Removal and Installation

WARNING: Do not smoke, carry lighted tobacco or have 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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not carry personal electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers or audio equipment of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Before working on or disconnecting any of the fuel tubes or fuel system components, relieve the fuel system pressure to prevent accidental spraying of fuel. Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure, even when the engine is not running. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: When handling fuel, always observe fuel handling precautions and be prepared in the event of fuel spillage. Spilled fuel may be ignited by hot vehicle components or other ignition sources. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Always disconnect the battery ground cable at the battery when working on an evaporative emission (EVAP) system or fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

All vehicles

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
Drain the fuel tank. For additional information, refer to FUEL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
Remove the muffler and tailpipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles

Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .

All vehicles

NOTE: Some residual fuel may remain in the fuel tank filler pipe after draining the fuel tank. Carefully drain any residual fuel into a suitable container.

Release the clamp and remove the fuel tank filler pipe hose from the fuel tank.
- To install, tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
Disconnect the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) canister fresh air hose from the fuel tank filler pipe fresh air hose.
Disconnect the fuel vapor tube assembly-to-fuel tank filler pipe recirculation tube quick connect coupling. For additional information, refer to FUEL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
Disconnect the fuel tank jumper tube-to-fuel tube quick connect coupling. For additional information, refer to FUEL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
Remove the EVAP canister. For additional information, refer to EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS .
Position a suitable lifting device under the fuel tank.
Loosen the 2 rear fuel tank strap bolts.
- Calculate the correct torque wrench setting for the following torque using the equations in the following illustration.
  
  Fig 1: Torque Wrench Adapter Formulas
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- To install, use a torque adapter and tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
Remove the 2 front fuel tank strap bolts.
- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).

NOTE: Do not bend or distort the fuel tank straps.

Release the 2 straps from the fuel tank and carefully position aside.
Partially lower the fuel tank enough to allow access to the fuel tank wire to the main body wiring harness electrical connector.
Release the 2 wire harness retainers and disconnect the fuel tank wire to the main body wire harness electrical connector.
Completely lower and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.