1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Fuel Pump Location: Exactly Where to Find & Access It

The fuel pump in your 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage is located inside the fuel tank, accessible through an access panel under the rear seat cushion.

Understanding the precise location and access method for the fuel pump is vital when your Mirage exhibits symptoms like hard starting, engine stalling, sputtering under load, or a complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won't fire. This guide provides definitive, step-by-step information based on mechanical principles to locate and access the fuel pump in your '97 Mirage.

Precise Location within the Vehicle

The fuel tank in the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage sits underneath the central area of the rear passenger compartment. This mid-ship placement contributes to balanced vehicle weight distribution. The fuel pump assembly itself is submerged within the gasoline inside the tank.

Access to the pump isn't direct. Instead, Mitsubishi provides a dedicated service point directly above the section of the tank where the fuel pump module is mounted. You reach this by removing the rear seat bottom cushion. Underneath this cushion, usually covered by carpeting or a protective mat, lies the fuel pump access cover or panel. This design removes the necessity of dropping the entire fuel tank for pump replacement or diagnosis in most circumstances, significantly simplifying the process. Confirming this location is the first critical step in servicing the fuel pump.

Removing the Rear Seat Bottom for Access

Accessing the fuel pump begins inside the vehicle. Here's the exact procedure:

1. Clear the Rear Seat Area: Remove any items, like loose objects or seat covers, resting on or attached to the rear seat bottom cushion.
2. Locate the Release Mechanisms: The rear seat bottom cushion in the Mirage is held in place by clips or tangs near the front edge where it meets the seat back. Sometimes, these might be connected to small fabric loops at the front corners. Examine the seam between the seat bottom and the seat back/floor area.
3. Lift the Front Edge Upward: Firmly grasp the front edge of the seat bottom cushion (near the seat back) and pull straight upwards. You might need to apply significant force in a single, sharp, upward motion. Hear or feel the clips releasing.
4. Detach and Remove: Once the front clips disengage, slightly tilt the cushion forward and lift it upwards and out of the vehicle. Set it aside safely where it won't get damaged.

Finding and Opening the Fuel Pump Access Cover

With the seat removed, look at the exposed floor pan area. You will likely see carpeting or a protective fiberboard panel. Directly beneath the area where the seat sat, look for an outline indicating a separate panel:

1. Examine the Floor: Feel or look for a distinct rectangular or oval outline in the floor material, often slightly recessed or defined by cut lines. This outline precisely matches the fuel pump module flange inside the tank.
2. Locate Mounting Points: Within this outline, find the fasteners holding the access panel down. The 1997 Mirage typically uses several screws (often Philips or 10mm bolts) positioned around the edge of the panel.
3. Remove Fasteners: Use the appropriate screwdriver or socket to carefully remove these screws/bolts one by one. Place them together securely to avoid loss. Make sure all fasteners are fully removed before proceeding.
4. Clean Around the Cover: Before lifting, quickly vacuum or wipe away loose debris immediately surrounding the cover's edge. This prevents dirt from falling into the fuel tank when you open it.
5. Remove the Access Cover: Carefully lift the access panel straight up. It might feel stuck initially if sealed with old dirt or minor factory sealant residue. Avoid prying aggressively. Once lifted, set it aside safely.

Identifying the Fuel Pump Module Inside

Looking down through the opening in the tank, you will observe the fuel pump assembly submerged partly in fuel. The assembly includes several key components mounted on a large circular carrier plate or flange:

1. The Carrier Plate (Flange): This substantial plastic or metal plate seals the opening against the fuel tank. You will see multiple fuel lines and an electrical wiring connector passing through it.
2. Electrical Connector: A multi-wire electrical connector plugs into the top of the pump module assembly. This provides power directly from the vehicle's electrical system to run the pump.
3. Fuel Supply Line: A rigid or flexible plastic or metal line carries pressurized fuel from the pump module outlet towards the engine bay and the fuel injectors. This is typically the smaller diameter line on the assembly.
4. Fuel Return Line (if applicable): Some models utilize a fuel return system where excess fuel circulates back to the tank. If present, another fuel line, potentially similar in size or slightly smaller than the supply line, will connect to the module. The 1997 Mirage may have this depending on engine configuration (consult specifics for your trim level).
5. The Fuel Pump Itself: The actual pump component is submerged beneath the fuel level within the assembly. It might not be fully visible, but it's the core mechanism housed within the module structure attached to the carrier plate.
6. Fuel Level Sender: This component is mechanically linked to the fuel float arm. As fuel levels change, this sender varies the electrical resistance signal sent to the fuel gauge on your instrument panel. It's a distinct part attached to the carrier plate, separate from the pump motor. You observe the float arm extending down into the fuel.

The Mechanics of Tank Mounting Explained

Mounting the pump assembly inside the fuel tank offers critical functional advantages:

1. Cooling: Gasoline acts as an effective coolant for the electric pump motor during operation. Submergence prevents overheating and extends pump life. The fuel dissipates the heat generated by the pump motor's operation far more efficiently than if the pump were mounted externally.
2. Noise Dampening: The surrounding fuel and the density of the fuel tank significantly muffle the inherent operating noise of the pump motor. An external pump would create noticeable whine or hum heard inside the vehicle.
3. Priming Ability: The pump always remains submerged below the fuel level when the tank has sufficient volume. This submerged position eliminates the need for the pump to create suction lift against gravity ("priming") each time the engine starts, facilitating reliable fuel delivery instantly. External pumps require careful plumbing to maintain prime.
4. Simplified Plumbing: Positioning the pump inside the tank reduces the need for complex external mounting brackets and extensive high-pressure fuel plumbing running underneath the car. This layout potentially reduces potential leak points outside the tank.
5. Protection: The robust fuel tank shell provides substantial physical protection for the pump against road debris, impact damage, and environmental elements (moisture, salt, dirt). External pumps are more vulnerable.

Before Attempting Repair: Critical Safety & Preparation

Safety is paramount when dealing with pressurized fuel systems. Follow these mandatory steps before disconnecting anything at the pump module:

1. Disable the Fuel System:
   • Locate the fuel pump fuse in the engine compartment or interior fuse panel. Consult your Mirage owner's manual for its exact location and rating.
   • Start the engine. It will run until the fuel pressure in the line drops below the required level, then stall.
   • Crank the engine again for 3-5 seconds to further depressurize the line. This ensures pressure is bled off significantly.
   • Turn the ignition key to OFF.
   • Remove the fuel pump fuse identified earlier. Do not skip this step even after attempting to run the engine dry.
2. Disconnect the Battery Ground Cable: Locate the negative (-) battery terminal post. Use a wrench (usually 10mm) to loosen the clamp nut and carefully lift the negative cable end completely off the battery terminal. Secure it away so it cannot accidentally contact the terminal during your work. This prevents electrical sparks near the fuel vapors and ensures the pump cannot activate.
3. Work Area Preparedness:
   • Ventilation: Perform the work in a well-ventilated area – ideally outdoors or in a space with strong airflow. Avoid confined garages without significant ventilation. Open doors and windows if indoors.
   • No Ignition Sources: Strictly prohibit smoking, open flames, pilot lights, or sparks anywhere near the work area. Be aware that common electrical tools (non-spark-resistant drills, impact wrenches) can produce sparks internally. Use battery-powered tools with caution only after the pump module is safely removed from the tank or stick to hand tools.
   • Fire Extinguisher: Have a working Class B (flammable liquids) fire extinguisher immediately at hand and ensure you know how to operate it quickly.
   • Eye Protection: Wear approved safety goggles throughout the entire procedure to protect against unexpected fuel spray or debris.
   • Floor Protection: Lay down absorbent shop towels or oil-dry material around the immediate work area underneath the access hole to catch any minor fuel drips when disconnecting components. Have a container ready for used towels after.
   • Cleanliness: Keep the work area around the access opening and any disconnected components meticulously clean to prevent contaminants from entering the fuel system.

Removing and Replacing the Fuel Pump Module

Once safety preparations are fully complete and pressure is relieved:

1. Disconnect the Electrical Connector:
   • Locate the locking tab on the pump module's electrical connector.
   • Press or lift the lock tab according to its specific design while gently pulling the connector block straight off. Avoid pulling by the wires. Use pliers to gently rock it loose only if absolutely necessary, exercising extreme caution to avoid wire damage. Set the connector aside safely.
2. Disconnect Fuel Lines:
   • Supply Line: Identify the smaller fuel line. Depending on your model year variant, it will use either:
     • Quick-Connect Fittings: Locate the release tabs on the plastic body of the fitting. Squeeze the tabs inward or outward simultaneously while firmly pulling the line off the pump module stub. Press the fitting body slightly onto the stub first to release tension before squeezing tabs and pulling is often necessary. Do not twist. A specialty fuel line disconnect tool set (available at auto parts stores) makes this significantly easier and safer.
     • Threaded Metal Lines: Use a backup wrench on the module's fuel line nut and another appropriate size wrench on the fuel line fitting itself. Hold the module nut firmly stationary while turning the fuel line fitting counter-clockwise to break it loose. Be prepared for minor residual fuel drips. Have absorbent towels ready immediately.
   • Return Line (if equipped): If your Mirage has a return system, disconnect this line next using the appropriate method (quick-connect or threaded) as above. This line is typically slightly larger than the supply line, but confirm visually.
3. Mark the Module Orientation: Before loosening the locking ring, use a paint marker or center punch to make a small alignment mark on the tank flange and a corresponding mark on the pump module carrier plate. This ensures correct rotational positioning during reassembly, which is critical for the fuel level sender float arm to travel freely.
4. Loosen and Remove the Locking Ring:
   • You see a large, threaded plastic ring encircling the carrier plate. This ring seals the assembly against the tank.
   • Use a sturdy brass punch or a dedicated fuel pump lock ring tool. Place the tool's tip into the ring's notches or striking points.
   • Tap the tool counter-clockwise sharply with a hammer. Continue tapping around the ring until it spins freely by hand. Do not use excessive force that could crack the ring.
   • Lift the locking ring off completely and set it aside.
5. Remove the Pump Module:
   • Grasp the pump module carrier plate firmly.
   • Carefully lift the entire assembly upwards and out of the tank hole. Keep the assembly upright as much as possible during removal to prevent residual fuel inside the module cavity from spilling unnecessarily. Be aware that the fuel level sender float arm might be hooked over edges inside the tank; gently rotate the assembly if needed to clear obstructions.
   • Place the removed module directly into a clean, lint-free catch pan or on ample absorbent towels to drain residual fuel.
6. Replacement Considerations:
   • Component Replacement: When replacing the pump itself, it is attached to the carrier plate. Replace all critical seals (O-rings, gaskets) bundled with the new pump or kit without exception. Using old seals guarantees leaks.
   • Full Module Replacement: Replacing the entire assembly (carrier plate, pump, sender, filter sock) often provides the most reliable long-term repair, especially if components are aged or fuel contamination is suspected.
   • Critical Seals: Identify the large O-ring seal that creates the main tank-to-carrier plate seal. Never reuse the old main O-ring. Inspect the surface of the tank's seal groove for cracks or debris and clean it meticulously. The smaller O-rings sealing the fuel line connectors to the plate should also always be replaced. These seals degrade over time and exposure.
   • Filter Sock Replacement: Always replace the fuel filter sock (inlet strainer) on the bottom of the pump inlet tube if you are replacing the pump. A clogged sock was likely a contributing factor to pump failure or will become one soon if left in place. Ensure the sock is securely attached to the inlet tube.
7. Reinstallation Steps: Reverse the removal process meticulously:
   • Clean the carrier plate flange and tank sealing surface meticulously with a lint-free cloth dampened with clean gasoline only. Avoid solvent sprays near the open tank unless specifically designed for fuel systems; fumes are dangerous. Wipe dry with a clean rag. Ensure the mating surface is perfectly smooth and free of debris.
   • Apply a very thin film of fresh, clean gasoline or petroleum jelly only to the new large main O-ring to lubricate it and prevent pinching during insertion. Avoid thick lubricants like oil or grease which can deteriorate rubber. Seat the O-ring properly into its groove on the carrier plate.
   • Carefully lower the pump module assembly into the tank opening, ensuring the alignment marks you made earlier approximately match up. Gently rotate the module slightly if necessary for the float arm to clear the tank's interior shapes. Seat it firmly and squarely onto the tank opening.
   • Screw the locking ring onto the carrier plate threads by hand clockwise initially to ensure cross-threading doesn't occur. Once finger tight, use the brass punch or lock ring tool and hammer to tap the ring clockwise firmly until it feels snug and fully seated. Avoid over-tightening which risks cracking the plastic ring or distorting the seal. Refer to a factory service manual for the exact torque specification if available; otherwise, firm hand tightness plus a slight further tightening with the tool is usually sufficient.
   • Reconnect the fuel lines using the appropriate methods, ensuring fittings click fully (quick-connect) or are tightened securely (threaded) with backup wrenches to prevent twisting.
   • Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks securely, ensuring the locking tab engages fully.
   • Carefully visually inspect that all connections are secure and components are positioned correctly without binding.

Critical Post-Installation Steps

1. Reinstall Access Cover: Place the metal access cover back over the opening. Ensure it's clean and properly positioned. Reinstall and tighten its screws/bolts securely to ensure a tight seal against dirt intrusion.
2. Reinstall Carpet/Fiberboard & Rear Seat: Reposition the carpet or protective layer over the access area. Carefully place the rear seat bottom cushion back into position, ensuring its retaining clips engage fully into the floor brackets with an audible click. Push down firmly on the front edge of the cushion to secure it.
3. Reconnect the Fuel Pump Fuse: Insert the fuel pump fuse back into its slot in the fuse box. Ensure it's the correct fuse.
4. Turn Ignition ON: With the fuel pump fuse replaced but the battery still disconnected, briefly turn the ignition key to the ON (RUN) position. You should hear the fuel pump run for about 2-3 seconds to pressurize the system. This primes the lines and allows you to check for audible signs of proper pump operation and visually inspect for major fuel leaks at the access area. Listen carefully for the pump motor noise. Observe the access cover area and fuel lines underneath for any sign of dripping. If you detect any immediate, significant leaks, turn the ignition OFF immediately and recheck connections before proceeding further.
5. Reconnect Battery Ground: Securely reattach the negative (-) battery cable to its terminal post. Tighten the clamp nut firmly.
6. Final Leak Check & Start-Up:
   • Turn the ignition key to ON (RUN) again and listen for the pump prime cycle.
   • Visually re-check the pump module area and fuel line connections you worked on for any sign of leaks. Pay close attention to the main seal area and fuel line fittings.
   • Finally, crank the engine. It may take several extra seconds (5-10 seconds of cranking) for the system to purge any remaining air and build full pressure, especially if the lines were drained significantly. Avoid prolonged continuous cranking. Cycle the key OFF-ON (pump primes) and try again if necessary.
   • Once the engine starts, let it idle. Keep a fire extinguisher immediately accessible. Closely monitor the work area underneath the rear seat for any signs of fuel leakage or odor for several minutes.
   • Verify the fuel gauge operation indicates a level consistent with the amount of fuel you know is in the tank. Perform gentle driving maneuvers initially to ensure no hesitation or stalling occurs.
   • Dispose of absorbent towels and fuel residue properly at an approved hazardous waste facility or via gasoline-specific disposal methods provided by your local authority. Gasoline-soaked rags present a serious fire hazard; store them temporarily in a sealed metal container away from all ignition sources until disposal.

Understanding the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage's fuel pump location inside the tank and accessing it via the rear seat access panel empowers owners to approach diagnosis and replacement confidently and safely. By meticulously following the necessary safety protocols and procedures outlined above, you can effectively resolve fuel pump issues and restore reliable operation to your vehicle.