How to Remove and Replace Fuel Filters
Fuel filters keep contaminants from entering fuel injectors and causing poor performance. You should change your fuel filter every 25,000 to 35,0000 miles, depending upon driving conditions. Fuel filters will be on the fuel line under your vehicle between the fuel tank and the engine. The exact location will be different depending on vehicle model. When removing your fuel filter, you must depressurize the fuel system. Unlike older-type carburetor vehicles, fuel-injected systems maintain the fuel under pressure. An auto parts store can help you purchase the right fuel filter for your vehicle year, make and model.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Pair of jack stands
- Owners manual
- Safety goggles
- Open end wrench set
- Replacement fuel filter
Instructions
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1
Find the fuse for the fuel pump either inside the vehicle's fuse box or on the inside right fender on some models. Your vehicle's owner's manual will indicate the location of the fuse and fuel panel. Start your vehicle and pull out the fuel pump fuse after the engine is running. The engine will cut off quickly and depressurize the fuel system as it uses the remaining fuel in the system.
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2
Raise the rear of your vehicle with a floor jack and support the vehicle with a pair of jack stands. The jack stands should be under the rear axle on each side of the floor jack. Lower the vehicle so that the weight is resting on the jack stands. Leave the floor jack under the vehicle and keep it raised enough to act as a third support.
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3
Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes and climb under the car near the fuel tank. Look for the fuel line on the front of the fuel tank and follow the line toward the front of the vehicle. The fuel filter will be on the line and in most cases will resemble a small can. The filter connects to the line on each end with two fittings.
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Place one open end wrench on one of the nuts on the filter and another on the nut on the line. Turn the nut on the line counter-clockwise while holding the filter nut steady with the other wrench. Move to the other side of the filter and remove the line nut in the same way.
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5
Remove the bracket that secures the fuel filter to the vehicles frame with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the bracket away from the vehicles frame and pull the fuel filter away from the fuel lines.
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6
Place the new fuel filter in between the fuel line ends. Fuel filters will have an arrow indicating which end of the fuel filter should point toward the front of the vehicle. Place the ends of the fuel lines on the ports on the fuel filter and secure the filter to the lines with the line retaining nuts.
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7
Slide the fuel filter bracket over the filter and attach the bracket to the vehicle's frame with the retaining screw.
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8
Raise the vehicle enough to remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Place the fuel pump fuse back into the fuse box and start your vehicle. You may have to crank the vehicle a few seconds to move the fuel through the line initially.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need the make, model, year and engine size for your vehicle when purchasing the fuel filter. This information helps the technicians at the auto parts store provide you with the proper filter for your vehicle.
You must depressurize the fuel system prior to removing the fuel filter. Failure to do so can cause damage to your vehicle and personal injury.
