How to Change a Fuel Filter in a Grand Prix
The Grand Prix is an aerodynamic car produced by Pontiac. The Grand Prix is known for its comfort level and great performance for a midsize vehicle. The fuel filter in this car helps to improve fuel economy and ensure the fuel is clean before it reaches the fuel injectors. A clogged filter will cause sluggish performance. Change the Grand Prix's fuel filter out every 30,000 to 40,000 miles for optimum performance.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat tip screwdriver
- Socket set
- Socket wrench
- Line wrench set
- New fuel filter
Instructions
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1
Open the hood to access the schrader valve, which is located along the fuel rail by the front of the valve cover. The schrader valve resembles an air valve on the tire of a car. Remove the cap to expose the valve and press the middle of the valve with a screwdriver. This will depressurize the fuel system. Clean any fuel with a shop rag.
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2
Disconnect the battery by unbolting the negative cable and pulling it away from the terminal. Always disconnect the battery when working on the fuel system.
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3
Raise the driver's side of the car high enough to place a jack stand under the front door. The door contains a "pinch" point to support the weight of the car on the jack stand.
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4
Locate the fuel filter--it's underneath the driver's side under the door. The filter will be supported by a bracket that holds it in place.
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5
Hold the inner nut on the outlet line of the filter with a line wrench. Loosen the outer nut with a line wrench. Pull the fuel line away from the filter. Place a drain pan under the fuel lines, as some fuel will pour from the line.
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6
Squeeze the tabs on the inlet line of the filter to pull the fuel line away from the filter. Be sure that the drain pan is under the fuel line to catch any excess fuel that flows from the line.
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7
Bolt the filter to the bracket with a socket wrench. Ensure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the front of the vehicle. The arrow indicates fuel flow.
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8
Push the inlet line on to the filter. The line will lock in place once pushed in far enough.
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9
Bolt the outlet line to the filter by hand. Tighten the line to the filter by turning the outer nut with a line wrench. Hold the inner nut with a second wrench.
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10
Raise the car to remove the jack stand. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
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11
Turn the ignition to the "on" position, but do not crank the car. Listen for the fuel pump. When the fuel pump stops "humming," turn the key to crank the car. The car may not crank right away, as there is air in the lines. Once the air is purged from the fuel line, the car will start.
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12
Observe the fuel filter for any leaks while the car is running.
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Tips & Warnings
The fuel filter can be purchased at any automotive parts store.
Use caution when changing fuel filters--gasoline is highly toxic and flammable.
References
- Photo Credit old gas pump image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
