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Fuel Tank Draining

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool(s)
G03281867Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.
  1. Lower the windows and remove the hard top or lower the convertible top.
  2. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
  3. Release the fuel system pressure. For additional information, refer to FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE .
  4. NOTE: This step will only drain 1/8 of the fuel when tank is full.
    Fig 2: Draining Fuel From Passenger Side Of Fuel Tank
    G03281868Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Using the special tool and a suitable fuel recovery system, drain the fuel from the passenger side of the fuel tank.
  6. NOTE: Right side shown, left side similar.
    Fig 3: Removing Rear Trim Panel
    G03281869Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove the rear trim panel.
    1. Pull out on the inboard edge to release the retainers and remove the speaker grille.
    2. Pull out to release the retaining clips and remove the rear trim panel.
  8. Position the rear carpeting and any insulation padding covering the fuel module access cover aside.
    Fig 4: Positioning Rear Carpeting
    G03281870Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Remove the fuel delivery module (FDM) and fuel transfer pump module access covers.
    Fig 5: Removing Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) And Fuel Transfer Pump Module Access Covers
    G03281871Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Disconnect the electrical connector from the fuel transfer pump module.
    Fig 6: Disconnecting Electrical Connector From Fuel Transfer Pump Module
    G03281872Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Loosen the right fuel tank support strap approximately 1 inch.
    Fig 7: Loosening Right Fuel Tank Support Strap
    G03281873Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Loosen the left fuel tank support strap approximately 1 inch.
    Fig 8: Loosening Left Fuel Tank Support Strap
    G03281874Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Using the special tool, remove the fuel transfer pump lock ring.
    Fig 9: Removing Fuel Transfer Pump Lock Ring
    G03281875Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Using the special tool and a suitable fuel recovery system, drain the fuel from the driver side of the fuel tank.
    Fig 10: Draining Fuel From Driver Side Of Fuel Tank
    G03281876Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Disconnect the electrical connector on the fuel delivery module.
    Fig 11: Disconnecting Electrical Connector On Fuel Delivery Module
    G03281877Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Using the special tool, remove the fuel delivery module lock ring.
    Fig 12: Removing Fuel Delivery Module Lock Ring
    G03281878Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Using the special tool and a suitable fuel recovery system, drain the fuel from the passenger side of the fuel tank.
    Fig 13: Draining Fuel From Passenger Side Of Fuel Tank
    G03281879Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.