Removal and Installation

WARNING:

Do not smoke or carry an open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.

WARNING:

The evaporative emissions system contains fuel vapor and condensed fuel vapor. Although not present in large quantities, it still presents the danger of explosion or fire. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery to minimize the possibility of an electrical spark occurring, and possibly causing a fire or explosion if fuel vapor or liquid fuel are present in the area. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

WARNING:

Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure, even when the engine is not running. Before repairing or disconnecting any of the fuel system components, the fuel system pressure must be relieved to prevent accidental spraying of fuel causing personal injury or a fire hazard.

WARNING:

The fuel in the tank may be pressurized. Remove the fuel tank cap slowly. If a hissing sound is heard, wait until the condition stops before removing the fuel tank filler cap. If these precautions are not followed, fuel may spray and cause personal injury.

Drain the fuel tank. See FUEL TANK DRAINING .
Remove the left rear wheel. See WHEELS AND TIRES .
Remove the rivets and the fuel tank filler tube shield.

Fig 1: Removing Rivets And Fuel Tank Filler Tube Shield
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the fuel tank filler hose and the fuel tank filler vent hose from the fuel filler tube.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Fuel Tank Filler Hose And Fuel Tank Filler Vent Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
On 4WD vehicles, remove the muffler. For additional information, for 2.3L engine, see MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE or for 3.0L (4V) engine, see MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE .
On 4WD vehicles, remove the driveshaft. See DRIVESHAFT .
Disconnect the electrical connector.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Electrical Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Use a suitable jack to support the fuel tank.
Disconnect the vapor hose.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Vapor Hose
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the pin-type retainer from the fuel tank strap and position the parking brake cable aside.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Pin-Type Retainer From Fuel Tank Strap
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolts and the fuel tank straps.
Lower and remove the fuel tank.

Fig 6: Removing Fuel Tank
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
1. Use the Heavy-Duty Riveter to install the rivets.