Fuel Tank Strap

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the fuel tank mounting straps on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring fuel tank lowering and disconnection of fuel system components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel tank strap (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel tank strap (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel filler neck O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground outdoors or in well-ventilated area away from all ignition sources
2. Ensure fuel tank is less than 1/4 full; drain excess fuel if necessary using approved fuel transfer pump
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes to allow fuel pump to depressurize
4. Remove fuel filler cap to relieve any tank pressure
5. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Ensure adequate working clearance (minimum 24 inches under vehicle)
7. Position transmission jack or floor jack with wood block near fuel tank location
8. Have fire extinguisher within immediate reach of work area
9. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven (minimum 1 hour)

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve fuel system pressure
   With negative battery cable already disconnected, remove the fuel pump relay from the under-hood fuse box (relay location marked in fuse box cover). Reconnect battery temporarily, start the engine and let it run until it stalls from fuel starvation. Attempt to restart 2-3 times to ensure pressure is fully relieved. Turn ignition off and disconnect negative battery cable again.
   ⚠️Even with relay removed, residual pressure remains in fuel lines. Wear safety glasses and have towels ready when disconnecting any fuel line.
2. 2

   Remove exhaust system heat shields and components
   Remove the exhaust system mid-section heat shields that interfere with tank access. Remove exhaust hanger rubber mounts as needed to lower exhaust away from fuel tank. Support exhaust with wire or strap to prevent damage to oxygen sensors and catalytic converter.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect fuel filler neck and EVAP lines
   Locate the fuel filler neck connection at the rear of the fuel tank. Loosen the hose clamp securing the filler neck to the tank. Disconnect EVAP vapor lines from the tank using fuel line disconnect tools - there are typically 2-3 quick-connect fittings on top of the tank. Mark or photograph line positions for reinstallation. Cap or plug all open lines immediately to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Fuel and vapor will drain from filler neck when disconnected. Have drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector
   Locate the fuel pump module electrical connector on top of the fuel tank (accessible from underneath vehicle). Press the locking tab and disconnect the main fuel pump connector. On some models, there may be a second connector for the fuel level sender - disconnect this as well.
   ℹ️Connector locks may be brittle on older vehicles. Use gentle pressure to avoid breaking tabs.
5. 5

   Disconnect fuel supply and return lines
   Using the appropriate size fuel line disconnect tool, disconnect the fuel supply line (larger diameter, approximately 10mm) and return line (if equipped) from the fuel pump module. These are quick-connect fittings that require the special tool to release the internal locking mechanism. Expect residual fuel spillage - capture in drain pan. Inspect O-rings in disconnected fittings and plan to replace during reassembly.
   ⚠️Residual fuel under pressure may spray when lines are disconnected even after pressure relief procedure. Keep face and ignition sources away from connection point.
6. 6

   Support fuel tank with transmission jack
   Position transmission jack or floor jack with wide wood block (minimum 12x12 inches) under the center of the fuel tank. Raise jack until it makes contact with tank bottom and supports approximately 50% of tank weight. Ensure tank is stable on jack and cannot shift during lowering process. Use safety straps if available on transmission jack.
   ⚠️Tank must be properly centered and supported on jack. An off-center tank can shift suddenly during lowering causing crushing injury or tank damage.
7. 7

   Remove fuel tank strap mounting bolts
   Locate the two fuel tank strap mounting bolts at the front edge of each strap where they attach to the vehicle body. These are typically 14mm bolts. Apply penetrating oil if bolts show corrosion. Remove all four mounting bolts (two per strap) while controlling the tank with the jack. The straps will remain attached to the tank at the rear pivot points.
   ⚠Straps are under tension. As bolts are loosened, control tank descent with jack. Remove bolts slowly and alternately to prevent sudden release.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Lower fuel tank and remove straps
   Carefully lower the transmission jack 6-8 inches to allow access to the rear of the straps. The straps pivot at the rear and will swing down with the tank. Once adequate clearance exists, unhook or unbolt the rear strap attachment points from the tank. Remove both straps from the vehicle. Continue lowering tank only if full tank removal is necessary; otherwise, lowering 6-8 inches provides sufficient access for strap replacement.
   ⚠Lower tank slowly while monitoring all remaining connections. Stop immediately if any resistance is felt - a forgotten connection can tear components.
9. 9

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   With straps removed, inspect the tank strap contact areas on the fuel tank for damage, corrosion, or wear. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush. Inspect strap mounting bolt holes in vehicle chassis for thread damage or corrosion. Clean bolt holes and apply anti-seize compound to bolt threads. Inspect fuel tank for any signs of damage, leaks, or excessive corrosion that would require tank replacement.
10. 10

    Install new fuel tank straps
    Position new fuel tank straps with the curved side matching the fuel tank contour. Attach the rear pivot points of the straps to the fuel tank first (either hook-style or bolted depending on model). Ensure straps are positioned correctly - driver and passenger sides are often different. Raise the tank using the transmission jack to align strap mounting holes with chassis mounting points.
    ℹ️Straps are side-specific. Verify correct left/right orientation before installation. Part numbers should be different for each side.
11. 11

    Install and torque strap mounting bolts
    Install the four strap mounting bolts (two per strap) hand-tight first, ensuring straps are properly positioned and not twisted. Verify tank is sitting level and properly positioned in vehicle. Using torque wrench, tighten all four mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern (alternating front-to-back and side-to-side) to ensure even loading and proper tank alignment.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect fuel lines with new O-rings
    Install new O-rings on all fuel line quick-connect fittings that were disconnected. Lubricate new O-rings lightly with clean engine oil. Reconnect fuel supply and return lines to fuel pump module - push firmly until you hear/feel a distinct click indicating the locking mechanism has engaged. Tug gently on each line to verify secure connection.
    ⚠️Improperly connected fuel lines will leak under pressure causing fire risk. Verify positive locking engagement before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Fuel Line Fittings25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect remaining components
    Reconnect fuel pump electrical connector(s) ensuring positive lock engagement. Reconnect all EVAP vapor lines to their original positions using reference photos taken during disassembly. Install new filler neck O-ring, reconnect fuel filler neck to tank, and secure with hose clamp to specification. Reposition exhaust system and install rubber hanger mounts. Reinstall heat shields.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Pressure test fuel system
    Before lowering vehicle, reconnect negative battery cable and install fuel pump relay. Turn ignition to ON position (without starting) for 2 seconds, then OFF. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times to allow fuel pump to prime system and build pressure. Carefully inspect all fuel line connections, filler neck, and tank seams for any signs of leakage. Use flashlight to check for fuel drips or wet spots.
    ⚠️Any fuel leakage must be corrected immediately before starting engine. Do not start engine or lower vehicle if any leak is detected.
15. 15

    Final inspection and test
    With no leaks detected, start engine and let idle for 2-3 minutes while continuing to monitor for fuel leaks from underneath. Check for proper fuel pump operation (smooth idle, no fuel starvation symptoms). Turn engine off, lower vehicle from jack stands, and install fuel filler cap. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have set during battery disconnection using OBD-II scanner if available.
    ⚠️Remain alert for fuel odor during and after test. Any gasoline smell indicates a leak requiring immediate attention.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values using proper torque wrench - do not over-tighten
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Ensure exhaust system hangers are properly seated and system has adequate clearance from fuel tank
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left on top of fuel tank before final inspection

Verification

• Perform complete visual inspection of all fuel connections for leaks with engine running
• Verify no fuel odor is present in vehicle cabin or from underneath vehicle
• Confirm fuel gauge reads correctly and fuel pump operates normally
• Test drive vehicle and monitor for any fuel delivery issues or unusual odors
• Re-inspect all connections after first 50 miles of driving for any seepage or loosening
• Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present related to fuel system operation

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