1. Safety First!
* Disconnect the battery's negative terminal. This is crucial to prevent sparks that could ignite fuel vapors.
* Work in a well-ventilated area. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.
* Wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Preparation:
* Consult a repair manual specific to your 1993 Acura Vigor. This will provide detailed diagrams and instructions unique to your vehicle. A Haynes or Chilton manual is a good investment.
* Gather necessary tools: Jack, jack stands, socket wrenches (various sizes), fuel line disconnect tools, possibly a fuel pump removal tool, safety glasses, gloves, rags, and possibly a fuel pressure gauge.
3. Accessing the Fuel Tank:
* Securely raise the vehicle using a jack and properly placed jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Locate the fuel tank. It's usually located in the rear of the vehicle, often near the rear axle.
* Locate and disconnect the fuel lines. This requires specialized fuel line disconnect tools to prevent leaks and spills. Be extremely careful here, fuel is flammable! You might want to have some rags ready to soak up any drips. Consider clamping off the lines to prevent fuel from flowing during the process.
* Disconnect the electrical connector to the fuel pump.
* Locate and detach the fuel tank straps or retaining clips. These vary depending on the year and model.
* Carefully lower the fuel tank. It will likely be heavy, so have assistance if needed. You may need to support the tank with a strap or rope as you lower it.
4. Accessing and Replacing the Fuel Pump:
* Once the fuel tank is lowered, you'll typically find the fuel pump assembly at the top of the tank. This will have a retaining ring or cover. You may need a special fuel pump removal tool to separate this.
* Carefully remove the fuel pump assembly.
* Replace the fuel pump (and filter if necessary). Ensure you have a replacement pump that matches your vehicle's specifications.
* Reassemble everything in reverse order.
5. Post-Installation:
* Reconnect the fuel lines securely. Double-check for leaks.
* Reconnect the electrical connector.
* Raise the fuel tank back into place and secure it.
* Reconnect the battery's negative terminal.
* Start the vehicle and check for leaks.
Important Considerations:
* Fuel pressure: After replacement, it's crucial to check fuel pressure to ensure the new pump is working correctly. You'll need a fuel pressure gauge for this.
* Priming the fuel system: After replacing the fuel pump, you may need to prime the system, which can involve multiple attempts at starting the engine.
* Professional assistance: If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, consider seeking professional help from a qualified mechanic. This is a somewhat complex job involving working with flammable fuel. It's far safer and often cheaper in the long run than messing it up.
This is a general guide. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your specific vehicle. Always consult a repair manual for your 1993 Acura Vigor before attempting this repair.
