Draining Fuel Tank
Observe the following precautions when working on fuel systems: No sparks, open flames or smoking. Avoid inhaling and swallowing fuel. Avoid eye and skin contact with fuel. Pour fuels only into suitable and appropriately marked containers. Wear protective clothing. Failure to observe these precautions may result in fire, explosion, property damage, and serious or fatal injury.
The fuel system may be under constant fuel pressure even with the engine off. This pressure must be released before servicing the fuel tank.
Two different procedures may be used to drain the fuel tank: directly from the tank, or from the fuel rail connection at the engine using a diagnostic scan tool to activate the fuel pump.
The quickest draining procedure involves removing the rubber fuel fill hose at the fuel tank fill fitting or removing the fuel pump module. Refer to MODULE, FUEL PUMP, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
As an alternative procedure, the electric fuel pump may be activated allowing the tank to be drained at fuel rail connection. Refer to the scan tool for fuel pump activation procedures. Before disconnecting fuel line at fuel rail, release the fuel pressure
Refer to FUEL DELIVERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
If the electric fuel pump is not operating, fuel must be drained through the fuel fill fitting at the tank. Refer to the following procedures:
- Release fuel system pressure. Refer to FUEL DELIVERY, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), disconnect the IBS connector first before disconnecting the negative battery cable.
- Remove the fuel fill cap.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Thoroughly clean the area around the fuel fill fitting and rubber fuel fill hose at the fuel tank.
- Loosen the CLIC E® type clamp (1) using (special tool #10288, Pliers, Hose Clamp) and remove the fuel fill hose from the fuel tank fitting.
- Position a drain hose into the fuel fill hose opening. Note that a small flapper valve is installed into the opening.
- Drain the fuel from the fuel tank with approved siphoning equipment and store the fuel in an approved fuel storage container.