The 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass uses an electric fuel pump located in the fuel tank. It is a separate unit although mounted in the same housing as the fuel level-sending unit. These fuel pumps are susceptible to overheating and failure if operated with extremely low fuel. The fuel cools and lubricates the pump, so it is a good idea to never allow the tank to get less than one-eighth full.
Raise the car and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the electrical fuel pump connector at the rear of the fuel tank. Start the car. It may only run for a second or so, which is fine--it eliminates the fuel pressure.
Loosen the top and bottom hose clamp on the filler hose, using a screwdriver. Remove the hose. Remove the smaller vent hose next to it, but just at the fuel tank, in the same manner. If the fuel tank is over half-full, siphon some of the fuel off into a gas can.
Place the floor jack under the fuel tank, making sure that it is positioned between the support straps, so it does not interfere with the tank removal. Remove the two bolts that secure the support straps, using a socket. Lower the fuel tank enough to reach the fuel lines on the top of the tank and remove them, using a screwdriver. There are three hoses: a supply line, a return line and the vent line to the charcoal canister.
Lower the tank all the way and remove it from under the vehicle. Remove the fuel pump lock ring by tapping it counterclockwise with the screwdriver and hammer. This will unlock the locking tabs on the ring from those on the tank. Lift the fuel pump from the tank.
Disconnect the two electrical connectors on the fuel pump. Turn the pump upside down and remove the fuel strainer after paying attention to the direction it is pointing, for future installation. Loosen the hose clamp at the top of the pump and lift the bottom of the pump up and out of the cradle in the bracket. With a twisting motion, pull the fuel pump out of the top hose.
Install the new pump by pushing the top nozzle on the pump into the fuel supply hose and tightening the clamp. Push the pump up slightly toward the hose and swing the lower part of the pump into the bracket cradle. Look at the rubber cushion in the bottom of the cradle and align the pump base to match the cradle. Install the new fuel strainer in the same direction that it came off.
Connect the two electrical wires to the top of the pump. Install the pump into the fuel tank, making sure that it is facing the same direction as when it came out. One good indication is the hose connections on top of the fuel pump--they must be facing the rear of the tank.
Install the lock ring and tap it clockwise to engage the locking tabs, using the screwdriver and hammer. Raise the tank and connect all the fuel lines on the top of the tank. Raise the tank the rest of the way, install the support straps and bolts and tighten securely. Connect the fuel pump electrical harness. Install the fuel filler and vent hoses. Tighten their respective clamps with the screwdriver. Lower the car.
