How to Install a Fuel Tank in a Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinders have been part of the Nissan family since the late 1980s as a SUV with truck-like qualities. The Pathfinder has evolved into a more refined SUV model for family trips and other extracurricular activities. Installing a fuel tank into all Pathfinder models is an adventure in itself, but it is possible if you choose to do it yourself.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fuel container
• Floor jack
• Wooden board
• Towel

1. Unplug the negative battery cable from your car battery. Take off the fuel tank protective cover to gain access to the fuel tank. Remove the drain plug from the tank bottom and empty the fuel into a fuel container. Detach the fuel filler hose, fuel return hose and all other hoses from the fuel tank.

2. Unfasten the tank bolts and remove the tank straps from the fuel tank. Using a floor jack, lower the fuel tank with a wooden board underneath for support. Put the old fuel tank aside in a well-ventilated area.

3. Get your new fuel tank from any auto supply store. Use the floor jack and the wooden board to lift it up under the trunk. Fasten the tank mounting bolts on each side of the tank. Attach the gauge unit wires to the top fuel tank electrical connector.

4. Plug in the ventilation hose, the fuel return hose and the fuel outlet hose into the fuel tank top. Re-attach the gauge unit wires to the tank's electrical connector. Also put the filler tube into the filler hose before replacing it on the fuel tank.

5. Empty the contents of the fuel container back into your new fuel tank. Make sure the container is empty before covering the tank. Put the drain plug into the fuel tank to keep the fuel in, and put the tank's protective cover on to protect it from damage. Activate the car battery by plugging in the negative battery cable.

6. Look underneath your car for any loosely connected wiring. Check your engine by letting your car run for a few minutes to see how it runs. Once you confirm everything is working, start driving your Pathfinder like you normally would.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a towel underneath your Pathfinder to catch any potential fuel leaks.
• Label all hoses, wires and containers in order to avoid putting something in the wrong place. Make sure everything is labeled correctly to prevent confusion.
• Don't smoke or light a match around gasoline to avoid starting a fire.
• It's not recommended to breathe in gasoline fumes because the smell is toxic enough to make you pass out.

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