Fuel Tank Strap

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the fuel tank retaining straps on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbo engine, including safe fuel system depressurization and tank lowering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel tank strap(s) × 2 — 17524-TBA-A00 (OEM Honda)
• Fuel line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel filler neck O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
2. Ensure fuel tank is less than 1/4 full. If more than 1/4 full, drain fuel using approved fuel transfer pump into approved container
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Remove fuel pump fuse (under-hood fuse box, labeled FUEL PUMP) and attempt to start engine until it will not run to depressurize fuel system
5. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points. Ensure vehicle is completely stable
6. Remove rear wheels to improve access and reduce vehicle weight
7. Place drip pan under fuel tank area to catch residual fuel
8. Have fire extinguisher within immediate reach of work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Access fuel tank components
   Remove the exhaust heat shield and center exhaust section if they obstruct tank access. Remove plastic underbody panels beneath fuel tank using 10mm socket. On some models, the rear subframe brace may need to be removed for clearance using 17mm socket.
2. 2

   Disconnect fuel filler neck
   Locate the fuel filler neck connection at the rear left of the tank. Loosen the hose clamp using a flathead screwdriver or 7mm socket. Carefully twist and pull the filler neck hose off the tank nipple. Some residual fuel will spill - catch with drip pan. Remove the filler neck breather hose in the same manner.
   ⚠Expect fuel spillage when disconnecting filler neck. Have shop towels and drip pan ready.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect EVAP lines
   Locate the EVAP canister vapor line and purge line on the front-right side of the fuel tank. These are quick-connect fittings. Press the release tabs on each fitting and pull straight out to disconnect. Mark or photograph line positions for reassembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect fuel supply and return lines
   Locate the fuel feed line on top front of tank (black quick-connect). Use appropriate fuel line disconnect tool for Honda quick-connect fitting. Press tool onto fitting, hold release tab down, and pull line straight out. Some pressurized fuel may still be present despite depressurization. Have shop towels ready. Cap open lines with plugs or tape to prevent contamination.
   ⚠️Even with depressurization, residual fuel pressure may exist. Point line away from face and body when disconnecting.
5. 5

   Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector
   Locate the fuel pump module electrical connector on top of the tank (may require pressing through insulation). Press the locking tab and disconnect the harness. Carefully route the harness clear of the tank to prevent damage during removal.
6. 6

   Support fuel tank
   Position fuel tank jack or transmission jack under the center of the fuel tank. Raise jack until it just contacts tank with light pressure. Secure tank to jack with a strap or chain to prevent it from shifting. The tank must be fully supported before removing straps.
   ⚠️Tank MUST be properly supported before removing straps. An unsupported tank will fall and cause serious injury.
7. 7

   Remove fuel tank strap bolts
   Locate the two fuel tank strap mounting bolts at the rear of the tank on each strap (4 bolts total). Using a 14mm socket, remove the rear strap bolts first while supporting the strap. The straps are under tension - control them as you remove the final bolt. Lower the straps down and away from the tank.
   ⚠Tank straps are under tension. Support strap while removing final bolt to prevent sudden release.
8. 8

   Remove old fuel tank straps
   Once bolts are removed, carefully work the straps off the tank. Straps may be corroded or stuck to tank with road debris. Clean the strap mounting points on the tank and vehicle chassis with wire brush if corrosion is present. Inspect tank surface under straps for damage, corrosion, or punctures.
9. 9

   Install new fuel tank straps
   Position new straps over the fuel tank in their mounting locations. Ensure straps are properly seated in their retention grooves on the tank body. Straps should wrap around tank evenly without twisting. Verify strap orientation matches original installation (curved side contacts tank).
10. 10

    Install and torque strap mounting bolts
    While supporting tank with jack, align strap ends with mounting holes in chassis. Start all four strap bolts by hand. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern (alternate sides) to ensure even strap tension. Torque all strap mounting bolts to specification using torque wrench. Verify straps are holding tank securely without excessive tension that could deform tank.
    ⚠Do not over-torque strap bolts as this can deform the fuel tank. Use torque wrench set to exact specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect fuel pump electrical connector
    Route the fuel pump harness back to the connector on top of the tank. Press connector firmly into fuel pump module until it clicks and locks. Verify locking tab is fully engaged. Tuck harness back through insulation.
12. 12

    Reconnect fuel supply line
    Install new O-rings on fuel line quick-connect fittings, lightly lubricating with clean gasoline. Push fuel feed line straight onto tank nipple until you hear and feel a distinct click. Pull on line to verify it is locked. Ensure line is properly routed and not kinked.
    ⚠Always use NEW O-rings on fuel line fittings. Reusing old O-rings will cause fuel leaks.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect EVAP lines and filler neck
    Reconnect EVAP vapor and purge lines to tank fittings using quick-connect method - push until they click. Reconnect fuel filler neck hose and breather hose to tank nipples. Install new filler neck O-ring if equipped. Position hose clamps and torque to specification. Verify all hoses are fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Remove tank support and reinstall shields
    Carefully lower and remove fuel tank jack from under vehicle. Reinstall any subframe braces, exhaust heat shields, and underbody panels that were removed. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to Honda specification (108 Nm / 80 lb-ft).
15. 15

    Pressurize and test fuel system
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Reinstall fuel pump fuse. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) for 2 seconds, then OFF. Repeat this 3 times to prime fuel system. Inspect all fuel connections for leaks. Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes while carefully inspecting all fuel line connections, tank seams, and strap areas for any fuel seepage.
    ⚠️If ANY fuel leak is detected, immediately shut off engine and disconnect battery. Repair leak before operating vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fuel line quick-connect fittings are fully engaged with audible clicks
2. Verify all hose clamps on filler neck are tight and positioned correctly
3. Confirm tank straps are torqued evenly and tank sits level in chassis
4. All underbody panels and heat shields must be reinstalled to prevent rattles and heat damage
5. Double-check that no tools or shop towels were left on top of tank or in work area

Verification

• With engine running, inspect entire fuel tank perimeter, all lines, and connections for fuel leaks or seepage
• Check for fuel odor in cabin or near tank area - any gasoline smell indicates a leak
• Verify fuel gauge reads correctly and fuel pump operates normally
• Test drive vehicle and listen for any unusual noises from tank area (rattling may indicate loose straps)
• Re-inspect all connections after test drive and 24 hours of operation
• Monitor for fuel smell or visible leaks for first several days after repair

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