Replacing the fuel pump of a 2000 Ford Mustang can be done in a home garage without any special tools. Because this project involves removing the gas tank, safely run the tank as close to empty as possible. Have an empty gas can on hand to hold the remaining gas from the tank. The job should take a few hours.
Relieve the fuel pressure. Unplug the fuel pump, or inertia, switch in the trunk. The switch is hidden from view but can be found under the carpeting. This switch cuts the fuel supply to the engine. Start the engine, and let it run until it stops. This can take from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. This eliminates potential electrical hazards.
Jack up the car, and place it on jack stands. The jack will be needed again later for removing the fuel tank. It is safer to have the car on stands than on a jack that could collapse when working under a vehicle.
Use the sockets and socket wrench to remove the fuel tank filler pipe bracket bolt and the filler neck bolts. Some 2000 Mustangs have a grommet that needs to be cut to disengage the tank from the filler pipe.
Disconnect fuel lines, vapor lines and wiring to the fuel pump.
Place a block of wood on the jack underneath the fuel tank. Raise the jack until the wood touches the tank. Remove the bolts or nuts from the fuel tank straps. The straps are hinged and will swing out of the way. Slowly lower the tank, and disconnect any lines too difficult to reach before.
Clean the mounting flange of any dirt or debris. Remove the bolts from the mounting plate.
Pull out the fuel pump partway. Reach through the opening, and squeeze the lock tabs to remove the fuel pump the rest of the way. Discard old O-ring gasket.
Apply a thin coat of heavy grease to the new O-ring so it stays in place during the fuel pump installation. Insert a new fuel pump into the tank, making sure the lock tabs have snapped into place. Replace the mounting plate bolts, and tighten them securely to between 80 and 160 foot-pounds.
Replace the fuel tank, reconnecting lines disconnected on disassembly. Tighten straps securely. Install the new filler neck grommet, and reattach the filler neck and pipe bolts.
Reconnect the inertia switch. If the switch button popped, press it back into place. Reattach the negative battery cable. Put gas in the tank, and take it for a test drive.
