Changing Fuel Filter On 2000 Nissan Xterra: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a 2000 Nissan Xterra is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. The fuel filter is located near the mid/rear section of the passenger side, before the rear wheel, behind a metal cover plate. To change the fuel filter, first put a drain pan/plastic on the ground and wear eye protection. Then, pull the fuel pump fuse out of the truck, and start the truck until it stalls. Next, remove the bracket covering the fuel filter, and clamp off both fuel lines. Place a small pan underneath the filter to catch the fuel runoff, and then unscrew the clamps on the fuel lines and pull the hoses off. Install the hoses on the new filter, and tighten the clamps. Finally, reinstall the bracket and start the vehicle to check for leaks.

Tools needed: Philips screwdriver, ratchet, socket, fuel line clamps, small pan

Changing the fuel filter on a 2000 Nissan Xterra requires a few tools that you can easily find at your local auto parts store. Here's a list of the tools you'll need and a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

Tools Needed:

• Philips-head screwdriver: Ensure you have the right size screwdriver for the job. The tip should fit snugly into the screw head.
• Ratchet and socket: These tools are used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
• Fuel line clamps: You'll need these to secure the fuel lines to the fuel filter.
• Small pan: Use this to catch any fuel that may spill during the process. A small, specialised oil or fluid drain pan is ideal.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Place a drain pan/plastic on the ground under the fuel filter to catch any spills.
• Put on eye protection in case the filter slips and fuel starts pouring out.
• Pull the fuel pump fuse out of the driver's side fuse box.
• Start the engine and let it run until it stalls, then start it again to ensure it's completely stalled and no fuel remains in the system.
• Locate the fuel filter near the mid/rear section of the passenger side. It's before the rear wheel behind a metal cover plate facing the front of the truck.
• Unscrew the cover plate and loosen the two tubes on both sides of the filter.
• Pull out the right side first, then use a golf tee to plug it, and work on the other side.
• Take note of how the filter is set up as you'll need to install the new one in the same way.
• Remove the bracket from the old filter and mount it onto the new one.
• Reattach the tubes, using a small amount of gas/vaseline if needed to lubricate them.
• Put the fuse back in, start the engine, and check for leaks.

Remove 15 Amp fuse

To remove the 15 Amp fuse as part of changing the fuel filter on a 2000 Nissan Xterra, follow these steps:

First, locate the fuse panel inside the truck, on the driver's side. Then, use the small black fuse puller tool, which is mounted to the far right under the fuse panel, to remove the 15 Amp fuse from the uppermost left corner of the fuse panel.

Now, start the vehicle and let it run until it stalls. Crank it several more times until it won't run anymore. This will ensure that there is no gas left in the system, reducing the risk of fuel spillage during the fuel filter replacement process.

Next, locate the fuel filter. It is positioned near the mid/rear section of the passenger side, before the rear wheel, behind a metal cover plate that faces towards the front of the truck. You will see two gas lines, one on each side of the fuel filter, running behind the cover plate.

Before removing the fuel filter, place a small pan or some plastic underneath it to catch any fuel runoff. Once you have done this, unscrew the two clamps on the fuel lines using a Philips screwdriver and pull the hoses off. Now, you can remove the 15 Amp fuse.

Run the vehicle until it stalls

Running your vehicle until it stalls is an important step in changing the fuel filter on a 2000 Nissan Xterra. This is because, in order to replace the fuel filter, the vehicle's fuel pump needs to be empty.

To do this, first, remove the 15 Amp fuse in the uppermost left corner of the fuse panel. You can use the small black fuse puller tool that is mounted to the far right under the fuse panel. Next, start the vehicle and let it run until the engine stalls. Crank the engine several more times until it won't run anymore. This will ensure that there is no fuel left in the system, which will result in less fuel spillage when you remove the fuel filter.

It is important to note that running your vehicle until it stalls is different from running out of fuel. Running out of fuel can be bad for the fuel injectors, but in this case, you are simply removing the fuel from the pump and fuel lines.

Remove bracket covering the fuel filter

To remove the bracket covering the fuel filter of a 2000 Nissan Xterra, you will need the following tools:

• A Philips screwdriver #2
• A 1/4” or 3/8” drive ratchet
• A 10 mm socket (1/4” or 3/8' drive). A deep well is optional.

The bracket is held in place by two 10 mm bolts and one 10 mm nut. To remove it, follow these steps:

• Remove the 15 Amp fuse in the uppermost left corner of the fuse panel. You can use the small black fuse puller tool mounted to the far right under the fuse panel.
• Start the vehicle and let it run until it stalls. Crank it several more times until it won't run anymore. This will relieve the fuel system's pressure.
• Remove the bracket covering the fuel filter.
• Note the position of the clamp around the filter for installation later. The bolt sticking out will go through the bracket and is used to tighten the filter to the bracket with the 10 mm nut.

Place a small pan underneath the filter

Once you have removed the bracket covering the fuel filter, you will need to place a small pan underneath it to catch the fuel runoff. This is an important step to prevent spillage and avoid wasting fuel.

The fuel filter is located near the mid/rear section of the passenger side of the car. You will need to get underneath the car to access it. It is behind a metal cover plate that is facing towards the front of the truck. You will see two gas lines, one on each side of the cover plate.

Before placing the pan, you should clamp off both fuel lines using fuel line clamps. This is an optional step but will prevent excessive fuel spillage. You will need to crank the car several times until it won't run anymore, so that there is no gas left in the system.

Now, place a small pan underneath the filter. This will catch any fuel that comes out when you remove the hoses. Make sure the pan is small enough to fit in the tight space but large enough to catch all the runoff.

Frequently asked questions