2003 F150 Fuel Pump Replacement

[N80]

I need help with a problem. I have a 2003 Ford F150 that probably has a dead fuel pump. This is basically a farm truck and stays down at my cabin so there is no urgency to fix it.

I have watched all the videos about how to replace the fuel pump. Even though it requires removing the bed on most models I feel like I could do it myself if that was all that was involved. Unfortunately mine is the 4 door (super crew) and the fuel tank extends up under the cab. So the only way to get to the pump is to drop the fuel tank. Without a lift I am not up for that job. The videos I've watched of people dropping the tank without the truck being on a lift often do not go well.

Just wondering if any one else has done this job (on a 4 door) and if you have any advice.

The other thing I am considering is removing the bed anyway hoping that that would improve access to the tank and allow me to put straps underneath it and such as that.

Any advice much appreciated. And yes, I could have someone else do it but that's going to involve winching it onto my trailer and hoping someone at the mechanic shop can help me to push it off the trailer and into the right spot. That would take time away from work which is just mo money down the drain for an old beater farm truck.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Just wondering if you're certain it's the fuel pump, and not just the shutoff solenoid?

 

[N80]

I checked and it is not the fuel pump fuse. It could be the fuel pump relay which I am going to replace. I'm going to replace the fuel filter as well. I'll do both of those things before diving in. The emergency fuel pump shutoff was not tripped.

 

[LittleBill21]

if its a farm truck? why not cut through the floor in the cab?

 

[TractorGuy]

I haven't done it but if and when I do I would put the truck up on jack stands and lower the tank with a floor jack. I have done my Mustang like that. Wasn't a lot of fun but wasn't impossible.

My 2003 F150 has had difficulty starting when hot for several years. I suspect the fuel pump check valve is letting the pressure bleed off but it always starts by the third try so I've been putting it off. It fires right up when it's cold or if it's just been shut off for a minute.

Not sure how the truck pump differs but when I did the mustang most parts places wanted to sell the whole tank assembly with the fuel sender and all. I found just a pump at O'Reilly for much less.

Also to note on my Mustang I had let it sit a while and I'm pretty sure the ethanol ate up the pump armature. When I changed the filter and dumped the inlet side out in a pan it was slam full of rust. The tank was spotless inside and the protective coating was intact. The only other place the rust could have come from was the pump.

 

[Alan W.]

Its not as hard as you think. Recently changed out the gas tank on the church van that a vandal punched a hole in to steal gas. Put a new fuel pump in while it was out.
Drain all the fuel and they aren’t that heavy. A bit cumbersome. This was a 38 gallon steel tank. I think yours maybe plastic. Make sure and soak the saddle bolts with penetrating oil. I had to replace the ones on the van due to corrosion they twisted off.

 

[N80]

@LittleBill21 I've heard people do that with the truck bed but not the cab. However, I'm willing to poke around in there and see what that would involve. I don't weld so not sure how I'd seal it back up.

The tank on this truck is only 25 gallons but it is at least 5 feet long and has a 1/4 tank of gas in it. It is steel and not plastic. Also has a skid plate under it. From what I've been able to gather it is hard to get the gas out because of an anti-siphon valve somewhere. Not sure about that though.

Putting it on jack stands is an option but I still would prefer not doing all the work from under the truck. I'm not old but I'm not 20 either. Back and neck give me fits working under a vehicle.

I do appreciate all the advice and it is all probably more sound than what I'm contemplating. My wife wants me to take it to a shop and have someone else do it. That may be the best advice but I sure hate to drop that kind of money on an old farm truck.

 

[brokeasajoke]

Does this truck have a fuel pump driver module? Can't remember which models did.If so those tend to give trouble as well.

 

[N80]

I'm not sure. The 04 and up seem to but I looked for one where they are on the 04 and could not find it.

I've watched a few more videos and have decided the job is not for me. Going to take it to the mechanic at some point.

 

[N80]

Changed my mind again. Going to replace relay and fuel filter. If still no go I'm going to pull the bed off if it doesn't fight back too hard. If it still looks too hard with the bed off I'll take it to the dealer with it off. From all the videos the only real hard part about bed removal is the bed bolts being seized. Then it looks like a nightmare. Mine look okay from up top and underneath and I'll soak them with break-free for a day or so.