Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Fuel Tank Draining Engine Control

Special ToolsCH 45004 Fuel Tank Drain HoseCH 48027 Digital Fuel Pressure Gauge

For regional equivalent tools refer toSpecial Tools.

For any operation requiring removal of the fuel tank, there should be no more than11.4-L (3-gal) of fuel remaining. This minimizes the weight of the fuel tank assemblyand eases handling. The fuel level can be determined by reading the fuel level gauge.A reading below 1/4-full indicates that no more than 11.4-L (3-gal) are remaining.

Using The Fuel Pump

Warning:Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the areawhere work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime workis being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative batterycable, except for those tests where battery voltage isrequired.

Warning:Never drain or store fuel in an open container due to thepossibility of fire or explosion.

Using the fuel pump to drain the tank is the easiest procedure if the fuel pump isoperable. The fuel can be pumped out with the vehicle on the ground or on a hoist.

On The Ground

Warning:Fuel supply lines will remain pressurized for long periods oftime after the engine is shutdown. This pressure must be relievedbefore servicing the fuel system.

Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer toFuel Pressure Relief.

Warning:Whenever fuel line fittings are loosened or removed, wrap ashop cloth around the fitting and have an approved containeravailable to collect any fuel.

Disconnect the fuel feed quick connect fitting from the fuel rail. ReferMetal Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service.Install the 3/8-in.-x-1/4-in fitting from theCH 48027 Digital Fuel Pressure Gauge into the fuel feed quick connect fitting.Connect a suitable drain hose to the other end of the adapter and connect the drainhose to a certified fuel handling cart.Connect a scan tool to the vehicle diagnostic connector and turn the ignition ON.Energize the fuel pump using the scan tool.Pump out the fuel until no more than 1/4-tank of fuel remains.On The Hoist

Warning:Fuel supply lines will remain pressurized for long periods oftime after the engine is shutdown. This pressure must be relievedbefore servicing the fuel system.

Connect a scan tool to the vehicle diagnostic connector and turn the ignition ON.Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer toFuel Pressure Relief.

Warning:Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarelypositioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on ahoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the oppositeend from which the components are being removed.

Raise the vehicle on a hoist to a comfortable working height, keeping the scan tooloutside of the vehicle and accessible from under the car.

Warning:Whenever fuel line fittings are loosened or removed, wrap ashop cloth around the fitting and have an approved containeravailable to collect any fuel.

Disconnect the fuel tank fuel feed line quick connect fitting from the chassis fuelfeed pipe. ReferPlastic Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service.Install the 3/8-in.-x-1/4-in fitting from the CH 48027 Digital Fuel Pressure Gauge into the fuel feed quick connect fitting.Connect a suitable drain hose to the other end of the adapter and connect the drainhose to a certified fuel handling cart.Energize the fuel pump using the scan tool.Pump out the fuel until no more than 1/4-tank of fuel remains.Siphoning The Fuel Tank

Warning:Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the areawhere work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime workis being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative batterycable, except for those tests where battery voltage isrequired.

If the fuel pump is inoperative, the tank can be drained by siphoning from the tank.A suitable means is through the fuel fill pipe with the correct type and stiffnessof tubing as used with the CH 45004 Fuel Tank Drain Hose .

Warning:Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the areawhere work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime workis being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative batterycable, except for those tests where battery voltage isrequired.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.Open the fuel fill door and remove the gas cap.

Caution:Do not attempt to insert any other type of siphon hose ortube into the fuel filler pipe. The design of the inlet check valveat the end of the fuel filler tube restricts the insertion of ahose and, most importantly, prevents the removal of this hose. SeeFuel Inlet Check Valve in this section. If the siphon hose becomesstuck in the check valve, the fuel filler pipe will not be able tobe removed from the fuel tank without damage to the fill pipe orfuel tank.

Insert the siphon hose guide/funnel into the fuel fill pipe opening.

Note:The siphon hose will reach the bottom of the tank on the primary side only, withinabout 25.4-cm (10-in) of the end fitting and tag. When connecting the siphon hoseto another length of hose that is connected to the drain tank, DO NOT insert the siphonhose into the fill pipe funnel past the tag at the fitting end. If inserted too far,the upper portion of the siphon hose may pass through the checkvalve cage and then jam on attempted removal.

Insert the hose into the guide funnel and into the fuel fill pipe. Some resistancemay be encountered when the tip of the siphon hose reaches the inlet check valve.Repeated probing may be necessary to slide the hose tip through the check valve cage.

Warning:Whenever fuel lines are removed, catch fuel in an approvedcontainer. Container opening must be a minimum of 300-mm(12- in) diameter to adequately catch the fluid.

Note:The fuel flow rate from the siphon hose will range from 1.1-L/min (0.3-gal/min) upto 3.8-L/min (1-gal/min), depending on whether it is gravity siphoned or with an air-poweredpump.

Begin the fuel siphoning process. Place the fuel into an approved fuel container.Remove the siphon hose from the fuel fill pipe after draining is complete.