Things You'll Need:
- Goggles
- Small screwdriver
- Piece of rag
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Step 1
Locate the relief switch or valve on your vehicle. Some 1980-90 models came equipped with a fuel pump switch or “inertia switch” in the back of the car, which shuts off fuel to the engine in case of a collision.
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Step 2
On these models, find and remove a small rubber plug (about one to two inches in diameter) located in the luggage compartment.
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Step 3
Peeking through the hole, you will see part of the fuel pump switch assembly (a small plastic box) with a small reset button on top. Depress this button to relieve fuel pressure.
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Step 4
Crank the engine for 10 or 15 seconds. The fuel pressure in the line has now been relieved. Once you finished working on the fuel system, simply press the reset button again to reactivate the fuel pump.
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Step 5
On some 1980 and most newer fuel-injected models, fuel pressure is relieved through a Schrader valve. This type of valve is located in the fuel rail, close to the injection system in the engine compartment. It is similar to an air valve in a tire.
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Step 6
After you locate the valve, you are almost ready for the final step. Before you proceed, it is recommended that you disconnect the car battery and place a rug on top to cover the two battery posts. This extra step will prevent any tools or some other object falling on your battery, causing a spark that may ignite the fuel as you relieve pressure on the fuel system.
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Step 7
Wearing your goggles and using a small screwdriver, press the “needle” inside the Schrader valve with your arm fully extended and looking away from it. If possible, use a rag to hold the screwdriver while you relieve the system pressure, as a small but possibly strong squirt of fuel may come out from the line. Now the pressure in the gas line has been relieved. After you finish working on the fuel system, simply reconnect the battery.
