If your 2004 Xsara Picasso is sputtering and backfiring when you try to accelerate, you may suspect the problem lies with the fuel system. If you have examined your fuel line and your fuel filter, and they are functioning well, it might be time to change the fuel pump itself. Once you know where and what to look for, changing the fuel pump in your 2004 Xsara Picasso is not too difficult.

  • If your 2004 Xsara Picasso is sputtering and backfiring when you try to accelerate, you may suspect the problem lies with the fuel system.

Perform safety procedures and checks. This means that you need to be sure that your engine is turned off and cooled all the way down. Make sure that you are not parked even remotely close to any heat, fire or spark source. Since you will be working with fuel, the risk of fire is always present. Keep a Class B fire extinguisher handy.

Slide your large plastic container underneath the gas tank.

Drain the gas tank by unscrewing the valve on the bottom of the gas tank.

Wait for the gasoline to completely drain before you move on to the next step.

Remove the fuel lines that run from the engine to the gas tank. Do this by loosening the bolts with your crescent wrench and then pulling the fuel lines off the tank with your hands.

  • Slide your large plastic container underneath the gas tank.
  • Do this by loosening the bolts with your crescent wrench and then pulling the fuel lines off the tank with your hands.

Remove your gas tank straps. Place your socket wrench over the straps that hold the gas tank to the under mount of your Picasso. Turn your socket wrench to the left to loosen the bolts.

Push the straps out of the way so that you can lower the tank.

Slide the jack (where the gas tank should be resting) out from under the car.

Look at the top of the gas tank. Here, you will see a round ring that is connected to the fuel pump.

Remove the fuel pump ring and gasket by grasping the ring mount and turning it to the left. This may take some muscle power especially if the ring and gasket are old and brittle. You may need to tap the edges of the ring with a hammer to help loosen it.

  • Push the straps out of the way so that you can lower the tank.
  • This may take some muscle power especially if the ring and gasket are old and brittle.

Pull the ring and connected fuel pump out of the gas tank by lifting it straight up.

Insert the new fuel pump and tighten it into the gas tank.

Replace your tank, straps and fuel lines.