Tools Required

For any operation requiring removal of the fuel tank, there should be no more than 11.4 L (3 gal) of fuel remaining. This minimizes the weight of the fuel tank assembly and eases handling. The fuel level can be determined by reading the fuel level gage. A reading below 1/4 full indicates that no more than 11.4 L (3 gal) are remaining.

Warning: Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the area where work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime work is being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative battery cable, except for those tests where battery voltage is required.

Warning: Never drain or store fuel in an open container due to the possibility of fire or explosion.

Using the fuel pump to drain the tank is the easiest procedure if the fuel pump is operable. The fuel can be pumped out with the vehicle on the ground or on a hoist.

Warning: Fuel supply lines will remain pressurized for long periods of time after the engine is shutdown. This pressure must be relieved before servicing the fuel system.

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief.

Warning: Whenever fuel line fittings are loosened or removed, wrap a shop cloth around the fitting and have an approved container available to collect any fuel.

2. Disconnect the fuel feed quick connect fitting from the fuel rail. Refer Metal Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service.
3. Install the 3/8 in. x 1/4 in fitting from the SA9127E-7 into the fuel feed quick connect fitting.
4. Connect a suitable drain hose to the other end of the adapter and connect the drain hose to a certified fuel handling cart.
5. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle diagnostic connector and turn the ignition ON.
6. Energize the fuel pump using the scan tool.
7. Pump out the fuel until no more than 1/4 tank of fuel remains.

Warning: Fuel supply lines will remain pressurized for long periods of time after the engine is shutdown. This pressure must be relieved before servicing the fuel system.

1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle diagnostic connector and turn the ignition ON.
2. Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief.

Warning: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist to a comfortable working height, keeping the scan tool outside of the vehicle and accessible from under the car.

Warning: Whenever fuel line fittings are loosened or removed, wrap a shop cloth around the fitting and have an approved container available to collect any fuel.

4. Disconnect the fuel tank fuel feed line quick connect fitting from the chassis fuel feed pipe. Refer Plastic Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service.
5. Install the 3/8 in. x 1/4 in fitting from the SA9127E-7 into the fuel feed quick connect fitting.
6. Connect a suitable drain hose to the other end of the adapter and connect the drain hose to a certified fuel handling cart.
7. Energize the fuel pump using the scan tool.
8. Pump out the fuel until no more than 1/4 tank of fuel remains.

Warning: Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the area where work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime work is being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative battery cable, except for those tests where battery voltage is required.

If the fuel pump is inoperative, the tank can be drained by siphoning from the tank. A suitable means is through the fuel fill pipe with the correct type and stiffness of tubing as used with the SA9804E .

Warning: Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the area where work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime work is being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative battery cable, except for those tests where battery voltage is required.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
2. Open the fuel fill door and remove the gas cap.

Caution: Do not attempt to insert any other type of siphon hose or tube into the fuel filler pipe. The design of the inlet check valve at the end of the fuel filler tube restricts the insertion of a hose and, most importantly, prevents the removal of this hose. See Fuel Inlet Check Valve in this section. If the siphon hose becomes stuck in the check valve, the fuel filler pipe will not be able to be removed from the fuel tank without damage to the fill pipe or fuel tank.

3. Insert the siphon hose guide/funnel into the fuel fill pipe opening.

Note: The siphon hose will reach the bottom of the tank on the primary side only, within about 25.4 cm (10 in) of the end fitting and tag. When connecting the siphon hose to another length of hose that is connected to the drain tank, DO NOT insert the siphon hose into the fill pipe funnel past the tag at the fitting end. If inserted too far, the upper portion of the siphon hose may pass through the check valve cage and then jam on attempted removal.

4. Insert the hose into the guide funnel and into the fuel fill pipe. Some resistance may be encountered when the tip of the siphon hose reaches the inlet check valve. Repeated probing may be necessary to slide the hose tip through the check valve cage.

Warning: Whenever fuel lines are removed, catch fuel in an approved container. Container opening must be a minimum of 300 mm (12  in) diameter to adequately catch the fluid.

Note: The fuel flow rate from the siphon hose will range from 1.1 L/min (0.3 gal/min) up to 3.8 L/min (1 gal/min), depending on whether it is gravity siphoned or with an air-powered pump.

5. Begin the fuel siphoning process. Place the fuel into an approved fuel container.
6. Remove the siphon hose from the fuel fill pipe after draining is complete.