Replacing Fuel Filter In '98 Gmc Sonoma: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a 1998 GMC Sonoma is a straightforward task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. The fuel filter is located under the cab of the truck on the driver's side, inside the frame rail, and is held in place by a round bracket. Before beginning the replacement, relieve the pressure from the fuel filter by unscrewing the gas cap. Place a catch pan under the fuel filter to collect any excess fuel that may spill out during the process. The next steps involve removing the fuel lines and installing the new filter, ensuring that the flow arrow on the new filter is facing towards the engine. Finally, screw the gas cap back on, turn the ignition key on and off three times to prime the new fuel filter, and inspect for any leaks.

Relieve the pressure from the fuel filter

To relieve the pressure from the fuel filter of your 1998 GMC Sonoma, you can try one of the following methods:

Method 1:

• Pull the fuel pump relay (or fuse) from the glove box.
• Turn the key to the 'run' position; you should not hear the fuel pump prime (it usually makes a whine/hiss noise).
• Try to start the truck normally. It may have enough reserve pressure in the lines to start and run for a few seconds, or it may just crank for a few seconds. Either way, you will have relieved most of the pressure.

Method 2:

• Unscrew the gas cap from the gas tank.
• This will relieve the pressure from the fuel filter.

Important safety note: The fuel system is always pressurised, even if the truck is not running. Be very careful when relieving the pressure and performing any work on the fuel filter, and always wear safety glasses.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter on a 1998 GMC Sonoma, you will need to look under the cab of the truck on the driver's side. The fuel filter will be in a round bracket under the driver's side inside of the frame rail.

The fuel filter is located on the passenger side frame rail for GMC Sonoma trucks with a 4.3L engine.

For GMC Sonoma trucks with a 2.2L engine, the fuel filter is located on the driver's side frame rail.

Put a catch pan under the fuel filter

To change the fuel filter on your 1998 GMC Sonoma, you'll need to locate the fuel filter first. It is located on the driver's side frame rail, inside the truck's frame, almost directly under the driver's seat.

Now, put a catch pan under the fuel filter. The catch pan will collect the fuel that spills out when you remove the old filter. Before you start, relieve the pressure in the fuel system. You can do this by pulling the fuel pump relay (or a fuse) and turning the key to the run position. You should not hear the fuel pump prime. Then, proceed to start the truck. It may have enough reserve pressure in the lines to actually start and run for a few seconds.

Alternatively, you can just crack the lines until fuel comes out and let it drain. However, this method is not recommended as the fuel lines are still under pressure and spraying fuel can be dangerous.

Remove the fuel lines

To remove the fuel lines from your 1998 GMC Sonoma, you will need a 9/16 wrench, a small flathead screwdriver, and a catch pan.

First, relieve the pressure from the fuel filter by unscrewing the gas cap from the gas tank. Next, locate the fuel filter under the cab of the truck on the driver's side. You will see it inside a round bracket under the driver's side inside of the frame rail.

Now, place the catch pan under the fuel filter to catch any excess fuel. You will see that one of the fuel lines has a plastic clip. To remove this line, squeeze the head of the clip and pull the line back at the same time. This will release the lip of the clip, which is locked onto the fuel filter, and allow you to pull the line back.

For the other fuel line, put the 9/16 wrench on the head of the line and turn it counter-clockwise to remove it. With both lines removed, you can now slide the fuel filter out of the round bracket.

Slide out the old fuel filter

To slide out the old fuel filter, you will need to locate it first. The fuel filter on a 1998 GMC Sonoma is located under the cab of the truck on the driver's side. It will be in a round bracket under the driver's side inside of the frame rail.

Now, to slide it out, first relieve the pressure from the fuel filter by unscrewing the gas cap. Place a catch pan under the fuel filter to catch the excess fuel.

Next, remove the fuel line with the plastic clip. Do this by squeezing the head of the plastic clip and simultaneously pulling the line back. The lip of the plastic clip is locked onto the fuel filter, so when you squeeze the head, it will release the lip and allow you to pull the fuel line back.

Then, remove the other fuel line with a 9/16 wrench. Put the wrench on the head of the fuel line and turn it counter-clockwise to remove the line.

Finally, slide the fuel filter out of the round bracket. Be careful as fuel will still come out. You can now discard the old fuel filter into the catch pan.

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