Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module
An electric three-phase style fuel pump attaches to the A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Moduleinside the primary side of the fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies fuel through the fuel feed pipe to the High Pressure Fuel Pump. The Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module contains a reverse flow check valve. The check valve maintains fuel pressure in the fuel feed pipe in order to prevent long cranking times. The A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Moduleis located inside of the left side of the fuel tank. The A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Moduleconsists of the following major components:
- The Fuel Level Sensor
- Front Wheel Drive Models only, the fuel limit vent valve
- The Fuel Pump and Reservoir Assembly
- The Fuel Filter
- The Pressure Relief Regulator Valve
- The Fuel Strainer
- The Primary Jet Pump
- The Secondary Jet Pump (If Equipped With All-Wheel Drive)
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 position of the float arm. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends the fuel level information via the serial data circuit to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) in order to control the fuel gauge. Models equipped with All-Wheel Drive have two fuel level sensors. The control module monitors the signal circuits of the primary fuel level sensor and the secondary fuel level sensor in order to determine the fuel level.
Fuel Pump and Reservoir Assembly
The fuel pump is mounted in the A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Modulereservoir. The fuel pump is a three-phase electric pump. Fuel is pumped to the High Pressure Fuel Pump at a pressure that is based on feedback from the fuel pressure sensor. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The fuel pump flex pipe acts to dampen the fuel pulses and noise generated by the fuel pump.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is located in the A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module. The paper filter element traps particles in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system.
Pressure Relief Regulator Valve
The pressure relief regulator valve replaces the typical fuel pressure regulator used on a mechanical returnless fuel system. The pressure relief regulator valve is closed during normal vehicle operation. The pressure relief regulator valve is used to vent pressure during hot soaks and also functions as a fuel pressure regulator in the event of the Fuel Pump Power Control Module defaulting to 100 % Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) of the fuel pump. Due to variation in the fuel system pressures, the opening pressure for the pressure relief regulator valve is set higher than the pressure that is used on a mechanical returnless fuel system pressure regulator.
Fuel Strainer
The fuel strainer attaches to the lower end of the A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module. 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 normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or contamination.
Primary Jet Pump
The primary jet pump is located in the A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module. Fuel pump flow loss, caused by vapor expulsion in the pump inlet chamber, is diverted to the primary jet pump and the secondary jet pump through a restrictive orifice located on the pump cover. The primary jet pump fills the reservoir of the A7 Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module.
Secondary Jet Pump (If Equipped With All-Wheel Drive)
The secondary jet pump creates a venturi action which causes the fuel to be drawn from the secondary side of the fuel tank, through the fuel transfer hose that is internal to the fuel tank, to the primary side of the fuel tank.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.