A worn out fuel tank sending unit can cause any driver a
headache. While some will head in to a
reputable auto repair shop or mechanic to have the work done, it isn’t always a
necessity. If you’re mechanically
inclined and able to follow instructions, you can likely complete this job on
your own.
Tools for the job
You will want to gather screwdrivers, both Phillips and flat
head types, a hammer, open end wrenches, and the new fuel tank sending unit you
will install.
Find Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit or Fuel Sender
In most vehicles, this isn’t as involved an auto repair as you
might first think. Start with your automobile’s manual. The fuel
tank sending unit is often positioned beneath the back seat, but it is still just
as do-able if it is located under the carpet in your trunk.
Mechanic’s Safety Warning
ALWAYS start with disconnecting your negative battery cable! This is done to ensure that no electrical sparks
can occur. You will be working in an
extremely flammable area and MUST take all proper safety precautions.
How to Disconnect your Negative Battery Cable
Start with one of your wrenches on the outside nut of the
negative battery cable. You may need to
place a second wrench on the opposite side as well. Turn the nut counter-clockwise until
approximately 1/16-inch from being off.
You should be able to get the cable loose with a slight twist. If it is still stuck, you might want to try placing
a flat head screwdriver into the gap above the bolt, and then gently pry it
open. Be sure that you DO NOT pull the
terminal right up off the post. This
could result in serious injury.
Accessing your Fuel Tank Sending Unit
The fuel tank sending unit or fuel sender is located on top of
your auto’s fuel tank. You usually access it by going under the rear seat
of the car. In some vehicles you will have to access the fuel tank by looking
under the carpet in your trunk. Once you have found your access point,
you will find an access cover that is protecting the fuel tank sending
unit. The cover will most likely be secured by some screws. You
will start with lifting up either the back seat or carpet in the trunk.
Find the access cover described above. Once you have found it, simply
remove the screws securing it and remove the cover. You are now looking at your fuel tank sending
unit.
Removing your Faulty Fuel Tank Sending Unit
The fuel tank sending unit should have a wiring harness that
is plugged in right on top. Unplug the
entire harness and just move it off to the side. If you sending unit is secured by screws or
bolts of some kind, you will need to remove those as well.
There are a couple of different ways you fuel sending unit
may “lock” into place. Many use the
twist-lock type. There will be visible notches
around the edge. You can put the tip of
a flat head screwdriver into one of them and then tap it in a counter-clockwise
direction. Once it has rotated loose,
you will need to very carefully remove it from the gas tank. It will have a long rod with a float attached,
so don’t just jerk it out.
Install a new Fuel Tank Sending Unit
All that is left now is to replace the old unit with your
brand new fuel tank sending unit. Follow
the instructions backwards now to re-install all screws, nuts, bolts and access
covers along the way. Don’t forget to
plug the wiring harness back into the new unit.
And that is it! You
are done and once again are ready to roll.
If you have read through this tutorial and do not feel 100% comfortable
with performing this type of auto repair, stop now. We would be happy to schedule
an auto repair or auto maintenance appointment at our Columbia, SC auto
repair shop. At Sanford’s Automotive Service,
we ALWAYS do it right the first time!
