DIY: Changing the Fuel Filter

Remember that you're dealing with fuel,
so resist the urge to smoke, and work in a well vented area!


1. You'll need to remove the left wheel to access the fuel line under the fuel filter. So loosen the lugs, jack her up, and remove the wheel. Don't forget to use jackstands!



2. Disconnect the negative on the battery. You'll need to do this because the fuel is under pressure. Disconnecting the battery lets the pressure die down so you don't get jizzed all over when you remove the fuel line.



3. Go ahead and leave a pan under your fuel filter so your car doesn't leave a mess in your garage like mine did...



4. Removing the air filter will make the job easier.l



5. Now let's get down to business. Go ahead and remove the top bolt on the fuel filter. There will be two washers when you take it off. Be sure not to lose those as you'll need it for the new filter.


6. Now come's the messy part. Loosen the tiny bolt on the bottom fuel line under the filter. You can turn the steering wheel to the right if you need more room to access it. Use a crow's feet wrench to loosen the bolt. Once it's loosened, just unscrew it by hand.





7. Finally, just unbolt the two bolts mounting bolts that's holding the fuel filter. The area is very tight so you'll probably need to move the charcoal canister for easier access. The chacoal canister just lifts straight up (it's the thing to the left of the fuel filter in the pic).


8. Take your new fuel filter and compare it with your old one to
make sure your new one looks identical. Installation is pretty much reversal except for one thing: When you install the new filter, the first thing that should be bolted on is the bottom. Trust me, this will make the rest of the installation easier since the bottom fuel line has to go in at a certain angle for it to be screwed in securely. After you get the bottom on, proceed to screw in the mounting bolts and then the top fuel line. Don't forget the washers! Check every bolt again just to be sure they're nice and tight.



9. Once the battery is connected and everything else is installed, you can then start your car. It might take a tiny bit longer than usual for the car to start since the fuel has to run through the new empty filter.

And you're done! Pretty easy, right?

If you do not have a crow's foot, you can use this video to help you out: youtube.com/watch?v=LaTSoElNlL4