Changing Fuel Filters: 2003 Pontiac Vibe Edition

The fuel filter on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe is located inside the fuel tank, attached to the electric fuel pump. It is not necessary to change the fuel filter unless there is a direct issue with it or the fuel pump. However, some owners choose to replace the fuel filter as a preventative measure, with recommendations ranging from every 10,000 to 60,000 miles. To access the fuel filter, you will need to remove the rear seat and an access panel under it. This will expose the fuel sender assembly, which contains the fuel filter and fuel pump. It is important to exercise caution when working with the fuel system to avoid spills and accidents.

The fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank

To change the fuel filter on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, you'll first need to locate it inside the fuel tank. The fuel filter is attached to the electric fuel pump, which is located inside the fuel tank.

Accessing the fuel filter will require removing the rear seat and locating the access panel under it. Be sure to disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector, the FTP sensor electrical connector, and the fuel line before removing the fuel sender assembly.

Once you have accessed the fuel filter, you will need to remove the fuel pump strainer and install a new one. Be sure to clean the O-ring sealing surfaces and apply new gasoline to the O-rings before reassembling the fuel sender assembly.

Finally, reconnect all the electrical connectors and fuel lines, and secure the assembly with the retaining bolts. Reinstall the access panel and rear seat, and your fuel filter will be good to go!

You only need to change it if the fuel pump is being removed

The fuel filter in a 2003 Pontiac Vibe is located inside the fuel tank, attached to the electric fuel pump. This means that you will only need to change the fuel filter if the fuel pump is being removed.

To access the fuel pump and filter, you will need to remove the rear seat bottom cushion and fold back the carpet. You will then need to remove the access panel for the fuel sender assembly from the rear seat floor. This panel is held in place by a butyl caulk seal.

Next, you will need to disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector and the electrical connector of the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor from the fuel sender assembly. Remove the retaining clip from the fuel line fitting and then remove the fuel line from the fuel sender assembly. Also, disconnect the fuel tank vapor line from the assembly.

At this point, you can remove the bolts retaining the hold-down plate for the fuel sender assembly and take off the plate. Now you can remove the fuel sender assembly from the fuel tank and access the fuel filter and pump.

As the fuel filter is not a regular maintenance item, you should only change it if there is a specific issue with the fuel pump or if it has failed.

Access the fuel filter by removing the rear seat

To access the fuel filter on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, you will need to remove the rear seat. This process is relatively straightforward and can be completed with some basic tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Start by sliding the front seats as far forward as possible and removing the headrests from the rear seats.

Step 2: Fold down the rear seats towards the bottom. On each side of the plastic rear cover, you will see a small plastic cover that is part of the larger overall cover. Remove these small covers to access the bolts that hold the top sections of the seats in place. Carefully pry them off with a screwdriver.

Step 3: Once the small covers are removed, you will see the bolts that hold the top portions of the seats in place. Remove these bolts.

Step 4: With the top portions of the seats removed, you will be able to easily see what else needs to be done to completely remove the seats. Keep in mind that removing the rear seats from a car can be a bit challenging due to their bulk and weight, so it is recommended to have an extra set of hands to help.

Step 5: Before removing the rear seat bottom, make sure to unbolt the four 14mm bolts holding it in place. You can then lift the rear seat bottom out of the way, providing access to the fuel pump and filter.

Step 6: Disconnect the fuel pump lines/connectors so that you don't have to fight with them when you drop the tank.

Step 7: Now, you can access the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly, which is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel filter is part of this assembly and does not require periodic changing unless there is an issue. However, if you need to replace the fuel filter or perform any other maintenance on the fuel pump assembly, you will need to remove the assembly from the fuel tank.

Step 8: To remove the fuel sender assembly, you will need to disconnect the electrical connectors and fuel lines attached to it. Make sure to have something to catch any fuel spillage.

Step 9: Once the fuel sender assembly is removed, you can then access and replace the fuel filter as needed.

Remember to refer to your Pontiac Vibe's service manual for more detailed instructions and safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repair work.

The fuel filter is part of the fuel pump assembly

To change the fuel filter on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, you'll need to access the fuel pump assembly, which is located in the fuel tank.

Here's a step-by-step guide to accessing the fuel pump assembly and changing the fuel filter:

• Open all doors and remove the gas cap to relieve any pressure in the fuel tank.
• Move the rear seat bottom cushion up and out of the way. This will expose the access panel for the fuel sender assembly, which is located on the rear seat floor.
• Disconnect the electrical connectors from the fuel sender assembly and the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor.
• Remove the retaining clip from the fuel line fitting and disconnect the fuel line. Also, disconnect the fuel tank vapor line from the fuel sender assembly.
• Remove the 8 bolts retaining the hold-down plate for the fuel sender assembly and take off the plate.
• Clean the fuel pipe and the fuel sender assembly to prevent fuel contamination during removal.
• Remove the fuel sender assembly from the fuel tank.
• To access the fuel filter, you'll need to remove the bottom cap and the lower cushion from the fuel sender assembly.
• Disconnect the fuel level sensor electrical connector and remove the fuel level sensor.
• Remove the fuel sender top cap from the fuel filter assembly.
• Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector and remove the fuel pump from the fuel filter assembly.
• Now, you can replace the fuel filter. Install a new fuel pump strainer onto the fuel pump and secure it with a new locking ring.
• Apply gasoline to the fuel pump O-ring and install it onto the fuel pump.
• Install the fuel pump back into the fuel filter assembly.
• Apply gasoline to the fuel pressure regulator O-ring and install it into the fuel filter assembly.
• Reconnect the electrical connector to the fuel pump and ensure all connections are secure.
• Install the fuel sender assembly top cap back onto the fuel filter assembly.
• Reinstall the fuel level sensor and connect its electrical connector.
• Position the lower cushion and cap back onto the fuel filter assembly.
• Reinstall the fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank and secure it with the hold-down plate and bolts.
• Reconnect the fuel tank vapor line and fuel pipe, and secure the fuel pipe with the retaining clip.
• Reconnect the electrical connectors to the fuel sender assembly and FTP sensor.
• Connect the negative battery cable.
• Finally, check for any leaks and ensure the access panel is properly sealed.

Tools and Parts Required:

• A lock ring removal tool (can be rented from auto parts stores)
• New fuel filter
• New locking ring
• Fuel pump O-ring
• Fuel pressure regulator O-ring
• Clean gasoline for applying to O-rings

Please note that this process involves working with flammable liquids and electricity. Ensure proper safety precautions are taken, and only attempt this repair if you are confident in your abilities.

Also, while the fuel filter is part of the fuel pump assembly, it is not typically necessary to replace the fuel filter on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe unless there is a specific issue. These fuel filters are designed to last the life of the vehicle. However, if you do notice any issues with your fuel system or decreased performance, it may be worth inspecting and potentially replacing the fuel filter.

The fuel filter is a screen

To change the fuel filter on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, you must first locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is located inside the tank, attached to the electric fuel pump.

• Remove the two fasteners and swing the rear seat bottom cushion up and out of the way.
• Remove the sill plate from the left side door opening.
• Fold back the carpet to maintain metal-to-metal contact while servicing the fuel sender assembly.
• Remove the access panel for the fuel sender assembly from the rear seat floor. The panel is held in place by a butyl caulk seal.
• Disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector and the electrical connector of the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor from the fuel sender assembly.
• Remove the retaining clip from the fuel line fitting and disconnect the fuel line from the fuel sender assembly.
• Disconnect the fuel tank vapor line from the fuel sender assembly.
• Remove the 8 bolts retaining the hold-down plate for the fuel sender assembly and remove the plate.
• Clean the fuel pipe and the fuel sender assembly to prevent fuel contamination during removal.
• Remove the fuel sender assembly from the fuel tank.
• Remove the bottom cap and the lower cushion from the fuel sender assembly.
• Remove the fuel pressure regulator and disconnect the fuel level sensor electrical connector.
• Remove the fuel sender top cap from the fuel filter assembly.
• Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector and remove the fuel pump from the fuel filter assembly.
• Remove the retaining ring for the fuel strainer from the fuel pump.
• Install the new fuel pump strainer to the fuel pump using a new locking ring.
• Apply gasoline to the fuel pump O-ring and install it onto the fuel pump.
• Install the fuel pump into the fuel filter assembly.
• Apply gasoline to the fuel pressure regulator O-ring and install it into the fuel filter assembly.
• Connect the electrical connector to the fuel pump and ensure that all connections are secure.
• Install the fuel sender assembly top cap onto the fuel filter assembly.
• Install the fuel level sensor into the fuel sender assembly and connect the electrical connector.
• Position the lower cushion on the bottom of the fuel pump and install the lower cap onto the fuel filter assembly.
• Position the new fuel sender assembly O-ring on the fuel sender assembly.
• Install the fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank and secure it with the hold-down plate and 8 bolts.
• Install the fuel tank vapor line and fuel pipe to the fuel sender fitting. Secure the fuel pipe with the retaining clip.
• Connect the fuel sender electrical connector and the FTP sensor electrical connector to the fuel sender assembly.
• Connect the negative battery cable.
• Pressurize the fuel system and check for leaks.
• Inspect the butyl caulk seal for the fuel sender access panel and replace any missing caulk.
• Install the access panel, relocate the carpet, and install the sill plate and rear seat bottom cushion.

The fuel filter for a 2003 Pontiac Vibe is listed at $66.90 from GM. However, some sources say that the fuel filter does not need to be changed unless there is an issue, as it is designed to last the life of the car.

Frequently asked questions