The fuel supply is stored in the fuel tank. An electric fuel pump, located in the fuel tank with the fuel level sensor sending unit, pumps fuel through an in-line fuel filter to the engine. The pump provides fuel at a pressure greater than is needed by the injectors. The fuel pressure regulator keeps fuel available to the injectors at a regulated pressure. Unused fuel is returned to the fuel tank by a separate line.

The fuel storage tank is made of steel and is coated internally with a special corrosion inhibitor and is located in front of the rear wheels. It is held in place by two metal straps attached to the under body of the vehicle.

To help prevent refueling with leaded fuel, the fuel filler neck (1) has a built in restrictor and deflector. The opening in the restrictor will accept only the smaller unleaded gasoline fuel nozzle which must be fully inserted to bypass the deflector.

The fuel tank filler neck (1) is equipped with a screw type cap (2). The threaded part of the cap requires several turns counter-clockwise to remove. A built in ratchet type torque limiting device prevents over tightening. To install, turn the cap clockwise until a clicking noise is heard. This signals that the correct torque has been reached and the cap is fully seated.

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 modular fuel sender assembly mounts in the top of the fuel tank and is spring loaded to the bottom. It is designed to:

The fuel sender consists of the following serviceable components:

The Fuel Tank Vapor Pressure Sensor (4) is mounted on top of the modular fuel sender. The sensor measures the difference between the fuel vapor pressure (or vacuum) in the fuel tank and the outside air pressure. A three wire electrical harness connects it to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM supplies a 5 volt reference signal and ground to the sensor. The sensor will return a voltage between 0.1 volts and 4.9 volts back to the PCM depending on the fuel vapor pressure in the fuel tank. When the fuel vapor pressure in the fuel tank is equal to the outside air pressure, such as when the fuel cap is removed, the output voltage will be 1.3 volts to 1.7 volts.

An electric fuel pump (5) located in the modular sender assembly is used to provide fuel pressure. To control fuel pump operation, a fuel pump relay and fuel pump switch are used. When the ignition lock cylinder is turned to RUN position, the fuel pump relay activates the electric fuel pump for approximately two seconds to prime the injectors. If the PCM does not receive reference pulses after this time, the PCM opens the fuel pump relay ground circuit. The relay will reactivate the fuel pump when the PCM receives reference pulses or when oil pressure raises.

A woven plastic strainer is located on the lower end of the fuel sender. This filter prevents dirt from entering the fuel line and also stops water unless the filter becomes completely submerged in water. This filter 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. Therefore, should this occur, the fuel tank should be removed and thoroughly cleaned and the tank filter replaced. Refer to Fuel System Cleaning in this section.

The fuel sensor is attached to the modular fuel sender. The resistance of the fuel sensor changes with fuel by means of a rheostat. It ranges from 90 ohms with a full tank to 0 ohms with an empty tank.

A stainless steel in-line fuel filter is used in the fuel feed line ahead of the fuel injection system. The steel filter housing (1) is constructed to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature. The filter element (2) is made of paper, and is designed to trap particles in the fuel that may damage the injection system. A quick-connect type fitting is used at one end and an "O" ring where the fuel pipe screws into the fuel filter body on the other end. There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement. Replacement is required only if fuel the filter becomes restricted.

The fuel feed (2) and return hoses and lines (1) carry fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel rail assembly and back to the fuel tank.

Nylon fuel pipes are designed to perform the same job as the steel or rubber fuel lines they replace. Nylon pipes are constructed to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives and changes in temperature. There are two sizes used: 3/8" ID for the fuel feed, and 5/16" ID for the fuel return and are used on the modular sender. Nylon fuel pipes are somewhat flexible and can be formed around gradual turns. However, if forced into sharp bends, nylon pipes will kink and restrict fuel flow. Also, once exposed to fuel, nylon pipes may become stiffer and are more likely to kink if bent too far. Special care should be taken when working on a vehicle with nylon pipes.

Caution: In order to Reduce the Risk of Fire and Personal Injury:

Quick-connect type fittings provide a simplified means of installing and connecting fuel system components. Depending on the vehicle model, there are two types of quick-connect fittings, each used at different locations in the fuel system. Each type of quick-connect fitting consists of a unique female connector and a compatible male fuel pipe end. O-rings, located inside the female connector, provide the fuel seal. Integral locking tabs or fingers hold the quick-connect fittings together.

Fuel feed and return pipe threaded connections at the fuel rail and fuel filter are sealed with replaceable O-ring seals. These O-rings seals are made of special material, and should only be serviced with the correct service part.

The fuel vapor line is made up of nylon line, steel pipe, and quick connectors. The vapor pipe, line, and hoses carry fuel vapors from the fuel tank to the charcoal canister. The fuel vapor line has a Evaporative System Service Port located between the purge solenoid and the charcoal canister. The Evaporative System Service Port is identified by a green colored cap The Evaporative System Service Port allows connection for special tools in diagnosing the evaporative emissions system. The vapor lines extend from the fuel sender to the canister. However, it does not follow the same route as the fuel feed pipe. Under no conditions use copper or aluminum tubing to replace steel tubing. Those materials do not have satisfactory durability to withstand normal vehicle vibrations and corrosion.