fuel
Fuel Level Sensor
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.4 h
Tools
9
Steps
14
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the fuel level sensor (fuel pump module) in the fuel tank of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Warnings
⚠️Fuel system is under pressure. Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines to prevent injury or fire.
⚠️Work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks, flames, or heat sources. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
⚠Fuel tank should be less than 1/4 full for safety. Drain excess fuel if necessary using approved fuel transfer equipment.
⚠The fuel pump module is delicate. Do not drop or damage the float arm or sensor components.
Tools required
Fuel tank lock ring tool (Ford J-39765 or equivalent)Essential
Fuel line disconnect tool setEssential
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)
Panel removal tools
Shop towels or drain pan
Wire brush
Rubber mallet
Parts
- Fuel level sensor/pump module × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fuel pump module O-ring seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fuel line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes to allow fuel system to depressurize
- If fuel tank is more than 1/4 full, siphon excess fuel into approved container
- Raise rear of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame rails
- Remove spare tire if stored under bed
Procedure
- 1Relieve fuel system pressureRemove the fuel pump relay (relay R10) from the central junction box under hood. Attempt to start engine and let it run until it stalls. Crank engine for 5 additional seconds to ensure pressure is fully relieved. Turn ignition off and reinstall relay.
- 2Access fuel tankFrom under vehicle, locate the fuel tank shield/skid plate if equipped. Remove mounting bolts securing the shield and lower it. Identify the fuel pump module access area on top of tank.
- 3Disconnect fuel linesClean area around fuel line connections to prevent contamination. Using appropriate fuel line disconnect tools, disconnect the supply and return fuel lines from the pump module. Be prepared for residual fuel spillage. Plug lines with clean rags or caps to prevent contamination.⚠Fuel will spill from lines. Have drain pan and towels ready.Torque specFuel Line Fittings25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 4Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab and disconnect the large electrical connector from the fuel pump module. Move wiring harness clear of work area.
- 5Support fuel tankPosition floor jack with wood block under center of fuel tank to support its weight. Raise jack slightly to take tension off tank straps.
- 6Remove fuel tank strapsRemove the two fuel tank strap mounting bolts. Carefully lower tank 6-8 inches to gain better access to pump module. Ensure fuel lines and electrical connector are not under tension.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 7Remove pump module lock ringClean debris from around the fuel pump module lock ring. Using the fuel tank lock ring tool, rotate the lock ring counterclockwise until it releases. Remove lock ring completely and set aside.
- 8Extract fuel pump moduleCarefully lift the fuel pump module out of the tank at an angle to avoid damaging the float arm. Tilt module to allow fuel to drain back into tank. Once clear, remove the old O-ring seal from the tank opening and discard.⚠Module must be tilted and rotated carefully to clear tank opening without bending float arm.
- 9Prepare new fuel level sensor moduleRemove new fuel pump module from packaging. Install new O-ring seal onto the module flange, ensuring it seats properly in the groove. Lubricate O-ring lightly with clean engine oil. Install new O-rings on fuel line fittings.
- 10Install new pump moduleCarefully lower the new fuel pump module into the tank at an angle, rotating and tilting as needed to clear the opening without damaging the float arm or fuel level sensor. Ensure module is fully seated and alignment marks line up with tank opening.
- 11Install lock ringInstall the lock ring and rotate clockwise using the lock ring tool until it locks into position. Ensure ring is fully engaged and module is secure.
- 12Reconnect fuel lines and electricalReconnect fuel supply and return lines to module, ensuring they click into place securely. Tug gently to verify connection. Reconnect electrical connector until locking tab clicks.Torque specFuel Line Fittings25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall fuel tankRaise fuel tank into position using floor jack. Install tank straps and secure with mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification. Remove jack support.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 14Complete reassemblyReinstall fuel tank shield if equipped. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect negative battery cable.
Reassembly
- Ensure all fuel line connections are secure with no leaks
- Verify electrical connector is fully seated and locked
- Tank straps must be torqued to specification to prevent movement
- Double-check that no tools or parts were left under vehicle
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) for 5 seconds, then OFF. Repeat 3 times to prime fuel system
- Inspect all fuel line connections and pump module seal for leaks
- Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without fuel pressure issues
- Check instrument cluster fuel gauge reading - should reflect actual fuel level in tank
- Test drive vehicle and monitor fuel gauge operation through various fuel levels
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel level sensor or fuel system