Replacing The Fuel Inlet Tube In A 1997 Chevy Malibu

If you own a 1997 Chevy Malibu and need to change the fuel inlet tube, this is the right place for you. The 1997 Chevy Malibu is part of the fifth generation (1997-2003) manufactured by General Motors and is the first smaller, front-wheel-drive Malibu that General Motors put back on the market after the Malibu line was temporarily discontinued in the early 1980s. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to change the fuel inlet tube, also known as the fuel filter, on your 1997 Chevy Malibu.

Jack up the car and remove the fuel pump relay

Jacking up your car and removing the fuel pump relay are essential steps in changing the fuel inlet tube of your 1997 Chevy Malibu. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Jack up the car:

First, find a safe place to pull over and park your car. Ensure you are on stable, level ground, away from traffic and potential hazards. Turn off the engine, apply the parking brake, and if possible, use wheel chocks or blocks to prevent the car from rolling.

Next, locate the jack and jacking points on your vehicle. The jack is typically stored in the trunk or under the cargo-floor cover in an SUV. The jacking points are reinforced metal ribs designed to safely lift the vehicle. They are usually located under the car's rocker panels, behind the front wheels, and ahead of the rear wheels.

Position the jack directly below the jack point and ensure it is properly aligned. Start jacking up the car by turning the jack handle clockwise slowly. Continue until the desired corner of the car is lifted off the ground, providing enough clearance for you to work underneath.

Remove the fuel pump relay:

Open the hood of your car and locate the fuse box in the engine compartment. The fuel pump relay is typically located inside the fuse box and is cube-shaped with prongs resembling an electrical plug.

Before removing the relay, it is crucial to disconnect the cable from the vehicle battery's negative terminal to shut off the power. You may also disconnect the positive terminal as an extra precaution.

Once the power is off, carefully remove the fuel pump relay by disconnecting the plug-in and any associated fuse. If the relay is within a box, gently pry it out with a flathead screwdriver.

With these steps, you should be able to safely jack up your 1997 Chevy Malibu and remove the fuel pump relay, setting you on the right path to changing the fuel inlet tube.

Remove hoses from the canister behind the fuel tank

To remove the hoses from the canister behind the fuel tank of a 1997 Chevy Malibu, you will need a pair of pliers and a jack to lift the vehicle.

First, make sure to start the vehicle and remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box. Then, jack up the vehicle and secure it. The higher the vehicle is lifted, the more room you will have to work underneath.

Now, locate the canister behind the fuel tank. You will need to remove the hoses from this canister. To do this, pinch the clamp with a pair of pliers and slide it back. Then, twist the hose to remove it from the canister.

Once the hoses are removed, you can proceed to the next step, which is sliding the canister down and disconnecting it. It is recommended to have a catch pan ready to catch any fuel that may leak out.

Disconnect the canister and put it to one side

Disconnecting the canister is a crucial step in changing the fuel inlet tube in your 1997 Chevy Malibu. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively:

Pinch the clamp with pliers: Using a pair of pliers, carefully pinch the clamp that secures the hose connected to the canister. This will allow you to loosen the hose's grip on the canister. Make sure you have a good grip on the pliers and that you are pinching the clamp firmly, but be careful not to damage the hose or the clamp.

Slide the clamp back: Once you have pinched the clamp with the pliers, slide it back along the hose. This will release the tension on the hose and allow you to disconnect it from the canister. Make sure you have a firm grip on the hose and that you are sliding the clamp back far enough to provide enough slack.

Disconnect the hose: After sliding the clamp back, you can now disconnect the hose from the canister. Gently pull on the hose to detach it. Be careful not to spill any fuel or damage the hose during this process. Have a catch pan ready to collect any fuel that may spill during this step.

Set the canister aside: With the hose disconnected, you can now set the canister aside. Place it in a safe location where it won't be knocked over or damaged. Make sure the canister is secure and won't roll or move around as you continue working on the vehicle.

Clean the area: Before proceeding, take a moment to clean any fuel spills or residue from the disconnected hose and the surrounding area. Use a clean rag or towel to wipe down the area, ensuring that no fuel or debris remains. This will help prevent any potential fire hazards and ensure a cleaner workspace.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the canister and set it aside, allowing you to access the fuel inlet tube for replacement. Remember to work carefully and always be cautious of any fuel spills or leaks. It is important to have the necessary tools, such as pliers and a catch pan, ready before beginning this process.

Remove the fuel filter with a wrench

To remove the fuel filter with a wrench, you will need a 16mm open-end wrench and a 25/32 open-end wrench. The first step is to depressurise the fuel system. With the car running, open the fuse centre and pull up the fuel pump relay. After a while, your car will stop running because it will run out of fuel. Now, you can transition under the car.

Lift and secure your vehicle. The higher the better, so you have more room to work under the car. You will be removing the canister that's behind the fuel tank. Start by pressing and pulling on the plastic to remove it. Next, squeeze the ring and pull it off. Use a pair of pliers to pinch the clamp, then pull it down. Now, twist the hose to remove it.

Underneath, use a 10mm socket with a ratchet and extension to remove the bolt. The canister will come down and slide a little to the driver's side. Unhook the hose and move it out of the way. Now, you can see a tab right behind. Pull it up, then pinch the side and push it through. Pull it off. At this point, you will get fuel coming out of the fuel filter, so be careful and have a catch can underneath.

Now, you can turn the filter out with a wrench. First, use a 15mm wrench on the line nut, and then a 25/32 wrench on the filter. Once it gets going, you should be able to turn the filter right off.

Reattach the new fuel filter and reconnect the canister

To reattach the new fuel filter and reconnect the canister, you will need to perform the following steps:

Firstly, twist the new fuel filter into place, ensuring it is secure and correctly aligned. Next, replace the hose and clip, and reconnect the canister. Slide the canister upwards into place, ensuring it is secure. Reconnect the hoses, and slide the clamp back into position. Finally, replace the fuel pump relay.

It is important to ensure that all connections are secure and correctly aligned to prevent any fuel leaks. Once you have completed these steps, you can cycle the key a couple of times and check underneath the vehicle to ensure there are no fuel leaks.

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