When you're clearing the fuel tank on Sportage models, take advantage of the empty condition: you can't drain this tank, so you'll have to get the leftover fuel out with a special siphoning kit from your local auto parts store. Start by releasing fuel pressure, taking off the negative cable from the battery, lifting the car, and placing it on jackstands. Next, disconnect both fuel supply and return lines from the fuel pump/gauge unit. Leave fuel in the tank if there's little left over or none at all, but remove and empty fuel pump/fuel gauge sending unit to drain out any remaining fuel if there's a lot of fuel in the tank. At the fuel pump, take off the electrical connector and detach the hose connection to the sub-fuel sender through the fuel suction line quick-connect fitting. To hold up the tank during removal, either use a transmission jack or a floor jack, but use a board to prevent damage between the jack's head and the tank. Take both front rock shields off the fuel tank, and then unscrew the parking brake cable bracket bolts to put the cables aside. Start by taking off both the exhaust and driveshaft. Release the pressure on three hose clamps, one at a time, and disconnect fuel filler neck, fuel leveling, and EVAP ventilation hoses. Return the fuel tank to its original place. Begin by removing the fuel tank strap bolts, release straps, and lower the tank. After checking that nothing blocks your way, take off all plastic panels and parts around the tank. Reinstall by undoing the steps you took to take it off.
