Where Is the Fuel Line Located In a Car?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on August 26th, 2025

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Summary

  • The fuel line typically runs from the fuel pump up to the fuel rail, depending on the vehicle. From there, another line connects to the engine.

  • Most fuel lines are made from materials like steel, nylon tubing, or fuel-resistant rubber.

  • Before removing your vehicle’s fuel line, it’s important to relieve pressure in the fuel system first. Most (if not all) modern vehicles use fuel injection, which can cause fuel to spray everywhere if the pressure isn’t relieved.

A replacement fuel line

The fuel line typically runs from the fuel pump up to the fuel rail, depending on the vehicle. From there, another line connects to the engine.

Most fuel lines are made from materials like steel, nylon tubing, or fuel-resistant rubber. Aside from supplying fuel to the throttle body, fuel pump, or carburetor, fuel return lines also return excess fuel and vapors to the fuel tank.

Tips On How to Access the Fuel Line

Before removing your vehicle’s fuel line, it’s important to relieve pressure in the fuel system first. Most (if not all) modern vehicles use fuel injection, which can cause fuel to spray everywhere if the pressure isn’t relieved.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: You also need to know how the fuel line disconnects or you may break something that is very expensive to replace, so be very, very careful.

To do this, pull the fuel pump fuse or relay while the engine is running. This will cause the engine to shut down after a few seconds and eventually depressurize the fuel system. 

Also, don’t forget to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal to avoid unwanted electric sparks while working.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Tags: fuel-line