Fuel Tank: Description and Operation

Tank Description
The fuel supply is stored in the fuel tank. An electric fuel pump, attached to the fuel sender (inside the fuel tank) pumps fuel through an in-line filter to the fuel injection system. The fuel pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the regulated pressure needed by the fuel injectors. A fuel pressure regulator keeps fuel available to the fuel injectors at a regulated pressure. Unused fuel is returned to the fuel tank by a separate pipe.

Unleaded fuel must be used with all gasoline engines for proper emission control system operation. Using unleaded fuel will also decrease spark plug fouling and extend engine oil life. Leaded fuel can damage the emission control system, and its use can result in loss of emission warranty coverage. All vehicles with gasoline engines are equipped with an evaporative emission system that minimizes the escape of fuel vapors to the atmosphere. For information regarding this system, refer to Computers and Control Systems, Testing and Inspection, Procedures, Diagnostic Tables, [1][2]EVAP Control System Diagnosis.

The fuel tank is used to store fuel for the vehicle. The tank is located in the rear of the vehicle and is held in place by two metal straps that are attached to the underbody. The fuel tank is made of steel and is coated internally with a special corrosion inhibitor. Due to the internal coating of the fuel tank, the fuel tank is not repairable. The fuel tank shape includes a reservoir in order to maintain a constant supply of fuel around the fuel pump strainer during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers.

Filler Pipe Description
In order to prevent refueling with leaded fuel, the fuel tank filler pipe has a built-in restrictor and deflector. The opening in the built-in restrictor will only accept the smaller unleaded gasoline fuel nozzle which must be fully inserted to bypass the deflector. The fuel tank filler pipe is connected to the fuel tank filler extension by clamps.