Fuel System Cleaning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Replace plastic fuel line retainers whenever fuel supply lines are disconnected at fuel filter and fuel rail. Install new retainer into female portion of connection. Care must be taken to assure that locking tab is centered in window of female connection. Firmly press male and female portions together until a click noise is heard, then pull firmly back to confirm engagement.

NOTE: After it is determined that the fuel system is contaminated, use the following procedure to clean the fuel system.

NOTE: When flushing the fuel tank, handle the fuel and water mixture as a hazardous material. Handle the fuel and water mixture in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Place vehicle on hoist and open hood. Remove the fuel tank. See FUEL TANK . Lower vehicle. Disconnect the fuel line at fuel rail. With compressed air, blow out fuel feed line. Catch fuel in a container at opposite end of the line.
Remove the fuel pump modules. See PRIMARY FUEL PUMP MODULE or SECONDARY FUEL PUMP MODULE . Inspect inlet filter on primary fuel pump. If plugged or damaged, fuel pump module must be replaced. Flush tank with hot water for at least 6 minutes.
Invert and drain water from tank. All metal chips/debris must be removed from tank prior to installation. Install fuel pump modules to fuel tank using new fuel pump seals. Do not connect fuel feed line to new filter. Install fuel tank to vehicle. Lower vehicle. Connect fuel line to fuel rail. Put at least 6 gallons of clean fuel into fuel tank.
Connect negative battery cable. Tighten negative battery terminal bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Connect scan tool to vehicle and turn ignition on. Raise vehicle on hoist and install male quick-connect adapter from Fuel Flow/Pressure Adapter (SA9127E-7) into fuel feed line.
Install drain hose to adapter and place other end in an approved container. Energize fuel pump with scan tool for 1-2 minutes. This will pump about 2 quarts of fuel and purge any debris from the fuel tank.
Disconnect fuel drain hose adapter at fuel feed line and connect fuel line to fuel filter. Energize fuel pump and check all connections for leaks. De-energize pump, lower vehicle, and start engine.