Sending Unit

My fuel gauge went out and I'm told that I need to replace the sending unit on my 97 Ford Escort.

I'm told that I have to take out the back seet to get to it. If anyone is familiar with replacing it could the give me a general rundown of how to do it and what the sending unit looks like.

I tried to find it in my manual but was unsuccesful.

You will have to remove the backseat to access the top of the gas tank. There you will be able to pull out the pump through the top... if 97 is anything at all like earlier models, the sending unit is on the pump and should be easy to identify by the float. If you have a manual, look up the fuel pump or even the entire fuel tank in the index and you should find what you are looking for. It is not too tough a job.
Don't forget to let out the fuel pressure before pulling anything apart and disconnect the battery too.