This procedure replaces the fuel level sensor located in the fuel tank by accessing it through the rear seat service panel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel level sensor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel pump seal/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure fuel tank is less than half full to minimize spillage (drain if necessary)
3. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
4. Open all windows and doors for ventilation
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes
6. Place fire extinguisher within immediate reach of work area
7. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear seat cushion
   Locate the two push clips at the front edge of the rear seat bottom cushion. Push firmly down and pull forward simultaneously to release the clips. Lift the front of the cushion up and pull forward to remove it from the vehicle. Set aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Remove fuel pump access cover
   Locate the rectangular metal or plastic access cover on the floor beneath the rear seat. Remove the screws securing the cover using an 8mm socket. Carefully lift the cover and set it aside with the screws. You should now see the fuel pump assembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Relieve fuel system pressure
   Disconnect the electrical connector from the fuel pump assembly by pressing the release tab and pulling firmly. Reconnect the battery negative terminal temporarily. Start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls from fuel starvation. Attempt to start the engine 2-3 more times to ensure all pressure is relieved. Turn ignition off and disconnect battery negative terminal again.
   ⚠️Fuel pressure must be completely relieved before disconnecting any fuel lines. Residual pressure can spray fuel.
4. 4

   Disconnect fuel lines
   Using the appropriate fuel line disconnect tool, disconnect the fuel feed line from the pump assembly. Press the tool into the quick-connect fitting and pull the line away. A small amount of fuel will drain - capture with shop towels. Disconnect the fuel return line (if equipped) using the same method. Plug the lines with clean shop towels to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Expect residual fuel to drain from lines. Have shop towels ready to contain spills.
5. 5

   Remove fuel pump lock ring
   Using the fuel pump lock ring tool, position it on the lock ring tabs. Rotate counterclockwise to loosen the lock ring. Remove the lock ring completely and set aside. Note the alignment marks on the tank and pump assembly for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Do not use a hammer and punch on the lock ring as this can create sparks or damage the assembly.
6. 6

   Remove fuel pump assembly
   Carefully lift the fuel pump assembly straight up out of the tank opening. Tilt it slightly to clear the opening while keeping it as level as possible to avoid bending the fuel level sensor float arm. Some fuel will drain from the assembly - have shop towels ready. Place the assembly on clean shop towels in a safe location away from ignition sources.
   ⚠The fuel level sensor float arm is fragile. Do not bend or force the assembly during removal.
7. 7

   Remove old fuel level sensor
   With the pump assembly on a clean work surface, locate the fuel level sensor on the side of the pump module. Disconnect the internal electrical connector to the sensor. Remove the mounting screws or clips securing the sensor to the pump assembly. Carefully slide the sensor and float arm assembly out of the mounting bracket. Note the orientation for installation of the new sensor.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new fuel level sensor
   Position the new fuel level sensor in the same orientation as the old one. Ensure the float arm moves freely and is not binding. Secure the sensor to the pump module with mounting screws or clips. Reconnect the internal electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. Verify the float arm moves through its full range without obstruction.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Replace seal and reinstall pump assembly
   Remove the old seal from the top of the fuel tank opening and clean the sealing surface thoroughly. Install the new fuel pump seal, ensuring it is properly seated in the groove. Replace the fuel line O-rings with new ones. Carefully lower the pump assembly back into the tank, aligning the marks noted during removal. Ensure the assembly is fully seated against the seal.
10. 10

    Install lock ring and reconnect lines
    Install the lock ring over the pump assembly and hand-tighten clockwise. Using the lock ring tool, tighten the lock ring securely, aligning the marks. Reconnect the fuel feed line by pushing it firmly onto the pump fitting until it clicks. Reconnect the return line (if equipped) the same way. Verify both connections are secure by pulling on the lines.
    ℹ️Quick-connect fittings must click audibly to confirm proper engagement.
    Torque spec

    Fuel Line Fittings25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical and test
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the fuel pump assembly, ensuring it clicks into place. Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start) for 5 seconds, then OFF. Repeat this 3-4 times to prime the fuel system. Check all connections for fuel leaks using a flashlight. If no leaks are present, proceed to reinstall the access cover.
12. 12

    Reinstall access cover and seat
    Position the fuel pump access cover over the opening and install the screws. Tighten to specification. Reinstall the rear seat cushion by inserting the rear tabs into their slots and pushing down firmly on the front edge until the clips engage with an audible click.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fuel line connections are secure and locked in place
2. Verify electrical connector is fully engaged with no exposed terminals
3. Confirm access cover is properly sealed to prevent fuel vapor entry into cabin
4. Verify rear seat cushion is securely latched on both sides

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without fuel starvation
• Check for fuel leaks around all connections while engine is running
• Turn ignition to ON position and verify fuel gauge reads accurately
• Drive vehicle and monitor fuel gauge movement through various fuel levels if possible
• Check for fuel odor in cabin or trunk area after test drive
• Use scan tool to verify no fuel system diagnostic trouble codes are present

More procedures for this vehicle