Fuel Tank Unit: Description and Operation

FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY




The fuel sender assembly on single tank applications consists of the following major components:
- The fuel level sensor
- The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor
- The fuel tank fuel pump module
- The fuel strainer
- The fuel filter

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR
The fuel level sensor consists of a float, a wire float arm, and a ceramic resistor cord. The position of the float arm indicates the fuel level. The fuel level sensor contains a variable resistor, which changes resistance in correspondence to the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. The powertrain control module (PCM) sends the fuel level information via the class 2 circuit to the instrument panel (I/P) cluster. This information is used for the I/P fuel gage and the low fuel warning indicator, if applicable. The PCM also monitors the fuel level input for various diagnostics.

FUEL PUMP
The fuel pump is mounted in the fuel sender assembly reservoir. The fuel pump is an electric high pressure pump. Fuel is pumped to the fuel rail at a specified flow and pressure. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay. The fuel pump flex pipe acts to dampen the fuel pulses and noise generated by the fuel pump.

FUEL STRAINER
The fuel strainer attaches to the lower end of the fuel sender. The fuel strainer is made of woven plastic. The functions of the fuel strainer are to filter contaminants and to wick fuel. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment.

FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter is contained in the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. the paper filter element of the fuel filter traps particles in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system. The fuel filter housing is made to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature. There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement.