How to Replace the Fuel Pump Module on a 2013 Ram 1500 (In-Tank Pump)
Step-by-step fuel tank drop instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and torque specs
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Module on a 2013 Ram 1500 (In-Tank Pump)
Step-by-step fuel tank drop instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and torque specs


🔧 1500 - Fuel Pump Replacement
On your 1500, the fuel pump is part of an in-tank fuel pump module. The job is mainly about safely relieving fuel pressure, lowering the fuel tank, swapping the module, and reinstalling everything without damaging fuel lines or seals.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work outside or in a very well-ventilated area; fuel vapors are extremely flammable.
- ⚠️ No smoking, sparks, hot work lights, or grinding anywhere nearby.
- ⚠️ Keep a Class B fire extinguisher within reach.
- ⚠️ Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack.
- ⚠️ The fuel tank can be heavy; do this with the tank as empty as possible.
- ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before opening the fuel system.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Class B fire extinguisher
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Transmission jack (specialty)
- Socket set (8mm-18mm)
- Ratchet (3/8" drive)
- Breaker bar (3/8" or 1/2" drive)
- Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs)
- Flat trim tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8") (specialty)
- Hose pinch-off pliers
- Brass punch
- Dead-blow hammer
- Drain pan (2+ gallon)
- Hand siphon pump (fuel-safe)
- Shop towels
- Flashlight (non-incandescent)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel pump module assembly - Qty: 1
- Fuel pump module tank seal O-ring - Qty: 1
- Fuel line O-ring kit - Qty: 1
- Fuel tank strap bolts (optional) - Qty: 2
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the front wheels with wheel chocks.
- Get the fuel level as low as possible. If needed, remove fuel using a hand siphon pump (fuel-safe).
- Relieve fuel pressure: pull the fuel pump fuse/relay, then start the engine and let it run until it stalls. Turn the key OFF.
- Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery cable and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
- Take photos of hose/connector routing first.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Safely raise and support the truck
- Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear, then set the frame on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
- Confirm the truck is stable before you get underneath.
Step 2: Support the fuel tank
- Position a transmission jack (specialty) under the center of the fuel tank.
- Place a flat board (or thick rubber pad) between the jack and tank to spread the load (use your flat trim tool to help position if needed).
Step 3: Remove any skid plate (if equipped)
- Use a socket set (8mm-18mm) and ratchet to remove the fuel tank skid plate bolts.
- Set the skid plate aside.
Step 4: Loosen the filler neck connection
- At the filler neck-to-tank hose area, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp(s).
- If hoses are stubborn, gently work them free with a flat trim tool (don’t gouge the rubber).
Step 5: Disconnect electrical connectors and EVAP lines
- Lower the tank slightly (just a few inches) using the transmission jack (specialty) so you can reach the top.
- Disconnect the pump module electrical connector by releasing the lock tab using a flat trim tool.
- Disconnect EVAP/vapor lines as needed (press the release tabs; use a flat trim tool if the tabs are tight).
Step 6: Disconnect the fuel supply/return line(s)
- Place a drain pan (2+ gallon) and shop towels under the line connection area.
- Use the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8") (specialty) to release the quick-connect fitting(s).
- Expect some fuel to spill; cap/cover the lines with clean shop towels.
Step 7: Remove the fuel tank straps and lower the tank
- Use a socket set (8mm-18mm), ratchet, and a breaker bar to remove the fuel tank strap bolts.
- Slowly lower the tank with the transmission jack (specialty), watching for any remaining hoses/wires.
- Once clear, slide the tank out from under the truck.
- When reinstalling later: Torque fuel tank strap bolts to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs).
Step 8: Clean the top of the tank
- Use shop towels to wipe dirt off the top of the tank around the fuel pump module.
- Cleanliness prevents trash entering the tank.
Step 9: Remove the lock ring and take out the fuel pump module
- Use a brass punch and dead-blow hammer to tap the lock ring counterclockwise until it releases.
- Lift the module straight up slowly; angle it as needed to clear the float arm (fuel level sender).
- Drain fuel from the module into the drain pan (2+ gallon).
- Remove and discard the old tank seal O-ring.
Step 10: Install the new seal and new fuel pump module
- Lightly wet the new seal with clean gasoline (use nitrile gloves) and place it in the tank groove.
- Carefully lower the new module into the tank without folding/pinching the seal.
- Reinstall the lock ring and tap it clockwise using the brass punch and dead-blow hammer until fully seated and aligned.
Step 11: Reinstall the fuel tank
- Slide the tank back under the truck and raise it with the transmission jack (specialty).
- Reconnect the electrical connector and EVAP lines (press until you feel/hear a solid click).
- Reconnect the fuel line quick-connect fitting(s); tug lightly to confirm they’re locked.
- Reconnect filler neck hose(s) and tighten clamps with a flathead screwdriver.
- Install tank straps and bolts, then torque fuel tank strap bolts to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.
- If equipped, reinstall the skid plate using a socket set (8mm-18mm) and ratchet.
Step 12: Reconnect battery and prime the fuel system
- Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
- Turn the key to RUN (don’t crank) for 3 seconds, then OFF for 10 seconds.
- Repeat 3-4 times to prime the system, then start the engine.
✅ After Repair
- With the engine running, inspect for leaks at the tank top connections, fuel lines, and filler neck area using a flashlight (non-incandescent).
- Confirm the fuel gauge reads reasonably (it may take a short drive to stabilize).
- Test drive nearby, then recheck for any fuel smell or seepage.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $250-$700 (parts only)
You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

















