The fuel level sending unit in a 2000 Ford F150 is located in the fuel tank and sends a constant signal indicating the amount of fuel that remains. When it fails, the fuel gauge will not operate, and the check engine light may come on. The unit can be replaced by disconnecting and removing the fuel tank, cleaning the area, removing the old unit, installing the new unit, and reconnecting the fuel tank. This process can be completed in under an hour with the right tools and knowledge.
What You'll Learn
Disconnecting the fuel tank
First, remove the negative battery terminal with an 11mm wrench. This will ensure that there is no power going to the fuel system. Next, loosen the fuel filler neck bracket and the vent hose bracket from the metal line. You will also need to loosen the vent hose bracket on the tank itself. Once these brackets have been loosened, you can remove the vent hose from the tank.
At this point, you will need to disconnect the sensor and the fuel pump connector. Be sure to use a flat-bladed screwdriver to remove the locks from the fuel lines. Then, using a disconnect tool, disconnect the pressure and return lines. Finally, remove the vent hose from the fuel tank.
With these steps completed, you will have successfully disconnected the fuel tank and can proceed to the next stage of the replacement process.
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Removing the fuel tank
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools for the job. For this task, you will need an 11mm wrench, an eight-millimetre socket and ratchet, a flat-bladed screwdriver, a disconnect tool, a 13mm bolt, and a 17mm bolt.
First, disconnect the fuel tank. Remove the negative battery terminal with an 11mm wrench. Loosen the fuel filler neck bracket from the metal line, and then loosen the vent hose bracket from the metal line and the tank. Remove the vent hose from the tank and disconnect the sensor and fuel pump connector. Remove the locks from the fuel lines with a flat-bladed screwdriver, and then disconnect the pressure and return lines with a disconnect tool.
Now, you're ready to remove the fuel tank. Have someone help you hold the gas tank in place. Loosen the 13mm bolt from one side of the strap and let it hang down. Remove the 13mm bolt from the second strap and then lower the fuel tank down.
It's important to work in a well-ventilated area when handling gasoline. Before you remove the sending unit, clean any dirt and debris from around the unit. Once the area is clean, you can remove the 10mm bolts from the top of the sending unit and then lift the unit up and out.
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Removing the fuel tank and sending unit
Before starting, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need an 11mm wrench, an eight-millimetre socket and ratchet, a flat-bladed screwdriver, a disconnect tool, a 13mm bolt, a 17mm bolt, a 10mm socket and ratchet extension, and a bucket. It is also recommended to wear gloves and eye protection when handling car parts and fluids.
First, disconnect the fuel tank. Remove the negative battery terminal with an 11mm wrench. Loosen the fuel filler neck bracket from the metal line, and then loosen the vent hose bracket from the metal line. Remove the vent hose from the tank. Disconnect the sensor and the fuel pump connector. Remove the locks from the fuel lines with a flat-bladed screwdriver. Disconnect the pressure and return lines with a disconnect tool.
Now you can remove the fuel tank. Loosen the 13mm bolt from one side of the strap and let the strap hang down. Remove the 13mm bolt from the second strap. You will need an assistant to help you lower the fuel tank down.
Next, remove the fuel tank and sending unit. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves and eyewear. Clean any dirt and debris from around the sending unit. Remove the 10mm bolts from the top of the sending unit with a 10mm socket and ratchet extension. Lift the sending unit up and out, letting the fuel drain out into a bucket.
At this point, you can install a new sending unit.
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Installing the fuel tank and sending unit
Now that the old sending unit has been removed, it's time to install the new one. This process involves carefully lowering the new sending unit into the fuel tank and ensuring it is securely fastened before reinstalling the fuel tank and reconnecting various components.
To begin, lower the new sending unit into the tank. It is important to ensure that the sending unit is properly aligned and seated in the tank. Once it is in the correct position, proceed to tighten the 10mm bolts to the sending unit evenly. This will secure the sending unit in place.
Next, enlist the help of an assistant to lift the gas tank back into place. With the tank positioned correctly, tighten the 10mm bolts to the fuel tank strap. This will ensure that the tank is securely fastened to the vehicle.
Now, it's time to reconnect the fuel tank. Start by removing the caps from the pressure and return lines. Connect the return lines and don't forget to clip the safety cache into place. Then, connect the vacuum hose and hose clamp to the fuel tank.
At this point, you can proceed to reconnect the electrical components. Connect the electrical sensor and reinstall the filler neck hose and hose clamp to the metal line. Ensure that the hose is securely clamped to prevent any leaks.
As you continue with the reassembly, reinstall the vent hose and hose clamp to the metal line. Reconnect the sensor on the fuel tank and reinstall the vent hose on the fuel tank. Ensure that all hoses are securely connected and clamped.
Finally, tighten down the tank straps to secure the fuel tank in place. Reconnect the negative terminal using an 11mm socket and ratchet. To prime the pump, cycle the key three times.
With these steps completed, your new fuel sending unit should be successfully installed and functioning properly.
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Installing the fuel tank
To install the fuel tank, you will need an assistant to help you lift the tank into place. First, you will need to tighten the 10mm bolts to the fuel tank strap. Then, remove the caps from the pressure and return lines. Connect the return lines and clip the safety catch into place.
Next, connect the vacuum hose and hose clamp to the fuel tank. Reconnect the electrical sensor and reinstall the filler neck hose and hose clamp to the metal line. Reinstall the vent hose and hose clamp to the metal line. Reconnect the sensor on the fuel tank and reinstall the vent hose on the fuel tank.
Finally, tighten down the tank straps and reconnect the negative terminal with an 11mm socket and ratchet. Cycle the key three times to prime the pump.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the negative battery terminal with an 11mm wrench. Then, loosen the fuel filler neck bracket, vent hose bracket from the metal line, and vent hose bracket on the tank. Finally, disconnect the sensor and fuel pump connector, and remove the locks from the fuel lines.
You will need a 11mm wrench, a flat-bladed screwdriver, and a disconnect tool.
First, have someone help you hold the gas tank. Loosen the 13mm bolt from one side of the strap and let it hang down. Then, remove the 13mm bolt from the second strap and lower the fuel tank down.
Work in a well-ventilated area and clean any dirt and debris from around the sending unit. Then, remove the 10mm bolts from the top of the sending unit and lift the sending unit up and out.
First, lower the sending unit into the tank and tighten the 10mm bolts to the sending unit evenly. Then, lift the gas tank into place with the help of an assistant and tighten the 10mm bolts to the fuel tank strap. Finally, reconnect the fuel tank by connecting the return lines and clipping the safety catch into place, followed by the vacuum hose, hose clamp, and electrical sensor.