How to Replace the Fuel Pump Module on a 2018 Ford Expedition (In-Tank) (Trim: Max SSV | Engine: V6 3.5L)
Step-by-step tank drop instructions with required tools, parts list, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Module on a 2018 Ford Expedition (In-Tank) (Trim: Max SSV | Engine: V6 3.5L)
Step-by-step tank drop instructions with required tools, parts list, torque specs, and safety tips for 2018
🔧 Expedition - Fuel Pump Replacement
On your Expedition, the fuel pump is part of an in-tank fuel pump module. Replacing it usually means safely lowering the fuel tank, swapping the module, then reinstalling everything without damaging fuel lines or the tank seal.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work outside or in a well-ventilated area; fuel vapors ignite easily.
- ⚠️ No smoking, no sparks, no trouble lights with hot bulbs; use an LED work light.
- ⚠️ Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel line to prevent fuel spray.
- ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable to reduce fire risk.
- ⚠️ Support the tank with a transmission jack before loosening tank straps.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Wheel chocks
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Transmission jack
- 8mm socket
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 15mm socket
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- 3/8" drive extensions (3" and 6")
- Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs)
- Flat trim tool
- Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (specialty)
- Brass punch and hammer
- Shop rags
- Drain pan
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel pump module assembly - Qty: 1
- Fuel pump module seal O-ring - Qty: 1
- Fuel line retaining clips - Qty: 1 set
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
- Drive until the tank is near 1/4 full; a lighter tank is much safer to lower.
- Open the fuel door and loosen the fuel cap area (capless system) to help vent pressure.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Relieve fuel system pressure
- Open the hood.
- Locate the under-hood fuse box.
- Remove the fuel pump fuse/relay (layout is on the fuse box cover) using a flat trim tool.
- Start the engine and let it run until it stalls.
- Crank for 3 seconds two more times to bleed residual pressure.
Step 2: Raise and support the Expedition
- Lift the rear of your Expedition using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
- Set it securely on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) at the frame.
Step 3: Support the fuel tank
- Position a transmission jack under the fuel tank.
- Use a block of wood on the jack saddle (if available) to spread the load.
Step 4: Remove the tank shields (if equipped)
- Remove any fuel tank shield/skid fasteners using an 13mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
- Set shields and bolts aside in order.
Step 5: Disconnect filler neck and vent connections
- At the tank end, loosen hose clamps (if present) using an 8mm socket.
- Carefully work the filler and vent hoses off the tank nipples by hand.
- Twist the hose to break it free.
Step 6: Disconnect electrical connectors
- Unplug the fuel pump module connector and any EVAP connectors near the tank using a flat trim tool to release locks if needed.
- Never pull on wires—pull on the connector body.
Step 7: Disconnect fuel line(s) at the tank module
- Place a drain pan and shop rags under the connection.
- Release the line using the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (specialty).
- Expect a small amount of fuel to drip; catch it and wipe immediately.
Step 8: Remove the fuel tank straps
- With the tank supported by the transmission jack, remove the strap bolts using a 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet.
- Slowly lower the tank a few inches and re-check for any remaining hoses/wiring that may still be attached.
- Lower the tank fully and slide it out from under the vehicle.
- When reinstalling straps: Torque to 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
Step 9: Clean the area around the fuel pump module
- Blow off dirt (or wipe) around the module opening using shop rags.
- This prevents debris from falling into the tank.
Step 10: Remove the fuel pump lock ring
- Use a brass punch and hammer to tap the lock ring counterclockwise until it releases.
- Brass helps reduce spark risk.
Step 11: Remove and replace the fuel pump module
- Lift the module out carefully, angling it to clear the float arm.
- Remove the old seal and install the new fuel pump module seal O-ring.
- Install the new module into the tank, making sure it seats evenly on the seal.
Step 12: Install the lock ring
- Reinstall the lock ring and tap it clockwise using the brass punch and hammer until fully seated/locked.
- Verify the ring is evenly locked all the way around.
Step 13: Reinstall the tank
- Lift the tank back into place using the transmission jack.
- Reconnect the fuel line(s) until you hear/feel a positive click.
- Reconnect all electrical connectors.
- Reconnect filler and vent hoses and tighten clamps using an 8mm socket.
- Install the tank straps and tighten strap bolts: Torque to 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
Step 14: Reinstall shields and lower the vehicle
- Reinstall any shields using an 13mm socket.
- Shield fasteners: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
- Lower your Expedition off the jack stands using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
Step 15: Restore power and prime the fuel system
- Reinstall the fuel pump fuse/relay by hand.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket: Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lbs).
- Turn the key to ON (engine off) for 10 seconds, then OFF for 10 seconds; repeat 3 times to prime.
- Start the engine and let it idle.
✅ After Repair
- Inspect for leaks at the fuel line connection and around the tank while the engine idles.
- Test drive for 10-15 minutes, then re-check for any fuel smell or seepage.
- If you have a check engine light, scan for codes and confirm none return after the test drive.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $250-$650 (parts only)
You Save: $650-$950 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.
Guide for Fuel Pump Module Assembly replace for these Ford vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Expedition | Max Limited | V6 3.5L | - |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | Max Platinum | V6 3.5L | - |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | Max SSV | V6 3.5L | - |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | Max XL | V6 3.5L | - |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | Max XLT | V6 3.5L | - |


















