Fuel Tank: Service and Repair
FUEL TANK
Removal and Installation
REMOVAL
WARNING: Read General Precautions before working on the fuel system. Refer to "General Precautions".
1. Check the fuel level with the vehicle on a level surface. If the fuel gauge indicates more than the level as shown (7/8 full), drain the fuel from the fuel tank until the fuel gauge indicates a level at or below as shown (7/8 full).
- In case the fuel pump does not operate, use the following procedure.
a. Insert fuel tubing of less than 25 mm (0.98 in) diameter into the fuel filler tube through the fuel filler opening to drain fuel from the fuel filler tube.
b. Disconnect the fuel filler hose from the fuel filler tube.
c. Insert fuel tubing into the fuel tank through the fuel filler hose to drain fuel from the fuel tank.
- As a guide, the fuel level reaches or is less than the level on the fuel gauge as shown, when approximately 10 l (2 5/8 US gal, 2 1/4 Imp gal) of fuel is drained from a full fuel tank.
2. Open the fuel door and unscrew the fuel filler cap to release the pressure inside the fuel tank.
3. Release the fuel pressure from the fuel lines. Refer to "FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE".
4. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
5. Remove rear seat bottom. Refer to "Removal and Installation".
6. Reposition the rear floor carpet out of the way to remove the fuel pump inspection hole cover.
7. Turn the four retainers 90 ° in a clockwise direction and remove the fuel pump inspection hole cover.
8. Disconnect the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly electrical connector; and the fuel feed hose from the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly.
a. Disconnect the quick connectors as follows:
- Hold the sides of the connector, push in tubs and pull out the tube.
- If the connector and the tube are stuck together, push and pull several times until they start to move. Then disconnect them by pulling.
CAUTION:
- The tube can be removed when the tabs are completely depressed. Do not twist it more than necessary.
- Do not use any tools to remove the quick connector.
- Keep the resin tube away from heat. Be especially careful when welding near the tube.
- Prevent acid liquid such as battery electrolyte, from getting on the resin tube.
- Do not bend or twist the tube during installation and removal.
- Only when the tube is replaced, remove the remaining retainer on the tube or fuel level sensor, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly.
- When the tube or fuel level sensor, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly is replaced, also replace the retainer with a new one (green colored retainer).
- To keep the connecting portion clean and to avoid damage and foreign materials, cover them completely with plastic bags or something similar.
9. Remove the center exhaust tube, with mufflers. Refer to "Removal and Installation".
10. Disconnect the three parking brake cable mounting brackets on each cable and position the cables out of the way.
11. Remove the fuel tank protector.
12. Disconnect the fuel filler hose, recirculation hose and EVAP canister hose at the fuel tank as shown.
13. Disconnect the fuel tank mounting straps while supporting the fuel tank.
14. Remove the fuel tank.
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
- Before tightening the fuel tank mounting straps, temporarily install the filler hose, recirculation hose, and signal hose. Tighten all fasteners to specification.
- Connect the quick connector as follows:
- Check the connection for damage or any foreign materials.
- Align the connector with the tube, then insert the connector straight into the tube until a click is heard.
- After the tube is connected, make sure the connection is secure by pulling on the tube and the connector to make sure they are securely connected.
- Visually confirm that the two retainer tabs are connected to the quick connector.
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
Use the following procedure to check for fuel leaks:
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (without starting the engine) to check the connections for fuel leaks with the electric fuel pump applying fuel pressure to the fuel piping.
2. Start the engine and let it idle to check that there are no fuel leaks at the fuel system tube and hose connections.