Generally speaking, fuel pump replacement can be done in 2 to 4 hours depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the location of the pump. The fuel pump is often located within the fuel tank on many vehicles, which means the tank either has to be partially dropped or completely removed adding time and aggravation to the job. Labor often costs anywhere from $200 to $300 for a replacement depending on what part of the country you live in and how much is the shop’s hourly rate, with some high-end shops charging as much as $150/hr.
Certain vehicles come with external fuel pumps that are easy to reach, like some trucks and large SUVs, the job may be quicker, taking somewhere around 1.5 or 2 hours — not counting the downtime while you wait for a part. But the vast majority of today's in-tank pumps are only accessible by raising the car, removing brackets and then carefully lowering the tanklpVtbl. The pressure of fuel pumps, ranging from 30 to 60 psi, is appropriately intense that mechanics must depressurize the fuel system with extreme care in case of such a hazard.
More experienced techs often tell you to allow more time for other complications, like fuel tank bolts that have rusted away/corroded off in the frame and can set you back an additional hour or so. Those planning to give it a shot themselves will need quite a bit of time on their hands, plus all the lifting bolts and lines necessary to remove both tank halves--it takes a lot just getting them split once.
Car owners say that many dealership service centers routinely will need an entire day to replace the fuel pump, mostly so safety checks and system tests can be run after a replacement. John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair, adds that “quality control checks are necessary following the repair or replacement to verify any movement in new pump pressure is avoided and there is no leakage of stored hydraulic fluid.”
Anyone with quick turn-around needs should always confirm this sort of time estimate before scheduling. Occasionally, pump replacement will involve replacing the fuel filter or cleaning the tank as well, which will add another 15-30 minutes. To find out more on fuel pump replacement options: Fuel Pump