Fuel Filter Change: Diy Or Not?

Changing a fuel filter is a simple task that can be done at home, saving you a trip to the mechanic. The fuel filter is an important component of your car, ensuring your engine runs effectively and smoothly. It is recommended to change your fuel filter every two years or 24,000-30,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. This task should take no longer than 30-45 minutes and will cost you between $15 to $125 for parts and $30 to $100 for professional labour. If you're confident in working with car engines and components, read on to find out how to change your fuel filter yourself.

Safety precautions

Changing the fuel filter is a regular part of car maintenance. It is a simple and inexpensive procedure that can be done at home if you are confident working with car engines and components. However, there are several safety precautions to be aware of before attempting to change a fuel filter yourself.

Firstly, ensure your vehicle is parked on a solid, level surface in an area with ample working space. Have a fire extinguisher available, as you will be working with the fuel system, and petrol or diesel is highly flammable. Wear protective clothing, including eye protection and gloves, as you are likely to get messy. It is also recommended to wear old clothing as fuel can damage fabric.

Before starting any work, relieve the pressure in the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay and running the engine until it stalls. This will make it easier to disconnect the fuel lines later in the process. Once the engine stalls, shut off the ignition and replace the fuse or relay. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery to ensure the engine cannot be started accidentally while you work.

If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Place jack stands beneath the vehicle before working under it and never rely on a jack alone to support the weight of the car. Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that spills when disconnecting the fuel lines.

Be extremely careful not to damage the fuel lines when removing the old fuel filter, as this could cause a leak. Be prepared for some fuel to spill and have a catch pan or rag to minimise any spills. Ensure you dispose of any spilled fuel appropriately, keeping it separate from oil or coolant.

Locating the fuel filter

If you are unsure where the fuel filter is located, you can always refer to your vehicle's service manual. The exact location of the fuel filter depends on the vehicle's make and model. For example, 1995-2002 Honda Accord models have the fuel filter near the brake master cylinder on the back of the engine. If you own a 2002 Toyota Corolla, the fuel filter can be found underneath the rear seat cushions.

The fuel filter is usually located along the fuel line or near the fuel tank. Some vehicles might also have the filter under the hood in a self-contained canister. If your vehicle has an externally serviceable fuel filter, identify its location on the vehicle. Many vehicles will have the fuel filter mounted near the fuel tank underneath the vehicle or within the engine compartment.

If your vehicle has an easily accessible fuel relay or fuse, removing it and starting the engine can help you locate the fuel filter. Since the fuel pump will not be operating, the engine will eventually stall as there will be no fuel supply. This will relieve the pressure in the lines, making it easier to disconnect them. Once the engine stalls, shut off the ignition and replace the fuse or relay.

You can also use a flathead screwdriver or a small wrench set to locate and remove the fuel filter.

Removing the old fuel filter

First, disconnect the battery. Locate the negative terminal on the battery and use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable in place. Be sure to tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to prevent accidental reconnection.

Next, locate the fuel filter. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to find its exact location. The fuel filter is usually found along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump, or in the engine bay. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of the vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it safely. Remember to place jack stands underneath for support.

Place a bowl, bucket, or drip pan beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill. Although you have relieved the pressure in the fuel line, there may still be some fuel left which could leak when you disconnect the filter.

Now, remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Fuel filters are typically held by two plastic clips, which can be removed with a flat-head screwdriver. These clips are fragile and tend to break easily, so purchasing replacement clips along with your new fuel filter is recommended.

With the clips removed, carefully slide the fuel lines away from the filter and towards the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled fuel. Wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter.

Finally, slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The filter is usually held in place by a metal bracket, and with the fuel lines disconnected, it can be pushed or slid out. The filter often has a slight bell shape, allowing it to be removed in only one direction.

Once the old fuel filter is removed, you can proceed to install the new fuel filter.

Installing a new fuel filter

Before installing a new fuel filter, compare it to the old one to ensure they are the same. Check that the nozzles are the same size and that it will fit into the bracket.

Now, you can slide the new fuel filter into the bracket. It should be a snug fit, so if you have to force it, it's likely not the correct diameter. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as that may cause a leak.

Next, fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the filter, the same way they were attached to the old one. With the fuel line in place on the filter, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter.

If your vehicle was raised, you can now lower it. Jack up the car to relieve the weight on the jack stands, then slide them out from beneath the vehicle. Once the jack stands are clear, lower the vehicle to the ground.

Finally, reconnect the battery to complete the installation.

Re-installing the fuse or relay

Once you have fitted the new fuel filter and reattached the fuel lines, you will need to re-install the fuel pump fuse or relay to restore fuel system pressure. This is done in the same way that you removed the fuse or relay at the beginning of the process.

Firstly, locate the car fuse box. You can find the exact location of the fuse box, as well as the fuel pump fuse or relay, in your owner's manual. The fuse box should have a diagram identifying each fuse and relay. Remove the fuel pump fuse or relay by hand or with tweezers if that is easier.

Next, make sure the car is in park or neutral with the handbrake on. There may be leftover fuel in the lines that could cause the car to move, so it is important to keep the brakes on. Start the engine and leave it running for a few minutes, then switch it off. This will depressurise the fuel lines.

Now, replace the fuel pump fuse or relay. This will restore fuel system pressure.

Finally, start the engine and check for any leaks around the new fuel filter. If you notice any leaks, turn off the engine and tighten the connections as required.

Frequently asked questions