1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Fuel Pump Location: The Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing It

If your 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage is stalling, struggling to start, or showing a check engine light, the fuel pump is a likely suspect. The fuel pump on the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage is located inside the fuel tank. To access it, you need to remove the rear seat cushion and look for an access panel on the floor pan. In most cases, you do not need to drop the fuel tank to replace the pump. This guide walks you through exactly where to find it, how to confirm it is failing, and what to expect during the replacement.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Located?

The fuel pump is a small electric motor housed inside the fuel tank. On the 1997 Mirage, it sits under the rear seat on the passenger side. The pump is integrated into a module that also includes the fuel level sending unit. You can reach it by pulling up the rear seat bottom cushion. Underneath, you will find a metal access cover held in place by a few screws or bolts. Remove that cover, and the top of the fuel pump module is right there . This setup is standard for most 1997 Mirage models, regardless of whether you have the 1.5L or 1.8L engine .

There is a common point of confusion. Some older generations of the Mirage (early 1990s models) required dropping the tank to get to the pump. For the 1997 model year, Mitsubishi added the access panel under the rear seat, making the job much simpler . If a repair manual or older online post tells you to drop the tank, they are likely referring to a different year. For the 1997 model, check under the back seat first.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump

Before you start taking things apart, make sure the pump is actually the problem. A failing fuel pump usually gives you clear warning signs. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

1. Car Won't Start or Stalls: The engine cranks over but will not fire up. Or, the car runs fine for a while and then suddenly dies and refuses to restart. This happens when the pump stops delivering fuel to the engine .
2. Whirring or Humming Noise from the Rear: A healthy fuel pump makes a quiet, steady hum when you turn the key to the "ON" position. If you hear a loud whirring, whining, or screeching sound coming from the rear of the car (near the fuel tank), the pump is struggling and may fail soon .
3. Check Engine Light Turns On: A slow loss of fuel pressure can cause the air-fuel mixture to run lean (too much air, not enough fuel). The engine computer detects this and turns on the check engine light. You will likely get a diagnostic trouble code related to a lean fuel mixture .
4. Loss of Power Under Load: The car may feel sluggish when accelerating, especially when going uphill or carrying a heavy load. This is a sign that the pump cannot keep up with the fuel demand.
5. Sputtering at High Speeds: The engine may hesitate or sputter when you try to drive at highway speeds.

What to Check Before Replacing the Pump

A no-start or no-fuel condition is not always a dead pump. There are a few cheaper and easier things to check first. Replacing the pump is a lot of work, so rule out these common problems.

Fuel Pump Relay: The relay sends power to the pump. If it fails, the pump gets no electricity. The fuel pump relay on the 1997 Mirage is located behind the center console, near the automatic transmission control unit . You can swap it with a similar relay in the fuse box (like the horn relay) to test if it works. If the pump starts running after the swap, the relay was bad.

Fuel Pump Fuse: Check the fuse box under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Look for a fuse labeled "FUEL PUMP" or "MPI" (Multi-Port Injection). The 1997 Mirage uses a 10A fuse for the fuel pump circuit . If the fuse is blown, the pump will not work.

Fuel Filter: A completely clogged fuel filter can mimic a bad pump. The filter is usually mounted along the frame rail under the car. While it is rare for a filter to be fully blocked, it is worth replacing if you are having fuel delivery issues .

How to Test the Fuel Pump

Testing the pump is straightforward. You can do a quick listening test first. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). Listen near the rear of the car. You should hear a faint humming sound for about 2 to 3 seconds as the pump primes the system. If you hear nothing, the pump is not getting power or is dead.

For a more accurate test, you need to check fuel pressure. The 1997 Mirage fuel system should have pressure between 47 and 50 psi with the vacuum hose disconnected from the regulator . If the pressure is low or zero, the pump is likely bad. You can rent a fuel pressure gauge from most auto parts stores to do this test.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Fuel Pump

Once you have confirmed the pump is bad, the replacement is a job you can do at home with basic hand tools. The key is to relieve the fuel system pressure first. Fuel is flammable, so safety is important.

Step 1: Relieve Fuel Pressure
Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box. Start the engine and let it run until it stalls. Crank the engine for a few more seconds to make sure the pressure is gone. Disconnect the negative battery terminal .

Step 2: Access the Pump
Fold or remove the rear seat bottom cushion. On the 1997 Mirage, the seat usually just pulls up and out. Locate the metal access panel on the floor. Remove the screws or bolts holding it down. You will now see the top of the fuel pump module .

Step 3: Disconnect the Old Pump
Carefully clean any dirt around the top of the pump module to prevent debris from falling into the tank. Disconnect the electrical connector. Disconnect the fuel supply and return hoses. Mitsubishi uses special quick-connect fittings. You may need a special tool to release them, or you can use a flare nut wrench to avoid stripping the nuts . Be careful with these fittings. They are plastic and can break easily.

Step 4: Remove the Pump Module
There is a large locking ring holding the pump module in the tank. Use a hammer and a drift punch or a special socket to turn the ring counterclockwise. Once the ring is loose, lift the entire pump module out of the tank. Be careful, as it will be full of fuel. Set it in a drain pan.

Step 5: Install the New Pump
If you bought a complete pump assembly (which is recommended), simply swap the old module for the new one. If you only bought the pump motor itself, you will need to transfer the old plastic housing, fuel level sender, and strainer to the new pump. Make sure the rubber gasket is in good shape. Lower the new assembly into the tank, making sure the float arm does not get bent. Install the locking ring and tighten it securely.

Step 6: Reconnect and Test
Reconnect the fuel lines and the electrical connector. Reinstall the access panel and the rear seat. Reconnect the battery. Turn the key to the "ON" position and check for leaks. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check again for any fuel leaks around the access panel .

Why You Should Upgrade to a KEMSO Fuel Pump

When it comes time to replace the fuel pump on your 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage, you want a part that is reliable, performs well, and is easy to install. This is where KEMSO stands out. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacement units. They are built to meet or exceed the original factory specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and long-lasting operation for your Mirage.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a KEMSO pump is the peace of mind that comes with a lifetime warranty. If your KEMSO pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, you get a replacement at no cost. This is a rare benefit in the automotive parts industry and shows how confident KEMSO is in their product quality . KEMSO has built a reputation as the number one aftermarket fuel pump manufacturer in the US for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Their pumps are designed for gasoline and E85, and they are backed by USA-based technical support. Whether you are a DIY mechanic or a professional shop, KEMSO offers a practical, high-quality solution at a reasonable price. You can browse their full catalog and find the right pump for your Mitsubishi Mirage at their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Estimated Cost and Time

Replacing the fuel pump yourself saves a lot of money. The cost of a new pump assembly for the 1997 Mirage is typically between $80 and $150 for a quality aftermarket part. The job takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a first-timer. If you take it to a shop, expect to pay between $600 and $1,000 for the repair, depending on labor rates and parts markup .

Is It Safe to Drive with a Bad Fuel Pump?

Driving with a failing fuel pump is risky. The pump may fail completely at any time, leaving you stranded. More importantly, a failing pump can cause the engine to run lean, which can damage the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. If the pump is making a loud noise, it could be a sign of imminent failure. You should replace the pump as soon as possible to avoid being stranded or causing further damage to your engine .

Final Thoughts

The 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage fuel pump is located under the rear seat inside the fuel tank. Access is easy thanks to the factory inspection panel. When you suspect a bad pump, start by checking the relay and fuse, then test the fuel pressure. If the pump is dead, replacing it yourself is a manageable weekend project. For a reliable replacement, look for a high-quality unit like those offered by KEMSO. A quality pump, combined with a proper installation, will keep your Mirage running smoothly for many more miles.

For more information and to purchase a dependable fuel pump, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/