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Fuel System Pressure Relief

CAUTION: Do not perform this procedure if the engine is hot. Unburned fuel entering the catalytic converter could damage the converter catalyst. DO NOT allow fuel to contact engine or electrical components.
NOTE: Circuit opening relay may also be called the fuel pump relay.

Fuel system is under pressure. Pressure must be relieved prior to servicing fuel system. Fuel pressure may be relieved by using one of the following methods:

  1. Loosen fuel filler cap to relieve the fuel tank pressure.
  2. Remove the Instrument Panel (IP) storage compartment.
  3. Reach in through the IP storage compartment opening and remove the circuit opening relay from the fuse block IP. See Fig 1 .
  4. Start the engine and allow the engine to stall.
  5. Crank the engine for an additional 3 seconds after stalling in order to assure relief of any remaining fuel pressure.
  6. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable in order to avoid re-pressurizing fuel system. Make necessary checks or repairs. Cover the fuel system components with a shop towel before disconnecting.
  7. To activate fuel system, reverse disable procedures. Check fuel system for leaks.
  8. Install the IP storage compartment.
  9. Install and tighten the fuel filler cap.

Fig 1: Locating Circuit Opening Relay
G00082683Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.