Fuel Tank

Complete removal and replacement of the fuel tank assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including fuel system depressurization, tank strap removal, and fuel line disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel tank assembly × 1 — 17044-TVA-A00 or equivalent
• Fuel line O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Filler neck clamp × 1 — Replace if corroded
• Tank strap hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground outdoors or in extremely well-ventilated area. Ensure no ignition sources within 50 feet.
2. Position Class B fire extinguisher within immediate reach before beginning work.
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven (minimum 2 hours).
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable to prevent electrical sparks.
5. Depressurize fuel system: Remove fuel pump relay (FUEL PUMP in underhood fuse box), attempt to start engine and let it stall, crank for 3 additional seconds to purge residual pressure.
6. Drain fuel tank to near-empty using approved fuel transfer pump through filler neck. Store fuel in approved safety containers in well-ventilated outdoor area.
7. Raise vehicle on lift or secure on jack stands at all four corners. Vehicle must be level and stable.
8. Remove rear wheels for access if needed (sedan models).
9. Remove rear seat cushion by pulling up firmly at front edge to release clips, then lift out to access fuel pump cover.
10. Remove trunk floor carpeting and spare tire well components to access tank area from above.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and disconnect fuel pump module
   From inside vehicle with rear seat removed, locate the circular fuel pump access cover in the floor. Remove the phillips screws securing the cover and lift away. Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Label the connector for reinstallation.
   ⚠Keep all electrical connectors clean and dry. Fuel vapors may still be present.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect fuel feed and return lines at pump module
   Using appropriate fuel line disconnect tool, depress the locking tabs on the quick-connect fittings at the fuel pump module. Carefully separate the fuel feed line and return line from the pump assembly. Have shop towels ready to catch residual fuel (approximately 1-2 ounces). Cap or plug the lines to prevent contamination.
   ⚠️Residual fuel will spray out when lines are disconnected. Wear safety goggles and fuel-resistant gloves. Keep ignition sources away.
3. 3

   Remove fuel tank heat shields and covers
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the fuel tank heat shields mounted above the tank and along the exhaust routing. Remove all mounting bolts and lower the shields. On some models, remove the plastic covers protecting the tank straps and fuel lines.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect EVAP and breather lines
   Locate the EVAP canister vapor line, purge line, and tank breather hose connections on top of the fuel tank. Use fuel line disconnect tools as needed and carefully separate each line from its connection point on the tank. Label each line with tape to ensure correct reinstallation. Plug or cap all openings.
   ⚠EVAP lines are typically push-lock type connectors. Do not force or pull without proper release technique to avoid damage.
5. 5

   Disconnect filler neck and vent hose
   At the rear left corner of the tank, locate the fuel filler neck connection secured with a hose clamp. Loosen the clamp and carefully work the filler neck hose off the tank inlet pipe. Disconnect the filler neck vent hose using the same method. Expect residual fuel drainage.
   ⚠Position drain pan under filler neck connection. Several ounces of fuel will drain from the hose when disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Filler Neck Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Position transmission jack under fuel tank
   Position a transmission jack or dedicated fuel tank support stand centered under the fuel tank. Raise the jack until it just contacts the tank bottom, providing firm support but not lifting. Secure the tank to the jack with a strap or chain to prevent shifting during removal.
   ⚠️Tank must be properly supported before removing straps. Even an empty tank weighs 40+ pounds and can cause serious injury if dropped.
7. 7

   Remove fuel tank strap bolts
   Locate the two fuel tank support straps running under the tank from front to rear. Each strap is secured with a bolt at the front and rear mounting points. Using a 14mm socket, remove all four tank strap bolts while supporting the tank with the jack. Keep straps aligned with their mounting points as you lower the bolts out.
   ⚠️As the final strap bolts are removed, the tank weight transfers entirely to the jack. Maintain firm control of jack position.
   Torque spec

   Tank Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Lower and remove fuel tank
   With all connections verified as disconnected and straps removed, slowly lower the transmission jack to bring the tank down from the vehicle. As you lower, verify no lines or wiring are still attached. Guide the tank toward the rear and side of the vehicle as needed to clear subframe and suspension components. Once fully lowered, roll or slide the jack with tank clear of the vehicle.
   ⚠Tank may shift on jack during lowering. Have an assistant guide the tank and watch for obstructions. Lower very slowly.
9. 9

   Transfer fuel pump module if reusing
   If installing a new tank and reusing the fuel pump module, remove the locking ring securing the pump to the old tank (counterclockwise rotation using lock ring tool or brass punch). Carefully lift the pump assembly straight up and out of the tank. Inspect the pump inlet filter screen and replace if contaminated. Install the pump assembly into the new tank with a new O-ring seal, ensuring proper alignment of the orientation marks. Torque the locking ring per the service manual specification.
   ⚠Old fuel will pour from tank opening when pump is removed. Have drain pan positioned. Do not damage fuel level sender float arm during removal.
10. 10

    Install fuel tank into vehicle
    Position the new or serviced tank on the transmission jack and roll it into position under the vehicle. Raise the jack slowly, aligning the tank with the mounting strap locations and ensuring all fuel line and EVAP connection points are accessible. Continue raising until the tank is in full contact with the body mounting points. Thread the tank strap bolts through the mounting brackets and into their frame mounting points, hand-tightening initially.
    ⚠Verify tank orientation is correct and no lines or wires are pinched between tank and body before securing straps.
11. 11

    Torque tank strap bolts to specification
    Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten all four tank strap bolts to specification in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left). Verify tank is firmly seated against body and straps are evenly tensioned. Once torqued, you may lower and remove the transmission jack.
    Torque spec

    Tank Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect filler neck and vent hose
    Slide the fuel filler neck hose fully onto the tank inlet pipe, ensuring it seats past the bead on the pipe. Install a new filler neck clamp and torque to specification. Reconnect the filler neck vent hose and secure its clamp to specification. Verify both connections are fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Filler Neck Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect EVAP and breather lines
    Reconnect all EVAP vapor lines, purge lines, and breather hoses to their respective ports on top of the fuel tank, referencing your labels from disassembly. Push each quick-connect fitting until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently pull on each line to verify it is locked in place.
14. 14

    Reinstall heat shields and covers
    Reposition all fuel tank heat shields and protective covers removed during disassembly. Install and torque all mounting bolts to specification. Ensure no heat shield is in contact with exhaust components or fuel lines.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect fuel lines at pump module
    Working from inside the vehicle through the access cover opening, install new O-rings on the fuel feed and return line fittings. Connect both lines to the fuel pump module, pushing firmly until the quick-connect fittings click into place. Verify each connection by pulling on the line. Reconnect the fuel pump electrical connector, ensuring it clicks and locks securely.
    ⚠️NEW O-RINGS ARE CRITICAL. Reusing old O-rings can cause fuel leaks and fire risk. Always install new O-rings on fuel line fittings.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall fuel pump access cover with new gasket or sealant if required and torque cover screws to specification.
2. Reinstall rear seat cushion by aligning rear hooks first, then pressing down firmly at front edge until clips engage.
3. Reinstall trunk floor carpeting and spare tire well components.
4. Reinstall rear wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to Honda specification (108 Nm / 80 lb-ft).
5. Reconnect negative battery terminal.
6. Reinstall fuel pump relay in underhood fuse box.

Verification

• Add minimum 2 gallons of fresh fuel to tank through filler neck to ensure fuel pump has adequate supply for priming.
• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) for 2 seconds, then OFF. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times to allow fuel pump to prime the system and build pressure.
• Inspect all fuel line connections, filler neck, and tank area from underneath for any signs of fuel leakage. Use a flashlight and look carefully at every connection point.
• Start engine and allow to idle for 5 minutes. Monitor fuel system for leaks and listen for abnormal fuel pump noise.
• Perform a careful visual inspection underneath vehicle with engine running, checking specifically at tank straps, filler neck, and all line connections for any wetness or fuel odor.
• Rev engine to 3000 RPM briefly and release, verifying smooth operation and no fuel delivery issues.
• Turn off engine and perform final leak inspection after 10 minutes. Check fuel pump access cover area inside vehicle for fuel odor.
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area away from traffic to verify normal fuel system operation and no fuel odor in cabin.
• After test drive, perform final comprehensive leak inspection of entire fuel system from filler neck to engine bay.
• If ANY fuel odor or wetness is detected at any connection point, immediately depressurize system and correct the leak before operating vehicle.

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