How to Change a Fuel Filter

Want your car to go faster? Have more power? Better fuel efficiency? Changing your fuel filter will give you a little more zip under the hood, and save you money at the pump. It’s easy to change a fuel filter and a lot cheaper than visiting a mechanic.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench assortment.
• Drive-up ramps
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pliers
• Jack and jack stands
• Flat-head sScrewdriver
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

1. Put on your protective glasses and gather your tools. An assortment of wrenches and screwdrivers are necessary. The ones you use will depend upon the vehicle.

2. Elevate the vehicle. This can be done by using a jack and jack stands, or drive-up ramps. Do not rely solely on a single jack, as this is very dangerous.

3. Find the fuel filter. The location varies from vehicle to vehicle. It’s a safe bet to start your search near the fuel tank under the body. You can also reference your owner’s manual or call your local dealership.

4. Remove the protective covering that guards the fuel filter. Most filters have some kind of plastic covering over them to prevent damage, and can be removed by a common wrench, hex wrench, or screwdriver.

5. Remove the fuel lines attached to the fuel filter. There are a number of ways these hoses might be linked to the pump, such as links, brackets or clips. Use either a screwdriver or wrench, whichever the attachments require.

6. Cap the fuel lines with a pencil or golf tee, and keep them tilted toward the drainage canister.

7. Remove the fuel filter from the assembly, noting which way it was oriented. An arrow will likely be on the filter. It should be pointed toward the engine, and away from the fuel tank.

8. Install you new fuel filter. Be sure that it is oriented so the fuel arrow points toward the engine.

9. Reattach the hoses and guard.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not over-tighten the fuel filter. Tighten to hand-strength, and let it be. Over-tightening can cause damage and fuel leakage.
• Change your fuel filter approximately every 10 or 15 thousand miles, but more frequently if you often drive gravel or dirt roads. Vehicles older than 10 years might have rusty fuel tanks, which also contributes to clogging.
• A new fuel filter is cheaper than a busted fuel pump, which is one of the more serious consequences of a severely clogged fuel filter.
• Sometimes special tools are required to remove the Ford fuel lines and filters. Ford provides these tools with your vehicle or upon request.
• Make sure that the engine is cool. Any heat could spark a fire.
• Be sure that the car is secure before venturing underneath. Use a jack and jack stands, or drive-up ramps. Give the car a few nudges to be sure it will not collapse.
• Never smoke or light matches when changing a fuel filter.

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[denver1936]

on 7/1/2009 what is the best way to releive the fuel pump pressure when changing a gas filter on a 2000 lincoln town car

[slavrenz]

on 7/11/2008 This article mentions nothing about removing the fuel pump fuse with the engine running before you disconnect the fuel lines. If you skip this step, you'll have high pressure fuel blowing all over!