GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Fuel odor may be caused by a leaking fuel tank, filler neck or filler cap. Loose mounting straps or foreign material in the tank may be the cause of a rattle at the fuel tank.

Leak Check Procedure

Caution: Place a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher near the area before performing a Fuel Tank Leak Check. Before removing the fuel tank for a suspected leak, make sure that the fuel pipes or the tubes are not leaking onto the tank. Once removed, make sure that the fuel is not leaking around the fuel sender O-ring. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury.

  1. Verify that the fuel sender and O-ring are installed.
  2. Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  3. Disconnect the battery cables.
  4. Drain the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Draining .
  5. Remove the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement .
  6. Cap the fuel feed tube and the fuel return tube on the fuel sender.
  7. Connect a piece of hose to the filler tube nipple and plug the opposite end.
  8. Submerge the tank in water or apply a soap solution to the outside of the tank.
  9. Apply 35 kPa (5 psi) air pressure to the vent hose of the fuel tank. A leak will show up as bubbles.