The supply of fuel is stored in the fuel tank. An electric fuel pump sends pressurized the fuel to the fuel filter, thru the fuel lines and into the fuel rail. The electric fuel pump is suspended from the top of the fuel tank as part of the fuel sender assembly. The fuel pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the regulated pressure needed by the fuel injectors. The fuel pressure regulator keeps the fuel supplied to the fuel injectors at the regulated pressure.
The fuel tank has a storage capacity of 50 liters (13.2 gallons). The tank is manufactured from steel and is located behind the rear seat area. The tank is held in place with four bolts. The shape of this tank was designed to allow for a constant supply of fuel around the fuel pump strainer during low fuel conditions and also during aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The fuel inlet port on the tank is equipped with an inlet valve. This fuel tank inlet valve prevents the fuel from spewing into the fuel filler neck during aggressive vehicle maneuvers or vehicle rollovers.
The fuel tank, pipes, and hoses should be checked for any road damage which could result in leakage. Also inspect the fuel filler cap for a correct seal and any indications of physical damage.
In order to prevent refueling with leaded fuel, the fuel filler neck has a built-in restrictor and deflector. The opening of the restrictor only admits the smaller unleaded fuel nozzle. The nozzle must be fully inserted to bypass the deflector. Any attempt at refueling with leaded fuel will result in fuel splashing out of the filler neck.
Notice: If a fuel tank filler pipe cap requires replacement, use only a fuel tank filler pipe cap with the same features. Failure to use the correct fuel tank filler pipe cap can result in a serious malfunction of the fuel system.
The fuel filler cap is a pressure-vacuum type. A built-in torque limiting device on the cap prevents overtightening and also eliminates the escape of fuel vapors. To install, turn the cap clockwise until a clicking noise is heard. This indicates that the fuel filler cap gasket (1) is fully seated.
A vacuum relief valve (2) is incorporated into the fuel filler cap. If the pressure in the fuel tank becomes negative (vacuum), the relief valve opens to relieve the pressure created within the fuel tank. Only when the vacuum becomes excessive within the tank does this occur. Vacuum pressure is also vented through the tank pressure control valve which is located on the top of the fuel tank.
A pressure relief valve is also located in the fuel filler cap. The pressure of the fuel vapor within the tank should exceed that for which the fuel system is designed, the pressure relief valve opens, and the excess pressure is vented to the atmosphere.
The fuel sender assembly is located in the fuel tank. The fuel sender assembly contains the electric fuel pump and the fuel level sensor, or fuel gauge sending unit. Some of the fuel sender assembly components can be serviced separately.
The fuel level sensor (fuel gauge sending unit) (4) is part of the fuel sender assembly (1). The fuel level sensor consists of a float, a float arm and a variable resistor. The fuel level is measured by the position of the float in the fuel tank, and is indicated by a gauge in the instrument panel (I/P) cluster assembly. When the fuel level changes, the float position changes. The change in the float position increases or decreases the resistance reading of the variable resistor. The change in the resistance causes the position of the fuel gauge pointer to change.
The fuel pump is an electric pump that is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM) through the Circuit Opening relay. When the PCM commands the fuel pump to operate, an impeller is driven by an electric motor in the pump assembly, causing the fuel in the tank to be drawn into the fuel pump inlet port. The fuel is then pumped under pressure through the fuel filter and the fuel pressure regulator, out to fuel feed pipe and hoses to the fuel rail and the fuel injectors. The fuel pressure is maintained when the fuel pump is not running by a pressure control valve located within the pump. Any excess fuel is returned to the fuel tank by the fuel return pipe and hoses.
The fuel pump strainer attaches to the lower end of the fuel pump and reservoir assembly. The fuel pump strainer is made of woven plastic. The functions of the fuel pump strainer is to filter contaminants and to wick fuel. The fuel pump strainer is self-cleaning and normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or water. Clean the fuel tank and replace a plugged fuel pump strainer with a new one.
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment. The fuel filter housing is constructed to withstand the maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and the external environment. The filter element is made of paper and is designed to trap the particles in the fuel that may cause damage to the fuel injection system.
The fuel pressure regulator is attached to the fuel rail. Fuel flows into the fuel rail and to all the fuel injectors, before reaching the fuel pressure regulator. Excess fuel is returned back to the fuel tank through the fuel return line.
Caution: In order to Reduce the Risk of Fire and Personal Injury: • If nylon fuel pipes are nicked, scratched or damaged during installation, Do Not attempt to repair the sections of the nylon fuel pipes. Replace them. • When installing new fuel pipes, Do Not hammer directly on the fuel harness body clips as it may damage the nylon pipes resulting in a possible fuel leak. • Always cover nylon vapor pipes with a wet towel before using a torch near them. Also, never expose the vehicle to temperatures higher than 115°C (239°F) for more than one hour, or more than 90°C (194°F) for any extended period. • Before connecting fuel pipe fittings, always apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the male pipe ends. This will ensure proper reconnection and prevent a possible fuel leak. (During normal operation, the O-rings located in the female connector will swell and may prevent proper reconnection if not lubricated.)
The fuel feed pipes and hoses carry the fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors. These pipes and hoses are attached to the underbody of the vehicle and should be inspected periodically for kinks or dents that could restrict the fuel flow.
The fuel vapor pipe and hoses carry the fuel vapors from the fuel tank to the evaporative emission canister located at the rear of the vehicle, ahead of the fuel tank. The fuel vapors are stored in the canister when the engine is not running. When the engine is running at the normal operating temperature and the accelerator pedal is depressed, the powertrain control module (PCM) will command the evaporative emission canister purge valve to open and allow the stored fuel vapors to be purged into the intake manifold where they will be burned in the combustion process.
