How to Replace the In-Tank Fuel Pump Module on a 2016 Ford Transit Connect
Step-by-step instructions for access-panel or tank-drop methods, with tools, parts, safety tips, and leak checks
How to Replace the In-Tank Fuel Pump Module on a 2016 Ford Transit Connect
Step-by-step instructions for access-panel or tank-drop methods, with tools, parts, safety tips, and leak checks


🔧 Transit Connect - Fuel Pump Replacement
The fuel pump on your Transit Connect is part of an in-tank fuel pump module. Replacing it means safely relieving fuel pressure, disconnecting lines/wiring, then removing the module (either through an access panel if equipped, or by lowering the fuel tank).
Assumption: Some Transit Connect trims have an interior access panel; if yours doesn’t, you’ll lower the tank (both methods are included below).
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2.5-5.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🧯 Work outside or in a very well-ventilated area; fuel vapors ignite easily.
- 🔥 No smoking, no heaters, no drop lights with hot bulbs; use an LED work light.
- 🧤 Wear safety glasses and fuel-resistant gloves; fuel can spray when lines open.
- 🪫 Disconnect the negative battery terminal before opening the fuel system.
- 🛑 Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
- ⛔ Keep a Class B fire extinguisher nearby.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Fuel-resistant gloves
- Class B fire extinguisher
- LED work light
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Metric socket set (8mm-19mm)
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- 3/8" drive extensions (3" and 6")
- Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs range)
- Flat trim clip tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
- Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8")
- Catch pan (3-gallon minimum)
- Hand siphon pump (fuel-safe)
- Transmission jack (specialty)
- Fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty)
- Shop towels
- Brake cleaner (non-chlorinated)
- Paint marker
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel pump module assembly (in-tank) - Qty: 1
- Fuel pump module tank seal O-ring - Qty: 1
- Fuel pump lock ring - Qty: 1
- Fuel line retaining clips - Qty: 2-4
- Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
- Try to run the tank close to empty; a lighter tank is much safer to lower.
- Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel line (steps below).
- Have a place ready to set the tank down (cardboard or a clean mat helps).
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Relieve fuel pressure
- Open the fuel door and loosen the fuel cap to release tank vapor pressure.
- Open the hood and use the metric socket set (8mm-19mm) and ratchet to remove the battery cover if equipped.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
- Locate the fuel pump fuse/relay in the under-hood fuse box (diagram on the fuse box cover).
- Remove the fuel pump fuse/relay using pliers, then reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
- Start the engine and let it run until it stalls; crank for 3 seconds one more time.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable again using a 10mm socket.
Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle
- Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear jacking point.
- Set the vehicle securely on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) placed under solid rear support points.
- Give the vehicle a gentle push to confirm it is stable before going under.
Step 3: Check for an interior access panel (Method A) or plan to lower the tank (Method B)
- Inside the rear passenger area, look for a service cover in the floor above the tank.
- If you find a cover, use a trim clip tool and flathead screwdriver to remove it and proceed to Method A.
- If there is no cover, proceed to Method B to lower the tank.
Step 4A (Method A): Remove the pump module through the access opening
- Clean the top of the pump area using shop towels and non-chlorinated brake cleaner; dirt must not fall into the tank.
- Unplug the electrical connector and apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease on reassembly. Grease helps prevent corrosion.
- Disconnect the fuel line(s) using the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8").
- Mark the module position with a paint marker so the new one aligns the same way.
- Remove the lock ring using a fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty), turning it counterclockwise.
- Lift the module straight up slowly; angle it as needed to clear the float arm (the float reads fuel level).
- Remove the old seal O-ring and install the new fuel pump module tank seal O-ring.
Step 5A (Method A): Install the new pump module
- Lower the new module into the tank carefully, keeping the float arm from bending.
- Align it with your paint marker marks.
- Install the new fuel pump lock ring and tighten with the fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty) to Torque to factory specification.
- Reconnect fuel lines using the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8") and pull back gently to confirm they are locked.
- Reconnect the electrical connector by hand until it clicks.
- Reinstall the interior access cover using the trim clip tool and flathead screwdriver.
Step 4B (Method B): Prepare to lower the fuel tank
- Place a catch pan (3-gallon minimum) under the tank area.
- If the tank is more than 1/4 full, remove fuel using a hand siphon pump (fuel-safe) into approved fuel containers.
- Support the tank with a transmission jack (specialty) (this is a rolling jack designed to safely hold heavy parts).
Step 5B (Method B): Disconnect filler neck and vapor lines
- At the filler neck area, loosen hose clamps using a flathead screwdriver (or use the metric socket set if they are screw-type clamps).
- Disconnect EVAP/vapor lines carefully using pliers where spring clamps are used.
- Use shop towels to catch any drips.
Step 6B (Method B): Disconnect fuel lines and electrical connector
- Locate the fuel line connection(s) at the tank/pump area.
- Disconnect using the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8").
- Unplug the pump electrical connector by hand (use a flathead screwdriver only to gently release a stubborn lock tab).
Step 7B (Method B): Remove tank straps and lower the tank
- Keep the tank supported on the transmission jack (specialty).
- Remove the tank strap bolts using the metric socket set (8mm-19mm), ratchet, and extensions.
- Lower the tank slowly while watching for any remaining hoses/wiring that may still be attached.
- Set the tank down on a stable surface.
Step 8B (Method B): Remove and replace the fuel pump module
- Clean the tank top using shop towels and non-chlorinated brake cleaner.
- Mark the module position with a paint marker.
- Remove the lock ring using a fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty), turning counterclockwise.
- Lift the module out carefully; avoid bending the float arm.
- Install the new fuel pump module tank seal O-ring.
- Install the new module, align to marks, and tighten the lock ring using the fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty) to Torque to factory specification.
Step 9B (Method B): Reinstall the fuel tank
- Lift the tank back into place using the transmission jack (specialty).
- Reinstall tank straps and bolts using the metric socket set (8mm-19mm) and torque wrench to Torque to factory specification.
- Reconnect electrical connector by hand until it clicks.
- Reconnect fuel lines using the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (5/16" and 3/8") and tug-test them gently.
- Reconnect filler neck and EVAP lines using pliers and a flathead screwdriver; tighten clamps firmly (do not strip).
Step 10: Prime the fuel system and check for leaks
- Reinstall the fuel pump fuse/relay using pliers.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket to Torque to factory specification.
- Turn the key to ON (do not start) for 5 seconds, then OFF for 5 seconds; repeat 3 times to prime the system.
- Start the engine and let it idle while you check underneath for fuel leaks using an LED work light.
✅ After Repair
- Confirm there is no fuel smell and no wetness at any connection.
- Test drive for 10-15 minutes, then re-check for leaks.
- If the check engine light appears, have the vehicle scanned for EVAP or fuel pressure codes (a loose vapor line is common).
- Dispose of fuel-soaked towels safely; let them dry outdoors away from flames.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $700-$1,400 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $220-$600 (parts only)
You Save: $480-$800 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.5-5.0 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
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