Removal and Installation

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

NOTE: Plastic fuel tank shown, steel fuel tank similar.

Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to FUEL SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION - GASOLINE & DIESEL .
Drain the fuel from the fuel tank. Refer to FUEL SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION - GASOLINE & DIESEL .
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Disconnect the fuel tank filler pipe hose and the filler pipe vent tube.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Fuel Tank Filler Pipe Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If equipped, the skid plate must be removed.

Fig 2: Positioning Jack Under Fuel Tank

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the jack under the fuel tank.

NOTE: The body has been removed in the illustration for clarity.

Fig 3: Identifying Fuel Tank Strap Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolts.
Remove the bolts.

Fig 4: Identifying Fuel Tank Strap Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Partially lower the fuel tank.

Fig 5: Removing Fuel Tank
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump. Refer to FUEL SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION - GASOLINE & DIESEL .
Disconnect the fuel tank connections.
- Disconnect the evaporative emission return tubes.
- Disconnect the fuel tank pressure sensor connector.
  
  Fig 6: Disconnecting Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Connector
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Fuel Pump Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the fuel tank.

Fig 8: Lowering Fuel Tank
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If a new fuel tank is being installed, transfer the fuel pump, fuel tank sending unit, the evaporative emissions valves, and the fuel tank pressure sensor (if equipped) to the new fuel tank.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Fig 9: Installing Fuel Tank Strap Bolts (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 10: Installing Fuel Tank Strap Bolts (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.