Fuel Tank: Removal

WARNING: Place "NO OPEN FLAMES" signs near the working area.

CAUTION: Be careful not to spill fuel.

Release the fuel pressure. Refer to RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE , PROCEDURE, Fuel.
Drain fuel. Refer to DRAINING FUEL (WITH SUBARU SELECT MONITOR) , PROCEDURE, Fuel.
Disconnect the ground cable from battery.

Fig 1: Connecting/Disconnecting Battery Ground Cable
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear seat cushion. Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Seat.
Remove the service hole cover of fuel pump.

Fig 2: Locating Fuel Pump Service Hole Cover Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect connectors from the fuel pump, and move aside the service hole cover.

Fig 3: Locating Fuel Pump Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the service hole cover of fuel sub level sensor.

Fig 4: Locating Service Hole Cover Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect connectors from the fuel sub level sensor, and move aside the service hole cover.

Fig 5: Locating Fuel Sub Level Sensor Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the quick connector on the fuel delivery tube. Refer to REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery and Evaporation Lines.
NOTE: Disconnect the quick connector as shown in the figure.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 7: Locating Fuel Delivery Tube Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler. Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe. Refer to REMOVAL , Muffler.
Remove the rear differential. Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Differential (T-type). Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Differential (VA-type).
Disconnect the fuel filler hose (A) and evaporation hose (B) from the fuel filler pipe assembly.

Fig 8: Identifying Fuel Filler Hose And Evaporation Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the vent tube from canister.
NOTE: Disconnect the quick connector as shown in the figure.

Fig 9: Disconnecting Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 10: Locating Vent Tube Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the fuel tank protector.

Fig 11: Locating Fuel Tank Protector Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the heat shield cover and stopper.

Fig 12: Locating Heat Shield Cover And Stopper Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack, remove the bolts from the fuel tank band, and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
WARNING:
- A helper is required to perform this work.
- Fuel may remain in the fuel tank. This will cause the left and right sides to be unbalanced. Be careful not to drop the fuel tank.
  
  Fig 13: Locating Fuel Tank Band Mounting Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.