Ford Escape: Fuel Tank and Lines / Removal and Installation - Fuel Tank

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

  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 may be present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation steps.

1. Refer to: Gasoline and Gasoline-Ethanol Fuel Systems Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
   

1. Disconnect the battery.
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).
   

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
   Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
   

1. Release the fuel system pressure.
   Refer to: Fuel System Pressure Release (310-00C Fuel System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Drain the fuel tank.
   

1. Remove the muffler and tailpipe.
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) (309-00C Exhaust System, Removal and Installation).
   

1. • Remove the retainers.
     
   • Remove the nuts and LH air deflector.
     Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

1. • Remove the retainers.
     
   • Remove the nuts and RH air deflector.
     Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

1. NOTE: Always wrap the fuel line connection with a towel before disconnecting it.

   Disconnect the quick connectors.
   Refer to: Quick Release Coupling (310-00C Fuel System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Remove the fuel tank heat shield.
   Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

1. Disconnect the quick connectors and electrical connector.
   Refer to: Quick Release Coupling (310-00C Fuel System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. • Disconnect the electrical connector.
     
   • Detach the retainer clips.
     

1. NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

   Remove the bolts and fuel tank from the vehicle.
   Use the General Equipment: Powertrain Jack
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.