Replacing Fuel Vapor Hose In Your 2009 Equinox

Replacing the fuel vapor hose on a 2009 Equinox requires several tools and precautions. The fuel vapor hose is part of the fuel system, which can vary depending on the age of the vehicle. It is important to use the correct type of hose, as fuel vapors are highly flammable.

Locating the fuel hose

The location of the fuel hose can vary depending on the year and model of your vehicle. For the 2009 Equinox, here are the steps to locate the fuel hose:

Engine Compartment:

• Open the hood of your vehicle.
• Look for the fuel hose in the engine compartment. It is usually located near the fuel rail or the firewall.
• If you have a flexible or rubber hose on the supply line, return line, or vapor line, it is recommended to replace all three hoses if only one is damaged.

Under the Vehicle:

• Place a jack under the vehicle and lift it to gain access to the underbody.
• Locate the fuel tank and the fuel pump.
• The fuel hose will be connected to the fuel pump and may be held in place by rubber grommets.
• Be careful when handling plastic fuel lines, as they can break easily.

Verifying the Condition of the Fuel Hose:

Before proceeding with the replacement, it is important to verify the condition of the fuel hose:

• Use a flashlight and a combustible gas detector to check for any leaking fuel in the engine compartment and around the fuel hose.
• Pay close attention to the supply, return, and vapor hoses for any signs of leaks.

Removing the Old Fuel Hose:

Once you have located and verified the condition of the fuel hose, you can proceed with the removal:

• Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface and engage the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks around the front tires and ensure the transmission is in park or first gear.
• Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to disable the power to the ignition and fuel systems.
• Using a floor jack, lift the vehicle at the specified jacking points and place jack stands for support.
• Locate the damaged or leaking fuel hose and use a fuel hose quick disconnect tool to remove it from the fuel rail or fuel pump.
• Remove the fuel hose from the fuel line, fuel pump, or carburetor, and place a drip pan underneath to catch any spilled fuel.
• Clean the surface where the fuel hose was attached using a lint-free cloth.

Now that you have located and removed the old fuel hose, you can install the new fuel vapor hose. Remember to refer to a reliable repair manual for specific instructions regarding your 2009 Chevrolet Equinox.

Removing the fuel hose

Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface and ensure that the transmission is in park for automatics or in first gear for manuals. Place wheel chocks around the front tires and engage the parking brake to prevent the rear tires from moving.

Using a floor jack, lift the vehicle at its specified jacking points until the wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands under the jacking point locations and lower the vehicle onto them.

Next, install a nine-volt battery saver into the cigarette lighter to preserve your vehicle's settings. Disconnect the battery by removing the ground cable from the battery's negative post, disabling the power to the ignition and fuel systems.

If your vehicle is an older model from before 1996 with a fuel hose in the engine compartment, locate the damaged or leaking fuel hose and remove the hose clamps holding it in place. Place a drip pan underneath, then pull the hose off the attaching fuel line, fuel pump, or carburetor. Clean the surface where the fuel hose attaches with a lint-free cloth.

For older vehicles with a fuel hose under the vehicle, remove the fuel hose from the supply side of the fuel pump. Go underneath the vehicle and remove the fuel steel line, which may be held up by rubber grommets. Place a transmission jack or similar jack under the fuel tank and remove the fuel tank straps.

Remove the mounting bolts to the fuel filler neck. You can access these by opening the fuel neck door. Lower the fuel tank enough to remove the rubber fuel hose. Place a drip pan under the fuel tank and remove the hose clamp holding the fuel hose. Now, remove the fuel hose from the fuel pump and the fuel line.

If your vehicle is from 1996 or later and has a fuel hose in the engine compartment, locate the damaged or leaking fuel hose and use a fuel hose quick disconnect tool to remove it from the fuel rail. Remove the hose from the fuel line using the same tool, and do this behind the engine along the firewall.

For vehicles from 1996 onwards with a fuel hose under the vehicle, use a fuel hose quick disconnect tool to remove the fuel hose from the fuel line behind the engine along the firewall. Go underneath the vehicle and remove the fuel plastic line, being careful as it may break easily.

Notes

If you have rubber or flex hoses on the supply line, return line, and vapor line, it is recommended to replace all three hoses if only one is damaged.

Installing the new fuel hose

This installation guide assumes you have already removed the old fuel hose. If not, please refer to the previous steps outlined in the sources.

This guide will also focus on vehicles from 1996 onwards, as the fuel hose installation process for older vehicles differs.

Firstly, place new hose clamps around the new fuel hose. Ensure the clamps are installed at the proper tightness.

Next, install the new fuel hose onto the fuel pump, fuel line, or carburetor. Tighten the new hose clamps and secure the hose. Do not use old hose clamps, as the clamping force will not hold when tightened, causing a leak.

If you are installing the hose underneath the vehicle, you will need to raise the fuel tank and, if your vehicle has a fuel filter, snap the fuel line to the filter and ensure the connections are tight.

If you are installing the hose in the engine compartment, snap the quick disconnect together onto the fuel line by the firewall. Then, snap the quick disconnect together from the fuel line to the fuel rail. Check that both connections are sealed tight.

If you are installing all three lines (vapor, supply, and return), you will need to install the vapor line to the charcoal canister and the return line to the fuel tank by snapping the quick disconnect together.

Finally, raise the fuel tank and align the fuel filler neck so it can be mounted. Install the mounting bolts to the fuel filler neck, tightening them finger-tight and then turning them an additional 1/8 turn.

Hook up the fuel tank straps, putting Loctite onto the threads of the mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts hand-tight and then turn them an additional 1/8 turn to secure the straps.

Now, remove the transmission jack and snap the quick disconnect on the fuel hose to the fuel line. This will be located behind the firewall in the engine compartment.

Checking for leaks

Now that you've replaced the fuel vapor hose on your 2009 Chevrolet Equinox, it's time to check for leaks. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Reconnect the ground cable back to the battery's negative post. Remove the nine-volt battery saver from the cigarette lighter.
• Tighten the battery clamp to ensure a good connection. If you didn't use a nine-volt battery saver, you'll need to reset all the settings in your vehicle, such as your radio, electric seats, and mirrors.
• Turn the ignition key on. Listen for the fuel pump to activate, and then turn off the ignition after the fuel pump stops making noise. You may need to cycle the ignition key on and off 3 to 4 times to ensure all the fuel lines are full of fuel.
• Use a combustible gas detector to check all the connections for any leaks. Also, sniff the air for any fuel odours. Pay close attention to the connections at the fuel pump seal gasket, as leaks here are more common over time.
• Additionally, check the pressure to ensure there is not a restricted evap hose causing pressure buildup in the tank, which could force fuel out of the vent valve.
• If you notice any leaks, address them immediately. Fuel leaks can be dangerous and lead to a fire or explosion.

Lowering the vehicle

Once you have finished replacing the fuel hose and are happy that there are no leaks, you can lower the vehicle.

• Raise the vehicle. Using a floor jack, lift under the vehicle at its specified jacking points until the wheels are completely off the ground.
• Remove the jack stands. Keep them away from the vehicle.
• Lower the vehicle so that all four wheels are on the ground. Pull out the jack and put it aside.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

Now that your vehicle is lowered, you can take it for a test drive.

Test drive the vehicle:

• Drive the vehicle around the block. During the test, go over different bumps to allow the fuel to slosh around inside the fuel lines.
• Monitor the dashboard for the fuel level and for any engine light to appear.

If your engine light comes on after replacing the fuel hose, there may be a further issue with the fuel system or a possible electrical issue within the fuel system. If the problem persists, seek help from a certified mechanic.

Frequently asked questions