[FIXED] 2000 Mercury Mystique Fuel Pump Connector

Hi Guys,

My son is working on replacing the fuel pump in his car (we confirmed using SD's diagnostic techniques that fuel pump is indeed bad). One problem he has run into is he cannot figure out how to disconnect the fuel line without breaking the connector (see pic). He is squeezing the tabs, and prying firmly (but not TOO firmly) on the plastic connector. It will slide out about 1/4 inch, but will not release. I am concerned if he pries too hard he will break the connector. Is there a trick or special tool needed for getting these off?

Thanks, Ron

Hmmm. Looks like my pic disappeared. I

t was only 726k.

Sometimes it helps if you press the line in as far as it will go, then squeeze the locking tabs, then pull the line out. I use a slight twisting motion when possible as well.
That one looks weird, I don't recognize that style connector...

I don't recognize that style, either. What was wrong with any of the other quick disconnect fittings out there?

I like what Noah suggested. You can also try spraying a little lube into the connector to help get things moving.

Thx for the idea. Tried it, and as with all other techniques I have tried it will move just a bit and then it will not budge. It feels like something in there is just not releasing. I am concerned if I pry on it too hard I will break it, and then really have an open can of worms.

is this a natural gas vehicle?

Just noticed the date on the sticker, second go around for this fuel pump.
North American market?

No, regular unleaded.

Yeah I noticed the sticker on the fuel pump also. Could be whoever did it previously did not clean the fuel tank.

Do you a have a small pick tool you can probe around inside the connector? You may be able to feel the releasing mechanism and gently release it/them while wiggling the line.

I ended up paying a mobile mechanic $75 to come over and disconnect the thing. In the end it was a matter of squeezing the tabs with the collar properly oriented, and wiggling and pulling until it came off. Yeah I had to spend a little money, but it was worth it because I likely would have broken it.

Guys, THANK you for taking the time to make suggestions. This was just one of those times when I had to bring in some experience.

Glad to hear you got it disconnected! No worries about calling the mobile guy, we all need help sometimes.

I actually sifted through quite a few YouTube videos trying to find something on this connector, came up short. Everything I could find had two lines at the pump, red and white, that used a different style connector. Different engines, maybe?

Yes, there are two different engine and two different fuel systems on these cars according to what I have read. The connector type on my son's car is, I believe, associated with the returnless fuel system. The dual, colored connectors are associated with the return system. But yeah, I had gone through quite a few videos online and never did find a situation with my exact setup.

Thanks again for this great forum.

Agreed, no shame in asking for help when you need it. I don't know how many times I've struggled endlessly at what should be a simple task, only to have someone come and give it the magic touch!