GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Have a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher near the work area.

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
  2. Relieve fuel system pressure, refer to Fuel Pressure Relief .
  3. Drain fuel tank, refer to Fuel Tank Draining .
  4. Remove the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement - Right Side and Fuel Tank Replacement - Left Side .
  5. Remove the fuel sender assembly, refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
  6. • Whenever the fuel tank is cleaned, the fuel pump strainer must be inspected. If the strainer is contaminated, replace the strainer and inspect the fuel pump.
    • Inspect the fuel pump inlet for dirt and debris. If found, replace the fuel pump.
  7. Flush the fuel tank with hot water.
  8. Pour the water out of the fuel sender assembly opening.
  9. Rock tank to be sure that removal of water from tank is complete.

In-line Fuel Filter Inspection

  1. Inspect the in-line fuel filter for contamination.
  2. Replace the fuel filter if the filter is plugged.

Fuel Pipe Cleaning

Clean the fuel lines by applying air pressure in the opposite direction of the fuel flow.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Do not fold or twist the strainer when installing the sending unit. This action restricts fuel flow.

  1. Install the new strainer (if necessary) on the fuel sender assembly.
  2. Install the fuel sender assembly with a new seal into the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
  3. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement - Right Side and Fuel Tank Replacement - Left Side .
  4. Disconnect the fuel feed line at the front of the vehicle.
  5. Connect a hose to the fuel feed line at the front of the vehicle.
  6. Insert the end of the hose into a 3.8 liter (one gallon) fuel can.
  7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
  8. Install 23 liters (6 gallons) of clean fuel into the fuel tank.
  9. Energize the fuel pump relay (by way of the Tech 2 ) in order to operate the fuel pump, until 2 liters (1/2 gallons) of fuel flows into the fuel can. This will purge the fuel pump.
  10. Install the fuel feed line at the front of the vehicle.
  11. Check all the connections, for leaks.
  12. Tighten all the hose clamps.

Leak Test

If fuel is leaking from the tank, the tank should be replaced. Make sure that the fuel lines are not leaking onto the tank.

  1. Remove the fuel tank.
  2. Drain the tank.
  3. Plug all of the outlets.
  4. Apply 7-10 kPa (1-1.5 psi) air pressure through the vent tube.
  5. Test for leaks with a soap solution or by submersion.
  6. Replace the tank if a leak is found.