Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Read "General Precautions" before working on the fuel system.
Refer to "GENERAL PRECAUTIONS ".

Check the fuel level with the vehicle on a level surface. If the fuel gauge indicates more than the level as shown (7/8 full), drain the fuel from the fuel tank until the fuel gauge indicates a level at or below as shown (7/8 full).
- In case the fuel pump does not operate, use the following procedure.
1. Insert fuel tubing of less than 25mm (0.98in) diameter into the fuel filler tube through the fuel filler opening to drain fuel from the fuel filler tube.
2. Disconnect the fuel filler hose from the fuel filler tube.
3. Insert fuel tubing into the fuel tank through the fuel filler hose to drain fuel from the fuel tank.
  - As a guide, the fuel level reaches or is less than the level on the fuel gauge as shown, when approximately 10 ***l (2 5/8 US gal, 2 1/4 Imp gal) of fuel is drained from a full fuel tank.
Fig 1: Identifying Fuel Level Indicator
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Open the fuel door and unscrew the fuel filler cap to release the pressure inside the fuel tank.
Release the fuel pressure from the fuel lines. Refer to BASIC SERVICE PROCEDURE .
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Remove rear seat bottom. Refer to REAR SEAT .
Reposition the rear floor carpet out of the way to remove the fuel pump inspection hole cover.
Turn the four retainers 90° in a clockwise direction and remove the fuel pump inspection hole cover.

Fig 2: Removing Fuel Pump Inspection Hole Cover
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Disconnect the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly electrical connector; and the fuel feed hose from the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Fuel Level Sensor Unit, Fuel Filter, And Fuel Pump Assembly
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
1. Disconnect the quick connectors as follows:
  - Hold the sides of the connector, push in tubs and pull out the tube.
  - If the connector and the tube are stuck together, push and pull several times until they start to move. Then disconnect them by pulling.
  Fig 4: Disconnecting Quick Connectors
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  CAUTION:
  - The tube can be removed when the tabs are completely depressed. Do not twist it more than necessary.
  - Do not use any tools to remove the quick connector.
  - Keep the resin tube away from heat. Be especially careful when welding near the tube.
  - Prevent acid liquid such as battery electrolyte, from getting on the resin tube.
  - Do not bend or twist the tube during installation and removal.
  - Only when the tube is replaced, remove the remaining retainer on the tube or fuel level sensor, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly.
  - When the tube or fuel level sensor, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly is replaced, also replace the retainer with a new one (green colored retainer).
  - To keep the connecting portion clean and to avoid damage and foreign materials, cover them completely with plastic bags or something similar.
Fig 5: Identifying Plastic Bags
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the center exhaust tube, with mufflers. Refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Disconnect the three parking brake cable mounting brackets on each cable and position the cables out of the way. Refer to PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM .
Remove the fuel tank protector.
Disconnect the fuel filler hose, recirculation hose and EVAP canister hose at the fuel tank as shown.
Disconnect the fuel tank mounting straps while supporting the fuel tank.
Remove the fuel tank.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Fuel Filler Hose, Recirculation Hose And EVAP Canister Hose

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.