Replacing The Fuel Filter In Your Fe180 Engine

Changing the fuel filter is an essential part of regular vehicle maintenance. This is because, over time, dirt in the fuel is captured by the filter, causing it to clog, which can lead to reduced fuel pressure and volume in the fuel system. To change the fuel filter, you will first need to relieve the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system, disconnect the battery, and jack up your vehicle if the filter is underneath it rather than in the engine bay. Then, use a flat-head screwdriver to pop out the plastic clips holding the fuel filter in place. Next, slide the fuel lines away from the filter so you can take them off the nozzles on either end. You can then slide the old fuel filter out of its bracket. To put a new fuel filter in, just slide it into the bracket, reattach the fuel lines, and replace the plastic clips holding the filter in position.

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system

Relieving the Pressure in the Fuel System

Locate the fuse box

In order to relieve the pressure in your fuel system, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. To do this, locate the fuse box that contains the fuel pump fuse. Most vehicles have a fuse box in the interior of the car and under the hood. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate the appropriate fuse box. If you do not have an owner’s manual, try referring to the auto maker’s website. The fuse for the fuel pump is often located in the fuse box inside the vehicle.

Remove the fuel pump fuse

Once you have located the correct fuse box, use the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner’s manual to identify the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine. There is still fuel and pressure in the fuel lines running from the rear to the front of the vehicle. Check the auto maker’s website for a fuse diagram if you do not have one.

Ensure the vehicle is not in gear

Although the engine will not be receiving a fresh supply of fuel from the gas tank, there will be enough fuel left in the lines for it to start and run briefly. Make sure automatic vehicles are in park and vehicles equipped with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged. Although the vehicle will only run briefly, it will still move if left in gear. Be sure the parking brake is engaged if you are in a standard vehicle. The parking brake is optional but advised for automatics.

Start the engine

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the motor as you would normally. The engine should start easily as it expends the fuel remaining in the fuel system past the fuel pump. If the engine turns over but then sputters out, it may not have had sufficient pressure in the lines to force the fuel into the engine. If the engine dies, the fuel pressure will be sufficiently relieved.

Allow the engine to run for a minute before shutting it off

Depending on the fuel system in your vehicle and its average fuel consumption, the amount of time it will run without a functioning fuel pump can vary. It does not need to run until it dies. Instead, just allow it to run for a minute or two before turning the key back to the off position. Without the fuel pump functioning, the pressure will be relieved in the fuel lines fairly quickly. Allowing the engine to run until it dies may make it difficult to start it again.

Re-insert the fuel pump fuse

With the pressure relieved from the fuel system and the engine off, you can re-insert the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Place the cover back on the fuse box and return any pieces of the trim you may have needed to remove to access it. Make sure the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse you removed. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse.

Remove the old fuel filter

Removing the Old Fuel Filter

Now that there is no reason for the engine to be started again until the project is complete, you should disconnect the battery. Removing the cable from the negative terminal will prevent the engine from being started while you work. You will need to use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal, but you do not need to remove the nut completely. Disconnecting the battery will ensure the engine cannot be started during the remainder of this project.

Tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to ensure it doesn’t accidentally come into contact with its terminal.

There are two common locations that fuel filters are mounted in vehicles, so you should refer to your vehicle’s service manual to help you determine which place to look. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail.

Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so refer to your service manual to find out for sure. You may need to access the fuel filter from inside the cabin of some vehicles.

If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Slide the jack under the car at one of its designated jack points, then either pump or twist the handle to raise the vehicle. Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it before working under it. Never rely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle you are beneath while working.

Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter. Although you relieved the pressure in the fuel line, there may be a bit of fuel left in the line that can spill out when disconnected from the filter. Do not mix the fuel with oil or coolant to be recycled. Gasoline should be held in its own container until it can be dropped off at a recycling location.

Be careful of using plastic containers to hold gas, as it may eat through some kinds of plastic and cause a leak.

Most fuel filters are held in place by two plastic clips. Locate the clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter, then use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes they are in. These clips may break as you remove them, so purchasing replacement clips along with your fuel filter is advised.

The clips that hold the fuel filter in place are made of thin plastic and tend to break easily. If you are able to remove them without them breaking, they may be reused. You can purchase replacement fuel filter clips at your local auto parts store.

With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter to pop them off of the nozzles on either end. Make sure to tip the fuel lines toward the bowl or bucket in place as you remove them to catch any spilled gasoline. You should wear eye protection and gloves during this portion of the project to protect you from fuel splatter.

Do your best to avoid allowing any gas to pour out onto the ground.

The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. With the fuel lines disconnected, you can slide the fuel filter out of the bracket by pushing it toward the front of the car. The fuel filter will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction.

If your filter sits in the bracket differently, you may need to slide it toward the back of the car to remove it. Some fuel filters under the hood may be held in the bracket with a bolt that will need to be removed to slide the filter out.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important step when changing the fuel filter in your car. It is a safety precaution that ensures the engine cannot be started accidentally while you work.

To disconnect the battery, first, locate the negative terminal. This is marked with a minus sign. You will need to use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal. You do not need to remove the nut completely. Just loosen it enough so that you can remove the cable. Once the cable is removed, tuck it safely to the side of the battery to ensure it does not accidentally come into contact with the terminal.

It is important to note that you should only disconnect the negative cable. Do not attempt to remove the positive cable as well. This could lead to an electrical short, which can be dangerous.

With the battery disconnected, you can now safely proceed with the rest of the steps to change your fuel filter. Remember to reconnect the battery once you have finished the job.

Locate the fuel filter

Locating the fuel filter is the first step in changing it. There are two common locations where fuel filters are mounted in vehicles, so you should refer to your vehicle’s service manual to help you determine which place to look. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail. Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so refer to your service manual to find out for sure. You may need to access the fuel filter from inside the cabin of some vehicles.

If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Slide the jack under the car at one of its designated jack points, then either pump or twist the handle to raise the vehicle (depending on the style of jack). Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it before working under the vehicle.

The fuel filter will be located either inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. Some fuel tanks have internal, non-serviceable fuel filters. If you are unsure of where your fuel filter is located, refer to your vehicle manual to determine the location.

Install a new fuel filter

To install a new fuel filter, you will need to purchase a replacement that is compatible with your vehicle. Check your vehicle's service manual to determine the correct replacement filter. Once you have the new fuel filter, follow these steps:

• Compare the new filter to the old one. Make sure they have the same outside diameter, nozzle size, and bracket fit. Do not install the new filter if it does not match the old one, as it may not be able to allow the appropriate volume of fuel to pass through.
• Slide the new fuel filter into its bracket. It should easily slide into place without forcing it. The fuel filter should only be able to slide out in one direction.
• Fasten the fuel lines to the new filter. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the new filter, just like they were attached to the old one. Secure the fuel lines in place on the fuel filter by sliding the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle.
• Ensure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles before clipping them into place. If a plastic clip breaks during this step, do not drive the vehicle until you replace the broken clip.
• Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands. Jack up the car to relieve the weight, then remove the jack stands. Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, reconnect the battery.

Now that you have installed the new fuel filter, it is important to check for leaks before starting your vehicle. Turn the ignition to the "on" position for a few seconds, then turn it back off. Check under your vehicle for any leaks, and if none are found, start the engine and check again. If there are no leaks, you can safely lower your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions