How to Replace a Fuel Filter on a Honda Civic

If you haven’t had your fuel filter changed on your Civic lately, you may have noticed your car is starting sluggishly or your gas mileage is falling off. Honda recommends changing filters every 30,000 miles, so if it’s time for a new filter, here are some tips for doing the swap yourself. The filter described fits all Civics from 1995 to 2005 models.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement OEM fuel filter with replacement washers
• Metric wrenches in 14 mm and 17 mm sizes
• 8 mm nut driver
• Penetrating oil

1. Make sure ignition is turned off. Locate the fuel filter on the right side firewall under the hood (on the back left side as you look into the engine bay from the front). Loosen the top 17 mm bolt, but not the smaller 10 mm screw on top of the upper bolt assembly. Threads are normal and the bolt loosens by turning wrench counterclockwise. Remove the top fuel outlet assembly, and keep copper washers from lower and upper seats in case you have to reuse them.

2. Loosen the lower tightening nut on the fuel line with a 14 mm wrench. This nut is also threaded normally and loosens by turning the wrench clockwise, because it’s in an inverted position. This nut may be very tight because of accumulated fuel residues and you may need penetrating oil and an extension rig on your wrench to loosen it.

3. Loosen the holding bolt on the back of the filter bracket with an 8 mm nut driver. The outer bracket half comes apart to remove the old filter. Discard old filter and position new filter in the bracket half with the flat prong fitting into the slot on the bracket. Replace and tighten the bracket bolt.

4. Fit lower fuel line into the filter fitting and hand tighten the bolt. There is no washer or gasket for the lower line assembly. Tighten the lower nut with a 14 mm wrench by turning the wrench counterclockwise. The lower nut compresses the fuel line fitting as you tighten it to prevent leaks.

5. Place a new washer on the upper fuel-line pickup bolt and insert it into the fuel line fitting. Place a second copper washer on the lower threads of the bolt assembly. Make sure all parts are very clean and grit-free. Hand tighten the bolt to get it seated properly, then tighten it with a wrench. The top bolt flange does not have to be aligned with the fuel line inlet.

6. Turn the ignition on to start the fuel pump and pressurize the fuel line. Check for leaks at top and bottom fittings of filter. If leaks are present, turn off ignition and remove filter top or bottom assembly. Check condition of washers and seats and make sure all parts are smooth and clean. Reassemble and test until no fuel leaks are present.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an original washer in good condition, you may be able to reuse it in place of a new washer with pits or scratches. The two top washers you use don’t have to be the same thickness.
• Some fuel may squirt out of the filter when you loosen the top nut. Don't smoke or have open flames around and keep some paper towels handy to soak up fuel spills.

[orvis]

on 10/17/2009 It is a heck of lot easier if you remove the firewall brace, but, lossen the bottom and top fuel lines first and then follow the regular routine. Be sure to reconnect the bottom fuel line first before you bolt up the firewall brace again.

Tom

[redkoff]

on 8/25/2008 On my 1997 Civic I Used a 10MM rachet not an 8MM. It was also easier to take the bracket off the fire-wall and the first thing I did was remove the air intake hose which gave me more room to work..

[valerieshahan]

on 6/1/2008 How about the fuel filter on an older Honda? I have a 1992 Honda Civic Ex that has recently--since Friday, been stubborn about starting and the fuel filter is suspect.