The fuel pump for the 1998 Ford Taurus is part of a module that's inside the fuel tank and includes the fuel sending unit. Unlike many models that use this type of module, you can easily disconnect the fuel pump and replace it rather than replace the entire module. You will still need to disconnect the fuel tank from the car in order to access the fuel pump.
Siphon as much fuel out of the tank as possible with a vacuum pump and deposit it into a gas can.
Unplug the fuel pump inertia switch located behind the trim panel on the right side of the trunk. Start the engine and wait for it to stall.
Disconnect the negative battery cable in the engine compartment. Loosen the clamp nut for the battery's black cable with a wrench and remove the cable from the battery terminal.
Raise the car with its own floor jack and support it on jack stands, available from any auto parts store. Support the car on its rear end where the fuel cap and tank are located.
Open the gas cap door and remove the three bolts on the metal flange surrounding the filler neck (the pipe that you pump gasoline into) with a wrench.
Disconnect any metal braces between the filler tube and the car body and supporting the tube. Remove their bolts or screws with a wrench/screwdriver.
Disconnect the fuel and vapor line clamps with a screwdriver, then disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector and the connector to the emission shutoff valve.
Raise a floor jack under the fuel tank under the right rear corner of the car near the fuel cap. Place a block of wood large enough to cover the entire top part of the jack to protect the tank.
Unbolt the tank's support straps twrapped around the bottom of the tank with a wrench. Disconnect any other fuel lines and electrical connectors remaining on the top of the tank; press on their quick-connect fittings.
Tap the fuel pump assembly's locking ring counterclockwise with a wood rod or brass punch until it loosens.
Lift the long, curved fuel pump module out of the tank until you can reach its locking tabs, then squeeze the tabs together with your fingers and remove the fuel pump module from the tank. Pull off and discard the lock ring gasket from the top of the module.
Separate the fuel pump from the assembly by removing its clamp with pliers, disconnecting its electrical connector with pliers and removing its mounting screws. Use a Torx wrench to remove the screws.
Clean the fuel pump's mounting flange, tank mounting surface and seal ring groove with acetone or lacquer thinner and a clean rag.
Detach the strainer from the assembly by removing its C-clip with a small flat screwdriver. Wash the strainer with carburetor cleaner spray and reconnect it to the assembly. Clip the C-clip in place by hand.
Mount the replacement fuel pump in place on the module using its mounting screws and the Torx wrench, then plug in the electrical connector and connect the clamp by hand.
Align the fuel pump assembly with the retainer within the tank and push it into the retainer with your hands until the tabs click into place.
Install the pump assembly's sender plate by hand. Make sure the locating keys are in the keyways and the O-ring is in place.
Install a new seal ring on the fuel pump module by pushing it in place on the locking ring's underside; rub heavy grease on the seal ring to hold it in place. Insert the module into the hole in the tank and turn the locking ring clockwise to lock it in place.
Connect the fuel tank to the car in the reverse order of removal--raise it back into position with the floor jack, connect the fuel lines and electrical connectors strap it in place with the straps.
Lower the car and reconnect the battery cable. Connect the fuel pump inertia switch and press its reset button to energize the pump.
