How to Remove a Fuel Sending Unit
The fuel sending unit is vital to the life of the car because it controls your fuel gauge. The sending unit, usually attached to the fuel pump in the fuel tank, floats on top of the gasoline and signals the position that the needle records on your fuel gauge. In some cars or trucks when the sending unit gets to a certain position it will signal the low fuel alarm.
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Things You'll Need
- Ratchet
- Socket Set
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hammer
- Chock
- Car jack
- Pliers
- New sending unit
Instructions
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1
Drain the fuel from the gas tank. Some vehicles have a plug you can unscrew with a pair of pliers. The plug will be located at the bottom of the gas tank.
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2
Jack the car up from the rear. Be sure to chock the wheels of the car for safety.
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3
Unscrew the bolts on the two straps holding the tank in place. The straps will have a bolt on each side.
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4
Drop the tank but keep it from dropping to the ground. This could injure the wires or the lines running to the fuel tank.
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5
Unsnap the wires running to the tank.The wires are installed with a quick-release connector.
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6
Remove the fuel tank inlet hose. Loosen the hose clamp with a flat head screwdriver. This hose is located at the back of the tank.
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7
Remove the fuel lines. They are also installed with a quick-disconnect fitting for easier access.
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8
Unscrew the cap at the top of the tank. The fuel sending unit and fuel pump are submerged in the fuel tank.You may need to break the cap loose with a chisel or screwdriver and a hammer. Tap the cap with the chisel by striking the top of it with the hammer and turn counterclockwise.
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9
Pull the fuel sending unit out of the tank. In most cases the sending unit and pump are installed together. This can be remedied by removing the small screws holding them together. The sending unit has a long rod with a float attached to the end of it.
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10
Now you are ready to install your new fuel sending unit.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to replace the O-ring when you install the new sending unit and put the tank back together. Clean the tank and flush out the sediments by spraying with water or gasoline. If you decide to use water be sure to let it dry completely to get all moisture out of the tank. Rinse with gasoline to get any remaining water out of the tank.
When the vehicle is on a jack, check that the parking brake is set and the front wheels are chocked to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
