How to Replace the Fuel Pump Module on a 2018 Ford Expedition (In-Tank)
Step-by-step tank drop instructions with required tools, parts list, torque specs, and safety tips for 2018
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Module on a 2018 Ford Expedition (In-Tank)
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.


















