Delivering an inadequate amount or no fuel to the engine, a failing fuel pump can render a car useless. At the first sign of failure, you should change the fuel pump to avoid being stranded. Unlike other vehicles, in a 1997 Honda Civic you can change the fuel pump without first removing the fuel tank. The pump can be accessed under the rear seat. Most novice mechanics can change the fuel pump, only needing a few basic tools to replace the pump.
Remove the seat cushion retaining bolts with a socket wrench. The two bolts are located under the front of the seat cushion. Pull the cushion from the interior after removing the bolts.
Remove the four retaining bolts with a Phillips screwdriver holding the fuel pump access cover in place. The cover is the oval-shaped object revealed after removing the seat cushion.
Unplug the electrical connection from the fuel pump. If you can't detach the connection by hand, a small standard screwdriver can be used.
Start the vehicle and let it run until it stalls. Remove the gas filler cap. This will relieve the fuel system pressure.
Detach the fuel line running to the fuel pump with a socket wrench.
Remove the six retaining nuts with a socket wrench holding the fuel pump to the gas tank. Lift the pump from the gas tank, angling it slightly to avoid scratching the screen at the bottom of the pump.
Remove the fuel pump bracket from the fuel pump with a wrench. Attach the bracket to the replacement pump.
Place the seal over the edge of the access hole for the fuel pump. Place the fuel pump and bracket over the seal. Tighten the bolts with a socket wrench attaching the fuel pump and bracket to the fuel tank.
Plug in the electrical connection to the connector on the fuel pump. Attach the fuel line to the pump with a wrench, using a new o-ring over the line to properly seal the line.
Place the fuel pump access cover over the fuel pump. Replace the four retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
Replace the fuel filler cap.
Place the seat cushion in position. Install the two retaining bolts with a socket wrench at the bottom of the seat cushion.
Start the vehicle. Allow the engine to idle in "Park" or "Neutral" for 5 minutes, allowing the engine to learn the correct idle before driving the vehicle.
