How To Change A Fuel Filter

Need to know how to change a fuel filter? Changing the fuel filter in your car isn't a difficult task to learn. Lots of little particles get trapped in the filter over time, and changing your fuel filter is something that should be done once a year to keep your car running smoothly. The following are general instructions that will help you change a fuel filter. Check with the auto part store where you buy the filter in case there are special tools that may be needed. Make sure your car is cooled down completely before starting any work.

To change a fuel filter, you will need:

• A brand-new fuel filter for your make and model
• New washers that go with the filter
• Crescent wrenches in the appropriate sizes
• Rags
• Eye protection of any kind to protect from potential fuel spray
• A flat-head screw driver

1. Locate the fuel pump fuse in the fuse box. This is to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. You must not skip this step. If you do not do this, the results will be explosive. Start the car after you've located the fuel pump fuse.
2. Pull the fuel pump fuse while the car is running. This will cause the engine to shut off. The pressurized fuel will have been used up, making it safe to open the fuel filter fittings.
   
3. Now that the pressure is relieved, you can start the process of removing the old filter. Place a rag over the filter in case of any left over pressurized fuel.
4. Find the bolts that are holding the fuel filter on. Use one crescent wrench to hold the fuel filter in place while using the other wrench to loosen the bolt. Repeat the process for the other side of the filter. Set the bolts to one side.
5. Slide the fuel lines off of the filter. If there is a clamp holding the filter, use the flat-head screwdriver to remove it.
6. Carefully remove the old fuel filter. It will still have gasoline inside of it, and it will spill out if not handled correctly.
7. Replace the washers on the bolts. Make sure to have the correct washer on the correct bolt as sometimes they are different from one another.
8. Install the new fuel filter. This is done in the exact reverse of the instructions to remove the fuel filter.

Make sure that you've put everything back in place before starting the car. This includes putting the fuel pump fuse back in. The car won't start if that's not done.

Resources:

Unofficial DMV Guide