Removing The Fuel Tank On A 99 Eclipse: Step-By-Step Guide

how to remove fuel tank on 99 eclipse

If you're looking to remove the fuel tank from your 99 Eclipse, you've come to the right place. This process can be tricky, but with the right tools and precautions, it can be done safely and efficiently. It's important to note that the fuel tank in your Eclipse may be rusting or clogged with debris, so an upgrade or replacement might be necessary. Before beginning any work, ensure your gas tank is below a quarter full, as this will make the process much easier. In addition, working with fuel can be hazardous, so it's recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents. Now, let's dive into the steps required to remove the fuel tank on your 99 Eclipse.

Characteristics and Values Table for Removing Fuel Tank on 99 Eclipse

Characteristics Values
Vehicle Make and Model Mitsubishi Eclipse
Year 1999
Fuel Pump Install 1999-2005 Eclipse/Stratus/Galant
Fuel Tank Assembly Ensure gas tank is below 1/4 full
Tools Required Flashlight, Dremel with sanding bit, rubber mallet, screw driver, silver sharpie/white out, Phillips head screw driver, needle nose pliers, goggles, bucket
Seat Removal Pull tabs at the crotch area to release the rear seat
Cable and Harness Disconnection Remove square plate, disconnect two harnesses, carefully remove fuel return and feed lines
Fuel Tank Reference Pointer Observe triangle mark on assembly, use silver sharpie to mark black ring position
Black Ring Removal Use Mitsubishi tool or flat/Phillips head screw driver and rubber mallet
Fuel Pump Removal Disconnect electrical harness, remove locking ring with wrench, take out fuel pump
Fuel System Upgrades Aftermarket fuel tank options available for upgrades
Fuel Filler Neck Interchangeable with 97 model, different setup but bolts up no problem

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Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is a crucial step when removing the fuel tank on a 99 Eclipse. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it safely and effectively:

First and foremost, safety should be the top priority when working with any electrical system, especially in a car. Ensure that you are wearing the appropriate protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, to safeguard against any potential hazards.

To begin disconnecting the negative battery cable, locate the battery in the engine bay. The negative terminal is usually identified by a minus (-) sign or a black color-coding. Before proceeding, make sure that the car is turned off, and there are no sparks or flames nearby that could cause an explosion.

Once you have identified the negative terminal, use a suitable wrench or socket to loosen the clamp that secures the cable to the terminal. You may need to apply some force to break the seal, but be careful not to strip the threads or damage the terminal. Slowly and gently lift and pull the cable away from the battery terminal. Be cautious not to let the cable touch any metal parts of the car, as it could cause a short circuit or unintended electrical discharge.

After the cable is disconnected, it's important to secure it properly. You can use cable ties or a non-conductive material to isolate the cable and prevent it from accidentally reconnecting. Make sure that the cable cannot move around freely and that it is secured away from any metal components.

Finally, once the negative battery cable is safely disconnected and secured, you can proceed with the next steps in removing the fuel tank. Remember to refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed guide for the subsequent procedures, as working on a fuel system can be complex and dangerous if not performed correctly.

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Remove the rear seat

To remove the rear seat of a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, start by relieving the fuel system pressure and disconnecting the negative battery cable with a wrench. Next, take out the rear seat cushion. This is done by pulling the seat stopper out and lifting the lower cushion up.

Now that the rear seat cushion has been removed, you can access the area underneath the seat. There may be additional components or connections that need to be addressed before completely removing the rear seat assembly. It is important to identify and carefully detach any wiring harnesses, locks, or other attachments connected to the seat structure.

In the center of the rear seat area, you will find a square plate held in place by four self-tapping screws. Remove these screws and gently pull the cable off the plate, starting from the front corner on the driver's side. Once the cable is disconnected, you can lift the plate to expose the underlying components.

At this point, you should see two harnesses that need to be disconnected. Carefully detach these harnesses to avoid any damage. One of these harnesses is likely connected to the fuel system, so it is important to be cautious and ensure any fuel lines are properly secured and handled to prevent leaks.

With the harnesses disconnected, you have now successfully removed the necessary components related to the rear seat. You can proceed with any additional maintenance or repair work that requires access to this area, such as fuel pump replacement or fuel tank servicing. Remember to follow proper safety procedures when working with automotive fuel systems.

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Disconnect the fuel lines

Disconnecting the fuel lines of a 99 Eclipse is a delicate process and must be done with caution. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, ensure your car has been sitting for a day so that the fuel feed line is not pressurized, which can cause gas spray and leakage. Then, relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench. It is highly recommended to ensure your gas tank is below a quarter full before proceeding, as this will make reinstallation of the fuel tank assembly much easier.

Next, remove the rear seat cushion by pulling out the seat stopper and lifting the lower cushion. You can now access the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle. After removing the inspection cover, you will need to disconnect the fuel lines and unplug the fuel pump's electrical harness. Be cautious during this step to avoid any spills or damage to the fuel lines.

If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, you will also need to remove the locking ring on the fuel pump assembly with a wrench. This step may vary depending on the specific model and configuration of your Eclipse. It is important to refer to your vehicle's manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any steps in this process.

Once the fuel lines have been successfully disconnected, you can proceed with removing the fuel pump from the fuel tank. Remember to mark the orientation of the fuel pump and any other components before removal, as this will aid in the reassembly process. It is also crucial to have adequate ventilation when working with fuel and to wear the appropriate protective gear, such as goggles and gloves.

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Mark the black ring with a silver sharpie

To remove the fuel tank from a 99 Eclipse, you will need to remove the fuel pump assembly from the gas tank. This process can be tricky, so it is important to take precautions and mark the black ring with a silver sharpie for proper reinstallation.

First, relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the rear seat cushion and the inspection cover on the passenger side of the vehicle. Disconnect the fuel lines and unplug the fuel pump's electrical harness. When performing these steps, be cautious as fuel can be dangerous to work with and cause spillage. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as goggles, and protective lenses.

Now, observe the fuel tank assembly. You will see a triangle reference pointer. As the mark on the black ring, which holds the assembly in the gas tank, is difficult to see, use a silver sharpie to mark the location of the black ring for proper reinstallation. This will ensure that you can align the arrow triangle on the fuel pump assembly with the mark on the black ring during reassembly.

To remove the black ring, you can use a special Mitsubishi tool or a flat head or Phillips head screwdriver and a rubber mallet. Place a bucket near the gas tank to catch any remaining fuel in the fuel pump assembly. Carefully remove the assembly from the gas tank, being cautious of the fuel sending unit "bobber" hanging below. Once removed, you can proceed with servicing or replacing the fuel pump.

By marking the black ring with a silver sharpie, you can ensure proper alignment and a secure fit during reinstallation of the fuel pump assembly. This step is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure the safe operation of your 99 Eclipse.

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Unscrew and remove the black ring

To remove the black ring, you will need to identify it first. The black ring encircles the fuel pump assembly. It can be difficult to see the mark on the black ring, so it is recommended to use a silver sharpie or something similar to mark where the black ring will end up once you screw it back in. This will make it easier to align during reinstallation.

Now, to remove the black ring, the recommended method is to use the special Mitsubishi tool that is typically used to hold the crank pulley in place while unbolting. However, if you don't have access to this tool, a flat head or Phillips head screwdriver and a rubber mallet can be used as an alternative.

Using the screwdriver and rubber mallet, carefully work to loosen and unscrew the black ring from the pump assembly. It is important to be gentle and patient during this process to avoid damaging any components. Take your time and work carefully until the black ring is completely unscrewed and removed.

Once the black ring is removed, set it aside safely, being mindful of any fuel that may still be in the tank or lines. You can now proceed with the next steps in removing the fuel tank or performing any necessary maintenance or repairs. Remember to refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed repair manual if you are unsure about any part of the process.

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Frequently asked questions

Here is a step-by-step guide to removing the fuel tank on a 99 Eclipse:

- Ensure your gas tank is below 1/4 full.

- Disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench.

- Take out the rear seat cushion.

- Disconnect the fuel lines and unplug the fuel pump's electrical harness.

- Remove the locking ring on the fuel pump assembly.

- Remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.

You will need a wrench, a screwdriver, a rubber mallet, a bucket, and a pair of goggles.

The fuel pump depends on the make and model, as well as the engine size. Mitsubishi Eclipse models made from 1995 to 1999 offer choices of 2.0 L or 2.4 L engines.

The 99 Eclipse has a different setup from the 97 model, but the body and fuel tank are the same, so it should bolt up with no problem. You can swap it out by removing the canister and other evap accessories.

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