How To Remove A Fuel Filter

Reading Fourth dimension: 5 minutes

Nosotros've got expert news⁠—most vehicles built within the final 10 to xx years practise not have a serviceable fuel filter. Instead, the filter is part of the fuel pump module located in the fuel tank. This type of fuel filter should (in theory) last the life of the vehicle, which ways you shouldn't accept to supplant it on a regular basis (yay!).

Simply if yous have an older auto, it probably has an external fuel filter that requires routine service. Y'all can determine when and if your car's fuel filter requires replacement by consulting the manufacturer'due south recommended maintenance schedule. Y'all'll discover the schedule in the dorsum of your owner's transmission.

Okay, permit'south say you checked and your car does have a serviceable fuel filter. And according to the maintenance schedule, the filter is due for replacement.

A car's fuel filter — If y'all take an older car, information technology probably has an external fuel filter that requires routine service.

Is the job something yous can do yourself? Let's detect out.

Fuel Filter Replacement: How-To

The fuel filter does what its proper noun implies: It filters fuel coming from the fuel tank to prevent contaminants from reaching the fuel injectors. Some serviceable fuel filters are located underneath the vehicle, in series with the fuel line, while others are located in the engine compartment.

Different automakers use different methods to secure the fuel filter to the fuel line. Examples include (but are non limited to): flare nuts, quick-connect fittings, and hose clamps.

It'due south likewise worth noting that diesel fuel filters (and the methods for replacing them) are quite dissimilar from the filters on gas-powered vehicles.

In this commodity, we're merely going to hash out fuel filter replacement in a gasoline fuel system.

Tools Needed to Supplant a Fuel Filter

The tools needed to replace a fuel filter will vary, depending on what type of auto you lot have.
In general, withal, yous'll need:

Fluid catch pan
Fuel force per unit area gauge (optional)
Protective gloves
Jack and jack stands (some vehicles)
Ratchet fix (ratchet, sockets, and extensions)
Repair manual or access to a repair database
Prophylactic spectacles
Wheel chocks
Because the method of securing the fuel filter to the fuel line varies by vehicle, unremarkably, you volition too need one or more of the following:
Flare nut wrenches
Fuel line disconnect tool
Pick or modest screwdriver
Screwdriver

Fuel Filter Replacement Instructions

Before we begin, go along in mind⁠—all vehicles are different. The information below is generic and for entertainment and educational purposes only. Be certain to follow the repair information for your specific application.

Repair manuals, such as those from Chilton, are useful, just a subscription to a repair database is fifty-fifty improve. ALLDATA and Mitchell 1 both have single-vehicle subscriptions for DIYers that provide detailed factory repair information.

You can learn more than almost accessing quality repair information in this article.

Warning: Fuel is combustible. If you decide to tackle this job yourself, brand sure to take the necessary precautions. It's too a expert thought to take a fire extinguisher on hand.

Fuel Filter Removal:

Put on your safety glasses and protective gloves.
Locate the fuel filter.
If the filter is located somewhere on the undercarriage, safely heighten and back up the vehicle using a jack and jack stands. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
Relieve the fuel organization force per unit area.
In many cases, yous can do this by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay, so running the vehicle until it dies from a lack of fuel.

Another method involves attaching a fuel pressure guess to the exam port on the fuel rails (on vehicles so equipped). Use the approximate to vent fuel from the rail into a fuel catch pan. Make sure the engine is off when performing this process.

It's a good idea to consult a repair manual or a repair database to determine the right pressure relief method for your awarding.

Warning: Y'all must relieve the fuel system pressure before servicing any part of the fuel system, including the fuel filter. Failure to do so can upshot in personal injury.
Place a fluid catch pan nether the fuel filter. Fuel volition come out, then be prepared.
The fuel filter may exist secured to the line/hose by flare nuts, quick-connect fittings, or clamps. Here are the methods for undoing each of these types of couplings:
Flare nuts: Agree the nut on the fuel filter with 1 flare nut wrench. Then, turn the nut on the fuel line (counterclockwise) with the other flare nut wrench. Repeat this step on both sides of the fuel filter.

Quick-connect fittings: Starting time, use a pick or small screwdriver to remove whatever clip (s) or retainer (s) as needed. Then use the special disconnect tool to remove the fuel lines on each side of the filter.

Condom hoses and clamps: As was mentioned, some fuel filters have a rubber hose (rather than a metal line) attached to both ends. With this design, simply use a screwdriver to loosen the hose clench, then wiggle the hose off of the filter past hand.
Apply a ratchet and socket to remove any fasteners holding the fuel filter bracket or retaining clench in place.
Remove the fuel filter from the vehicle.

fuel filter illustration — Equally its proper noun implies, the fuel filter filters fuel coming from the fuel tank to foreclose contaminants from reaching the fuel injectors.

Fuel Filter Installation:

Compare the new fuel filter to the onetime fuel filter to ensure that both are the same blueprint.
Mountain the fuel filter in the vehicle. Utilize a ratchet and socket to tighten down whatsoever fasteners holding the fuel filter bracket or retaining clamp in place.
Reinstall the lines or hoses onto the fuel filter by manus.
Notation: If the new filter has an arrow on it, make sure that the arrow is pointing toward the front end of the vehicle.
Secure the fuel filter to the fuel lines by doing 1 of the following:
Flare nuts: Hold the nut on the fuel filter with one flare nut wrench. Then, plough the nut on the fuel line (clockwise) with the other wrench. Repeat this pace on both sides of the fuel filter.

Quick-connect fittings: Button the end of the fuel filter into the quick connect fitting. You'll know the filter is secure when you hear it click into identify. Reinstall any prune (south) and or retainer (s) as needed. Repeat the process on the other end of the filter.

Safe hoses and clamps: Button the prophylactic hose down on to the filter, and then secure it in place with the clamp. Repeat this stride on both sides of the fuel filter.
Restore fuel pressure by reinstalling the fuse or relay as needed.
Safely remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
Outset the engine and brand certain that there aren't whatever fuel leaks. If any leaks are seen, close the vehicle off immediately. Practice not drive it until the leaks are fixed.

Helpful Fuel Pump Replacement Videos

To give you a better idea of the steps outlined higher up, nosotros've included some helpful videos that demonstrate fuel filter replacement.