I recently replaced the fuel pump in my 03 xj8, it started prior to the swap but I know it was on the way out, anyway after putting everything back together the car will crank but won't start except with starting fluid, fuel gauge also reads completely empty even though I have about 2 gallons in the tank what did I do wrong here

 

With 2 gallons in the tank are you sure the new pump is primed? That'd me my first guess. Try putting more fuel in the tank.
FYI, running your tank that low all the time is a good way to take a pump out in the first place. What happens when you go up or down a hill? Your pump gets starved.
I never run mine any lower than a 1/4 tank on any vehicle and in 45 years of driving dozens and dozens of vehicles I've never had a fuel pump go out. Coincidence maybe but...just saying. Take it for what you will.
I also change my fuel filters regularly. Something often overlooked by many.

 

Check fuel pressure and fuel pump fuses and relays.

 

I have seen people forget to connect the electrical plug to either the pump or evaporative flange.

 

There is a secret fuse that controls the fuel pump relay other then the heavy power that passes through the relay

The secret is located.................the schematic is not opening up on the Jagrepair . com website but is in the engine schematic page X

Even if the pump is not primed you should be able to hear it with the trunk open

If it is the case the pump is not primed you don't want to run it too long as it has no cooling

in cycling the ignition key switch you will get a 4 second fuel pump run then it will stop

 

poke the schrader valve


if you get sprayed in the face you have gas

 

The pump is a "positive displacement" type so it does not need any priming.

 

Just a thought, unless you are already running, check the inertia switch by the driver kick panel-front of!

jagger98