Reinstall the ground strap on a plastic fuel tank to prevent a fire

Why it’s so important to reinstall the ground strap on a plastic fuel tank

The ground strap is an important component of a car’s fuel system. It is a small wire that connects the fuel tank to the chassis of the car. The purpose of the ground strap is to prevent static electricity from building up in the fuel system, which can cause a spark and ignite the fuel. This is especially important in cars with plastic fuel tanks, as fuel flowing through a plastic tank, line, or filter can produce static electricity. So you must reinstall the ground strap any time you have to drop the tank.

Why the ground strap is needed on a “non-conductive” plastic tank

• Fire prevention – Plastic tanks isolate and prevent electrical charge buildup from flowing to the chassis. A ground strap provides a safe path for any static electrical buildup to discharge, rather than potentially sparking a fuel fire.
• Prevent component damage – Without a ground path, electrical charge can build up abnormally high and discharge through and damage fuel pump modules, sending units, or other in-tank components once it finally releases. A strap prevents over-voltage from occurring.
• Proper fuel gauge readings – The fuel-sending unit relies on proper grounding to read the fuel level correctly and send accurate signals to the gauge. An ungrounded tank can cause incorrect, random, or fluctuating gauge issues.
• Check engine light prevention – If an in-tank pump or component gets damaged from a lack of grounding, it usually triggers the check engine light. Grounded components are protected.

If you work on a car with a plastic fuel tank, fuel filter, or fuel line and encounter a ground strap, always make sure you reinstall it! Fuel flowing through a plastic tank, line, or filter can produce static electricity. The ground strap siphons off that static charge and prevents arcing.

Analysis of some explosions has shown that the ground strap was left off the vehicle during the previous fuel-related repair and the static charge burned a hole right through the plastic component.

Remember, car manufacturers don’t install parts just for the heck of it. Ground straps are there for a reason. Always reinstall them.

© 2012 Rick Muscoplat