Fuel Tank: Removal

WARNING: Place "NO OPEN FLAMES" signs near the working area.

CAUTION: Be careful not to spill fuel.

Release the fuel pressure. < Refer to RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE , PROCEDURE, Fuel. >
Drain fuel. < Refer to DRAINING FUEL (WITH SUBARU SELECT MONITOR) , PROCEDURE, Fuel. >
Disconnect the ground cable from battery.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Ground Cable From Battery
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the rear seat cushion. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Seat. >
Remove the service hole cover of fuel pump.

Fig 2: Locating Service Hole Cover Screws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect connectors from the fuel pump, and move aside the service hole cover.

Fig 3: Locating Fuel Pump Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the service hole cover of fuel sub level sensor.

Fig 4: Locating Fuel Sub Level Sensor Service Hole Cover Screws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect connectors from the fuel sub level sensor, and move aside the service hole cover.

Fig 5: Locating Fuel Sub Level Sensor Connectors
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the quick connector on the fuel delivery tube. < Refer to REMOVAL , Fuel Delivery and Evaporation Lines. >
NOTE: Disconnect the quick connector as shown in the figure.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 7: Locating Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe. > < Refer to REMOVAL , Muffler. >
Remove the rear differential. < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Differential (T-type). > < Refer to REMOVAL , Rear Differential (VA-type). >
Disconnect the fuel filler hose (A) and evaporation hose (B) from the fuel filler pipe assembly.

Fig 8: Identifying Fuel Filler Hose And Evaporation Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the vent tube from canister.
NOTE: Disconnect the quick connector as shown in the figure.

Fig 9: Disconnecting Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 10: Locating Quick Connector
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the fuel tank protector.

Fig 11: Locating Fuel Tank Protector Screws
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the heat shield cover and stopper.

Fig 12: Locating Heat Shield Cover And Stopper Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack, remove the bolts from the fuel tank band, and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
WARNING:
- A helper is required to perform this work.
- Fuel may remain in the fuel tank. This will cause the left and right sides to be unbalanced. Be careful not to drop the fuel tank.
  
  Fig 13: Locating Fuel Tank Band Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.