off.. take a little bit of time before being able to start again. do you think its possible my fuel pump is "weak" as you mentioned with the one in your video and not giving fuel quick enough to start the car at any moment?

[@boredmder]

That's a Snapon CTS-561 cordless screwdriver, one of the best tool purchases I've made. Yep, ~330k and it was still working perfectly (textbook current waveform). Turns out my performance issues were elsewhere. I prefer OE on fuel pumps, but Airtex is generally good quality. For me, it's OE or Walbro, really.

[@GhostRoboish]

Can fuel pump have something to do with car starting

[@boredmder]

+Dcrush 02368 Yes, if you have no fuel, your engine won't start.

[@V3LSPiR3]

great video, i have a nissan nx 92, and this is the closest thing i could find, everything was prity much the same, casing was a little different around the pump itself but u get the idea just fine. great detail right through ur video. thanks boredmnder!

[@V3LSPiR3]

+Hayden Garland oh yeah some how i got fuel on the seal to. and ur right it never shrinks back! :P, beats me why they wouldn't use a more chemical resistant rubber!

[@boredmder]

@IconRiderZX6R If the fuel is pooling up in the center, I would be expecting to see a cracked hose nipple, a torn hose (or possible loose clamp), or a crack in the top of the sending unit. Inspect the plastic housing thoroughly for cracks. The pliers are cheapies from Harbor Freight,

[@rogerfitness.32]

Looking at this video I was able to replace my gas pump step by step. Thank you for this video. Do you have a video on how to remove a headliner and fixing the sunroof?

[@boredmder]

+Romer Portes Nope, haven't pulled the headliner out of a Maxima yet, but I imagine it would suck (much like any other sedan or coupe, the only easy ones are vans/SUVs/wagons because they come straight out the back).

[@IconRiderZX6R]

yeah, I can't fill my tank up completely because it leaks gas. it sits in that little recessed area for those 2 connectors at like 3:00. I'm assuming it's that little o-ring. I already bought it but I can't get those hoses loose. where did you get those pliers at?

[@Marktheshark804]

So you jumped right into it without showing the most important part, HOW TO REMOVE SEATS.

[@boredmder]

+Marktheshark804 As said in the video, just two D-rings you pull on and the cushion pulls right out.

[@Marktheshark804]

+boredmder my bad I just like the step by step details, of course I will now have to figure out where these tabs are located to remove seats.

[@boredmder]

+Marktheshark804 Feel between the cushion and the carpet along the front side of the rear seat, you'll feel a D-ring on either outer end of the seat cushion (maybe 8-12 inches in from the door, guessing from memory). Pull the ring out then lift up on the seat, once both sides are done it'll pull right out. Now that you mention it, I did say I'd do a video on it, and now that I've got some time and some better video equipment I may very well do so. Keep an eye out.

[@Marktheshark804]

+boredmder no doubt, I don't have a fuel pump issue yet but I am trying to be as proactive as possible, in the event it does go I WANT TO BE READY, $350 lesson learned with my other car, I LEARNED!!!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT VIDS!!!!

[@jimpinckard7891]

I'm trying to determine why my granddaughters 95 maxima won't start off too good. It skips and shutters upon start off but after I get it up to highway speed it will go on pretty good. I have changed spark plugs and all six coil packs and it still does sit. It ran good for about a week and it started skipping again so that's what makes think it is a fuel pump. What fuel pressure is it supposed to have? It's like it is starving for fuel to me. I'm trying to keep her car running for her until she grads. from college in December. Her sorry dad won't so I have to. Thanks for your detailed videos, they have helped me lots here lately. Keep 'em coming.

[@jimpinckard7891]

+Jim Pinckard Oh yea, one more thing. Her car has 266k miles on it. That's what makes me suspisious of the fuel pump.

[@boredmder]

+Jim Pinckard Fuel pressure spec at idle is 34psi w/ vac hose connected, 43 psi disconnected.

[@urgentcareguy3]

Nice job! Did you say the pump had 330k on it? Woa. They last that long? I have to do this job this next week. I have 2 questions. What brand is your cordless drill? I need one that size. Are there brands of fuel pumps that you avoid or prefer.?There are a lot of aftermarket manufacturers. Hard to know which brands are reliable.

[@angeliacanionero7356]

HELP! I was driving on the interstate and the car died. I put it in Neutral, cranked it, got to the shoulder and it died again. After watching your videos, we replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. The car cranks but WILL NOT turn over. What do you think this may be? Thanks so much.

[@boredmder]

+Angelia Canionero Really, no way to know without checking codes, checking for fuel/spark, basic crank/no-start troubleshooting.

[@kevinowens4121]

Great video!

[@leovargas4884]

Great video just what i needed. Just one question. Once i swap the fuel pump is there anything else i have to worry about as far as computer things or should it start up, assume it is the problem? Sisters car broke down in a parking lot so ill be working on it there.

[@boredmder]

Nope, none of that stuff needed.

[@sseeaahhaawwkkssrule975]

Do you know if the fuel pump for a 92 Maxima is in the same place as the fuel pump that you changed out in this video?

[@boredmder]

That I couldn't say for sure, I know the pumps are in the top of the tank same as these, but from what I can see of the tank shape in the FSM they likely aren't accessible from under the seat. Best bet is just pop your seat out real quick and see if there's an access panel under there.

[@okiwatch]

Thanks for the video boredmder. Where exactly is the fuel temp sensor? I was told it should be by the floater and i want to see what it looks like bcz i need to replace mine.

[@boredmder]

+okiwatch If you pause around 7:42 , I believe that's the temp sensor clipped into the horizontal arm coming off of the sending unit assembly.

[@TheJackofspades2]

Thank you!

[@johnholley8090]

After getting P0171 (bank 1 lean) code I checked for vacuum leaks with a smoke machine. I then checked the fuel pressure and it read only 20psi at idle. I changed the fuel filter and it read the same. I pinched the return hose after the FPR and it made no difference. After pulling the 15A fuel pump fuse I started the engine and it idling low for several minutes. After dropping to zero psi it finally stalled. I tried releiving the pressure again and if I remove the FPR vacuum hose it will immediately stall with no gas leaking out of it's port. Do I have a weak fuel pump taking long to relieve the pressure?

[@boredmder]

+John Holley I would call it as a fuel pump, myself. Could be an inlet flow issue (severely clogged sock), but if you're already there... Be sure to get a new o-ring, Nissan PN 17342-01A00, retail ~$16 but you can find them cheaper online.

[@johnholley8090]

+boredmder I installed a Hitachi pump (FUP0015) along with a Dorman lock unit (579019) that comes with an O-ring. I also replaced the FPR for safekeeping. It was no doubt a weak fuel pump causing the lean mixture p0171 along with random misfires p0300.

[@DavidHernandez-ue4fz]

Hey what about the gas leaks in the top? it can't make a fire?

[@boredmder]

+David Hernandez Potentially, but as quickly as it was evaporating, I wasn't worried about it.

[@wasimafzal1599]

hello does Nissan Sunny FB 15 yr 2001, have fuel pump fuse?

[@boredmder]

+wasim afzal Yes, the fuse for the load side of the fuel pump relay is fuse #29, a 15A fuse in the interior fuse box. You could also just pull the fuel pump relay in the underhood fuse box, same effect.

[@boredmder]

That feeling's quite mutual.

[@boredmder]

@grovesidetexas1 This is a '96 model, they should all be the same.

[@team_benson2157]

Would this be the same procedure for a 91 maxima?

[@boredmder]

+Marvin Benson Never done one on a 3rd gen, check out the 3rd gen forums on maxima.org, you'll undoubtedly find the info you're looking for.

[@gagehunt989]

What year is your maxima? I have a 93 maxima and am thinking my fuel pump is going out it has a serious loss of power and will die sometimes at stops but it still starts fine every time?

[@boredmder]

+gage hunt This specific video was on a '96, but it's the same for all '95-99s.

[@kellikluhsman4584]

after replacing fuel pump my 1999 nissan maxima wont start. Dealership said it was due to security system. Anyway to bypass?

[@boredmder]

Nope, no bypass for NATS/NVIS, unless you swap out for a '95-'98 ECU, which isn't exactly a plug and play operation.

[@team_benson2157]

boredmder thanks

[@grovesidetexas1]

what year car is this

[@GhostRoboish]

How do you get to the fuel pump

[@boredmder]

+Dcrush 02368 Remove the rear seat cushion (pull the 2 d-rings then lift), then follow the video.

[@GhostRoboish]

Thank keep your videos coming please all I can say you do a great job and help people like me in college that can't afford a mechanic every time with minor problem early this morning I was able to put a ignition switch by myself thank you again

[@boredmder]

These will never return to their original size. That's the point.

[@Marktheshark804]

Did he just say 330,000 miles like it was nothing? My car has 185 on the dash and I'm loosing my hair.

[@boredmder]

+Marktheshark804 Yep, somewhere north of 360k miles now, and no real problems (and I certainly beat the hell out of whenever I can).

[@katrinar5137]

+boredmder We have a 1995 Nissan sentra 1.6 with 490000 I've done some work fuel pump, timing chains and rack and pinion were the major expensive jobs I did them all myself.

[@boredmder]

Not at all. ~$90 for an aftermarket high volume Walbro (actually cheaper than most aftermarket OE replacement pumps), Pump labor pays .6, so ~$175 for a shop to do it, P&L. Looked up a '98 Civic EX for an example, fuel pump job pays the same, .6.