GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1831233  Size: MF
(1)Fuel Injection Pump
(2)Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Valve
(3)Fuel Rail
(4)Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor
(5)Fuel Injector
(6)Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Valve
(7)Damper Volume
(8)Fuel Tank
(9)Fuel Pump
(10)Fuel Filter Assembly

The fuel pump module (9), located in the right side of the fuel tank, supplies fuel through the fuel feed pipe to the high pressure mechanical fuel injection pump (1). The mechanical fuel injection pump (1) is located on the lower left side of the engine. Fuel is drawn through the fuel filter/heater element housing (10), which combines a water separator, a fuel heater element, and a filter element. The mechanical fuel injection pump output is controlled by the engine control module (ECM), and provides fuel at the pressure needed by the fuel injectors (5). The fuel injectors supply fuel directly to the combustion chambers of the engine. A separate pipe returns unused fuel through to the fuel tank. The mechanical fuel injection pump, fuel rail pressure, fuel injection timing, and injection duration are controlled by the ECM.

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank (8) stores the fuel supply. The fuel pump (9) is an electric pump that is attached to the primary fuel tank module assembly. The fuel pump supplies fuel to the high pressure mechanical fuel injection pump (1). The fuel pump also supplies fuel to the siphon jet pump. The siphon jet pump draws fuel from the secondary side of the fuel tank to the primary side of the fuel tank.

The fuel tank is held in place by 2 metal straps that attach to the frame. The fuel tank is molded from high density polyethylene.

Fuel Filler Cap


Object Number: 300314  Size: SH

The fuel filler cap has a torque-limiting device that prevents the cap from being over tightened. To install , turn the cap clockwise until you hear audible clicks. This indicates that the cap is fully seated.

Fuel Sender Assembly

The primary fuel tank module (9) is located inside of the right side of the fuel tank. The primary fuel tank module consists of the following major components:

    • The fuel pump and reservoir assembly
    • The fuel level sensor
    • The fuel strainer
    • The jet pump
    • The fuel transfer pipe

The secondary fuel tank module is located inside of the left side of the fuel tank. The secondary fuel tank module consists of the following major components:

    • The fuel level sensor
    • The fuel strainer

Fuel Level Sensor

The fuel level sensor consists of a float, a wire float arm, and a ceramic resistor card. The position of the float arm indicates the fuel level. The fuel level sensor contains a variable resistor which changes resistance in correspondence with the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. The engine control module (ECM) sends the fuel level information to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This information is used for the instrument panel (I/P) fuel gage and the low fuel warning indicator, if applicable. The ECM also monitors the fuel level input for various diagnostics.

Fuel Strainer

The fuel strainer attaches to the lower end of the fuel sender. The fuel strainer is made of woven plastic. The functions of the fuel strainer are to filter contaminants and to wick fuel. The fuel strainer is self-cleaning and normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment.

Fuel Pump

The fuel pump (9) is mounted in the primary fuel tank module reservoir. The fuel pump is an electric pump. Fuel is pumped to the mechanical fuel injection pump at a specified flow and pressure. The control module controls the electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay.

Fuel Injection Pump

The fuel injection pump (1) is a mechanical high pressure pump. The fuel injection pump is located on the lower left side of the engine. Fuel is pumped to the fuel rails at a specified pressure. Fuel pressure is regulated by the fuel pressure regulator 1 (2) which is located on the inlet side of the fuel injection pump, controlled by the engine control module (ECM). Excess fuel from the fuel injection pump returns to the fuel tank through the fuel return pipe.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter assembly (10) is located at the right rear of the engine compartment. The paper filter element traps particles in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system.

Fuel Feed and Return Pipes

The fuel feed pipe carries fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel filter/heater element housing. The fuel return pipe carries fuel from the fuel rail assemblies back to the fuel tank. The fuel pipes consist of 2 sections:

    • The rear fuel pipe assemblies are located from the top of the fuel tank to the chassis fuel pipes. The rear fuel pipes are constructed of steel with sections of rubber hose covered with braiding.
    • The chassis fuel pipes are located under the vehicle and connect the rear fuel pipes to the fuel rail pipes. These pipes are constructed of steel with sections of rubber hose covered with braiding.

Quick-Connect Fittings

Quick-connect fittings provide a simplified means of installing and connecting fuel system components. The fittings consist of a unique female connector and a compatible male pipe end. O-rings, located inside the female connector, provide the fuel seal. Integral locking tabs inside the female connector hold the fittings together.

Fuel Pipe O-Rings

O-rings seal the connections in the fuel system. Fuel system O-ring seals are made of special material. Service the O-ring seals with the correct service part.

Fuel Rail Assembly

The fuel rail assembly (3) attaches to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly distributes pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors through the fuel lines.

The fuel rail assembly consists of the following components:

    • The fuel rail pressure sensor (4)
    • The fuel pressure regulator (6)

The fuel rail pressure sensor gives the engine control module (ECM) an indication of fuel pressure. The ECM uses this information to regulate fuel pressure, by commanding the fuel pressure regulator open or closed on the inlet of the fuel injection pump.

Fuel Injectors and Return Lines

A fuel injector is a solenoid device, controlled by the ECM, that meters pressurized fuel to a single engine cylinder. Fuel pressure is released from above the fuel injector pintle, and is returned to the fuel tank through the fuel return lines. The difference in fuel pressure above and below the pintle causes the pintle to open. Fuel from the fuel injector tip is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber on the compression stroke of the engine.

The control functions for the fuel injection system are integrated in the engine control module (ECM).