Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Nissan X-Trail T-31 2007-2013 factory workshop and repair manual download

Safety first (read this): Work outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area. Have a rated ABC fire extinguisher nearby. No smoking, no sparks, no open flames. Wear eye protection, nitrile gloves, and avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you touch the fuel system. Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel line. If you’re unsure at any point, stop and consult a factory service manual or a professional. Dispose of old fuel and components in accordance with local hazardous-waste rules.

Quick overview — why this repair is needed
- The fuel pump moves gasoline from the tank to the engine at the pressure and flow the fuel system needs. If it fails or weakens, symptoms include hard starting, no-start (cranks but won’t start), stalling under load, loss of power, surging, hesitation, or a whining noise from the tank. Low/erratic fuel pressure can also trigger engine fault codes.
- Think of the fuel pump as the heart of the fuel system: it must keep steady pressure/flow. Over time the pump motor brushes wear, the pump picks up debris, the strainer (sock) clogs, or electrical connections fail. Replacing the pump restores reliable fuel supply.

High-level description of the system (how it works)
- Tank: stores fuel.
- In-tank fuel pump/module: an electric pump assembly that draws fuel and pushes it through the system. Many pumps are in a “module” that includes the sender for the fuel gauge.
- Strainer (sock): a fine mesh filter at the pump inlet that prevents big particles entering the pump.
- Fuel line: carries fuel to the engine bay (often high-pressure nylon or steel lines).
- Fuel filter (if present outside the tank): traps finer contaminants before the fuel rail.
- Fuel rail and injectors: distributes pressurized fuel to the injectors.
- Fuel pressure regulator (in modern cars often mounted on the rail or controlled by the PCM): maintains correct system pressure. Some systems are “returnless” (pump/PCM regulate pressure), others have a return line to the tank.
- Electrical system: power, ground, relays, fuses, and PCM control circuits supply current to the pump.

Main components you will encounter on T31 X-Trail fuel pump module (names and what each part does)
- Pump motor: the electric motor that pressurizes fuel. Wearable part; brushes/commutator can fail.
- Pump housing and impeller/rotor: mechanical parts that move the fuel.
- Strainer (sock): coarse pre-filter on the suction side. Clogs first.
- Check valve (one-way valve): prevents fuel from draining back into the tank so the lines stay pressurized.
- Pressure relief/return valve (if present): protects pump and system from overpressure.
- Fuel level sender (float + arm + potentiometer): measures tank level to send to the gauge.
- Module housing/tube: holds the pump assembly and sender.
- Outlet fitting and electrical connector: fuel outlet to the line, and electrical plug for power/ground/sender.
- Retaining ring or flange and O-ring/seal: secures module to tank and seals it to prevent leaks.
- Quick-connect fuel fittings or hose clamps: connect lines to the module.

Tools and parts you’ll need (typical)
- New fuel pump module (recommend OE or high-quality aftermarket) and new seal/O-ring and any supplied clamps/retaining ring.
- Replacement strainer/sock (often included).
- Small fuel-resistant O-rings if used on fittings.
- Basic hand tools: sockets (8–19 mm), ratchet, extension, screwdrivers, pliers.
- Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (Nissan often uses plastic quick-connect couplings — a set of disconnect tools saves time).
- Flat chisel/hammer, or a special fuel tank lock-ring tool (retaining ring can be stubborn).
- Torque wrench (for reassembly where specified).
- Rags, drain pan, container for leftover fuel.
- Safety gear: eye protection, gloves, respirator if needed, fire extinguisher.

Estimated time and difficulty
- For a beginner with basic tools: 2–4 hours if there’s an access panel; longer if tank must be dropped. Difficulty: moderate. If the retaining ring is seized, difficulty rises.

Specific access notes for Nissan X-Trail T31 (general)
- Many T31 models have an access cover under the rear seat cushion or in the cargo floor. You often don’t have to drop the tank — you remove the rear seat cushion or trunk carpet and unscrew the small access cover to reach the pump module. If your model lacks an access cover or the cover is not usable, the tank will have to be lowered.
- Always clean the area around the access cover before opening to avoid dropping dirt into the tank.

Step-by-step procedure (beginner-friendly)
1. Preparation
- Park on level ground, chock wheels, set parking brake.
- Relieve fuel pressure: remove the fuel pump fuse or relay, then crank the engine for ~3–5 seconds (engine may start briefly but will stall when pump disabled). Alternatively, consult manual for exact fuse/relay location. This bleeds pressure from the lines. You can also use a fuel pressure gauge to relieve pressure at Schrader valve if present.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Open hatch and remove rear seat cushion or cargo floor cover to find access panel. Clean the area thoroughly with a vacuum/brush to prevent contamination.

2. Access the pump module
- Remove the access cover screws/bolts to expose the top of the pump module (usually a round flange).
- Before touching anything, place rags and a drip pan beneath to catch any spilled fuel.

3. Disconnect electrical connector and fuel lines
- Disconnect the wiring harness plug from the module.
- Depressurize lines again if necessary. Use the quick-disconnect tool to release the fuel line(s). Have rags ready — a small amount of fuel will spill. If lines use clamps, loosen them and slide off.
- Note orientation and routing of lines and wiring — take photos if you’re unsure.

4. Remove the pump module
- Remove retaining bolts or unlock the retaining ring. Some modules are held with a large circular retaining ring that must be rotated/removed. Use the proper tool or a screwdriver and hammer carefully (tap gently to avoid deforming the ring), or use a strap wrench. Take care not to deform the tank opening.
- Pull the module straight up and out — it might be snug. Be gentle and watch for the float arm and wiring catching on edges. Lift slowly; internal wiring may be clipped to the module.

5. Inspect module and tank
- Inspect the module, strainer, and O-ring. If tank interior has debris, consider proper tank cleaning or replacement of filter. If rust or large debris present, consult a shop — debris will quickly ruin a new pump.
- Inspect float and sender for damage.

6. Transfer parts (if replacing only pump)
- If you bought only a pump (not complete module), you’ll need to disassemble the module on a clean bench and transfer the pump, strainer, and any clamps. Keep all parts in correct orientation. Replace any worn clamps, retainer plates, and O-rings.
- If you bought a full module, skip to reassembly.

7. Fit new O-ring/seal
- Fit the new sealing O-ring on the tank opening flange. Lightly coat O-ring with clean fuel or petroleum jelly — this helps seating and prevents pinching.

8. Reinstall pump module
- Lower the module back into the tank, aligning float and wiring so they don’t bind. Ensure it sits square on the sealing surface.
- Secure with retaining ring or bolts. If it uses a torque spec, tighten to spec (consult service manual). If using a ring tapped into place, make sure it’s fully seated and locked.

9. Reconnect lines and electrical
- Reconnect fuel lines until they click or clamp them securely. Reconnect the wiring harness.
- Reinstall access cover and rear seat/carpets.

10. Prime and test
- Reconnect negative battery terminal.
- Reinstall fuel pump fuse/relay.
- Turn ignition to ON (don’t start) for a few seconds to let pump prime and pressurize system — you should hear the pump whine for a couple seconds as it primes. Repeat once or twice.
- Check all connections around the tank for leaks.
- Start engine and monitor for leaks, rough running, or warning lights.
- Test drive carefully, monitor for loss of power or check-engine light.

Common things that go wrong (what to watch for)
- Not relieving fuel pressure: causes spray of fuel and risk of fire or injury.
- Damaging the O-ring or not replacing it: causes fuel leaks and vapors.
- Dirt falling into the tank when opening: leads to rapid pump/filter clogging; always clean area before opening.
- Seized retaining ring: leads to damage to tank or module if you use excessive force. Use the correct tool or heat/penetrant as last resort.
- Incorrect electrical reconnection: pump runs but not grounded, or sender not connected — results in no-start or incorrect fuel gauge.
- Using only pump (not the sock/strainer) or reusing worn strainer: causes re-clogging and early failure.
- Broken quick-connect plastic fittings: they often break; have replacements or repair fittings ready.
- Ignoring tank contamination: replacing pump in a dirty tank will ruin the new pump quickly.
- Forgetting to prime/check for leaks: can lead to running lean or catastrophic leak.

Diagnostics tips to confirm a bad pump (before replacing)
- Check for fuel pump noise: have someone press KEY ON (not start) and listen near the rear; a brief whine indicates pump priming. No sound can point to electrical issue or dead pump.
- Check fuel pressure with a gauge at the test port (if available) — compare to spec. Low or no pressure => pump or electrical problem.
- Check pump electrical supply: measure voltage at pump connector with ignition ON. If voltage present but no pump, pump likely failed. If no voltage, check fuse/relay/PCM circuit.
- Check for trouble codes with an OBD-II reader (P0230—P0234 range indicate pump circuit/performance; P046x are fuel level sender codes).

Tips and tricks
- Replace the sealing ring or O-ring every time you open the module. They age and lose sealing ability.
- Use anti-seize on metal threads but not on sealing surfaces of O-rings.
- When transferring parts, pay attention to the float travel — improper assembly will give wrong fuel level readings or foul the float.
- Keep work area clean and organized; small parts like clamps and screws disappear quickly.
- If the wiring connector is corroded, replace it — poor connection leads to intermittent pump operation.

Post-repair checks
- Inspect visually for leaks after 5–10 minutes and again after a short drive.
- Re-scan for codes and clear if necessary.
- Verify good idle and no stalling under acceleration.

Final notes
- Exact details (retaining ring type, torque values, access panel location) vary by market and model year. Use this guide for process and safety, but get the factory service manual or a reliable repair guide for Nissan X-Trail T31 for exact specs and diagrams before you start.
- If you’re uncomfortable working with fuel systems, have a professional do the job.

You now have a complete beginner-friendly map: why the pump fails, how the system works, every part you’ll touch, a step-by-step replacement flow, things that commonly go wrong, and safety checks. Good luck — be careful and methodical.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions