In this video I describe some of the procedure and process on testing and replacing a fuel pump in this '97 Outback. Now I don't go into great depth and give a ton of warnings like "don't smoke" and "don't use a torch" because I would hope we could all think "hey this is gas and it can burn me...." any how hope you found it interesting and helpful. Please leave comments and suggestions in the comment box.
SORRY ๐Ÿ™ End of the video was missing after I published it. Long story short was the fact that the fuel filter in the car was almost 5yrs old and had over 100k miles on it. I can only assume this could have been a culprit in the death of the fuel pump. A plugged fuel filter can really strain a fuel pump and send it to an early grave.

48 thoughts on “Test and replace fuel pump – subaru legacy outback”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Drimmie says:

    I wanted to thank you for this video. I just replaced a fuel pump in my 99 L wagon 2.2L. This was a huge help for me since the Chilton book was vague with the instructions. I appreciate it

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zuko bringas says:

    Zip ties are supplied for additional pump support instead of just the hose supporting the upper portion.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jstangify says:

    great content thanks for the tip with the hook tool! I'm that guy using the needle nose pliers to twist the hose off cussing the whole time, but no longer!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Ramirez says:

    Well explained..

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ivan Buenos says:

    Hi there I have a similar issue, I have no power or ground on my fuel pump connector, Iโ€™ve done the test on the wires does that mean itโ€™s the fuel pump relay ? Thanks

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars vermili0n says:

    I bought my 97 legacy outback about a year ago… itโ€™s held up pretty good until now. The owner told me a few problems but not the other ones, some being major like BOTH head gaskets leaking. Iโ€™ve had a weird problem though, stalled twice, once while driving down highway the lights and radio stayed on as the engine just shut off and I drifted to a stop, another time at a red light. Thereโ€™s so many problems itโ€™s very stressful… I work and sleep in my car, itโ€™s al I got

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nule's Diag and Repair says:

    God I hope I never need to replace the fuel pump on my 97 Outback lmao. Its got 230k

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chato says:

    What's the fuel pressure for my 97 Subaru Impreza Wagon with a 2.2 liter engine????

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christopher McAllaster says:

    What would be causing my fuel pump relay fuse in the engine bay to keep frying? Any help greatly appreciated thank you!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mathew Cotes says:

    How similar is this yo a 98 forester

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donnie Robertson says:

    Second time watching 6/29/2020

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fidel De Castro says:

    May Subaru legacy 97 model won't start it cranking only but it won't start.what should I check
    Or look for..to trave the problem

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tommy gomez says:

    I realize it's been several years, but do you know what brand fuel pump you used and the part number? I have a 2003 Forester 2.5 N/A that needs the fuel pump replaced. The factory fuel pump is way to expensive.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ricardo Ramirez says:

    Great job
    B

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yaz says:

    i have a question my man, i went to mechanic they replace the pump but my fuel delivery line a a retaining clip and we had to broke it off, forester 2004 xt, they put it back on but had to do some fishy stuff to old the pressure, can i just use a normal clip will it hold up? i cant find the part number for the fuel delivery line with the pushy retaining clip.?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dadmezz says:

    I found your postings a short while ago. Here's a simple thank you from an old guy for sharing your experiences, knowledge, and skill about daily repairs on autos of all types. I also appreciate your encouragement that your viewers can do this and that it can be an honorable business. Love the family involvement and banter. Wish you the best of wishes.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan's Learning Curve says:

    Your video quality has improved over the years!

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daulet Bolatbek says:

    ะกัƒะฑะฐั€ัƒ ะฐะนา“ั‹ั€ ะณะพะธ

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brock Hammill says:

    Great video! I successfully changed the pump in the parking lot where my car died. I had never even opened a gas tank before. It took about an hour. Side note: My pump was the original pump and I took the wire leads off the old motor by removing the nuts from the wire posts, then I just used the original wires and put them on the new motor's posts. This saved me from cutting and splicing the wires and gave me a better connection and was faster.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Wheeler says:

    "My assistant" lol. I bet Vanessa loved that!

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tanz Sixfingers says:

    While I realize you probably want to key your videos short and to the point, and have done these things dozens or hundreds of times, but some of us have never done this, so you should include every step, like splicing in the T to the fuel line (and indicating how to tell which one), and how to remove that panel above the fuel tank. Once you have done it a few times, it might be easy to just "pop it off", but you know where to (and where not to) apply pressure to do so. At least your video showed me which panel to remove, unlike the repair manual I have.
    I guess I am not part of your target audience; I am just a novice when it comes to DIY car repair. While I have been changing radiators and water pumps and alternators for 30 years, this is my first go at a fuel issue. Your video is just enough information for me to almost understand what you are doing, like if I watched my neighbor doing it.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garth Clark says:

    Yes, agreed. One a couple of mechanics in my life have said if you do a fuel pump, also do the fuel filter with it. 300k and it's still running !

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kris kelso says:

    Looks nothing like mine idiot should label it with the right car

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Thatguy withtheface says:

    Less talking, more wrench turning

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich R says:

    May I ask, doesn't the fuel pump connection need to be intrinsically safe. I don't know how you would accomplish that, but it seems odd that you would have this in a explosive atmosphere when the tank level is low.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Chiodetti says:

    Quick check, nice access, new pump, Good Job!

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael says:

    Any recommendations on fuel pump brands from anyone for a 2000 Subaru Outback 4cyl? The OEM fuel pump is just way too expensive for me

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jacopo Nono says:

    Eric- which set of sockets "twist sockets" are you using? I have been watching all of your videos (in order) and you also used this socket style on the f150 transmission dipstick tube bolt replacement that was rusted as well. I want to get the same sockets.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ToughAncientSpark says:

    Why did the fuel pump fail? It's old.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JamesJonesVEVO says:

    Thank you ! You helped me fix my 1994 Subaru Legacy !! Iโ€™ll subscribe but I prolly wonโ€™t watch anymore videos lol thank you tho โœŠ๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ˜

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AfricanFlightStar says:

    Great video thanks for sharing! I almost removed my pump in my 1995 Subaru Legacy Wagon, but found that I have another problem – I've checked my pump and am getting no power to it. (Your video showed me which wires to check for power, so thanks for that!) Now have to try to figure out what's causing that. I do have symptoms of other electrical issues — like the fact that the radio antenna goes up & down on it's own accord when the ignition is on, even though the radio is turned off. Someone suggested checking the ground wires in the engine compartment, but besides the battery ground wire, where are the others? … Back to work.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Path of Guidance says:

    Hehe i use the good ole smash a slightly smaller 12 point over the rusted fastener. Sockets are consumable anyway.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Muhammad Hasnain says:

    This same problem i think has happened to my subaru outback 2003 today. I was at a red light and all the sudden my car started shaking hard, i pulled over and checked rpm at idle. rpm wouldnt go up. i was stuck and hearing that noise like in your video. Luckily i had my uncle who gave me a push all the way home (15 minutes) with his truck. otherwise i would have been stuck. our orginal mechanic gave out and had no idea, the problem then was the car stalled after a dead stop. is that stalling from a dead stop also a symptom, rather a early one? then today we had another mechanic change idle control valvle, and pcv valvle. old codes were gone. changed spark plugs as well. going to have one more person check it out, if its not fuel pump then i have to junk it. it only has 90,000 miles on it. ๐Ÿค๐Ÿค. your video gave some hope.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nasir Younus says:

    Awesome video!!

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cathy Ansell says:

    I need to know how to pull the fill pipe on 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Testosterone Inc. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ says:

    Eric O the early days. So serious, no snarky jokes? I still love these older vids. ๐Ÿ˜Ž

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Mccaffrey says:

    Why advance auto i have never had any luck buying any of their electrical products oem all the way for me.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RC and FPV Jonathan says:

    my pump also failed on my 99 forester s turbo. the guy at the Subaru dealer says the pump can burn out if you always drive on a almost empty tank because there is no cooling by gasoline on these older style pumps.
    good video thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pray For Revelation says:

    what brand fuel pump is that?

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Sokolowski says:

    Thanks, total time for me, about 2 and a half hours including a trip to the parts store. The hoses were tough to get off in 30 degree weather. I did the pump and fuel filter, both. Thanks, the wife has her car up and running. Buy the way, the car had a hesitation on acceleration from stops, for the last few months. I am hoping this goes away with the new pump. 1998 outback wagon, 145,000 miles.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jett A2 says:

    Thank you South Main Auto!!! Great Videos!!!

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose Sedano says:

    what brand are those stripping crimping pliers?

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Alexander says:

    Hey Eric I am a new technician in Wisconsin and I run into a lot of rusty cars and trucks you should do a video on tools you should have working on rust buckets thanks

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dez Blyan says:

    can't even hear you