Changing Fuel Filter On 2002 Gmc Duramax: Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to change the fuel filter on your 2002 GMC Duramax, you'll first need to buy a replacement. You can find these at most auto parts stores or online. GMC recommends replacing the fuel filter every 15,000 miles for the 2002 model. Once you have a new filter, you can start by removing the passenger-side inner fender and locating the fuel filter, which is below the air intake tube. You will then need to remove the air intake tube and the water-in-fuel sensor electrical connector. Next, remove the fuel filter by rotating it counter-clockwise, being careful not to spill any fuel. You can then install the new filter, being sure not to over-tighten it, and reattach the water-in-fuel sensor electrical connector. Finally, you can reinstall the inner fender and intake tube and start the engine to check for leaks.

Disconnect the wire from the water-in-fuel sensor

Disconnecting the wire from the water-in-fuel sensor is a crucial step when changing the fuel filter on a 2002 GMC Duramax. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, it is recommended to remove the passenger side inner fender wall to provide better access and visibility to the fuel filter area. This will make the process of disconnecting the wire and changing the fuel filter much easier.

Now, locate the water-in-fuel sensor. It is situated at the bottom of the fuel filter. To disconnect the wire, carefully detach the electrical connector from the sensor. Be cautious not to damage the connector or the sensor itself.

Once the wire is disconnected, proceed to remove the fuel filter by rotating it counter-clockwise, ensuring that the water-in-fuel sensor wire does not get entangled in the process. Keep the filter upright until it is removed from the vehicle to prevent any fuel spillage.

After removing the fuel filter, it is important to drain it and check that the gasket did not stick to the fuel filter housing flange. If the gasket is stuck, carefully remove it before proceeding further.

Now, you can focus on the water-in-fuel sensor again. Using an appropriate wrench, socket, or pliers, carefully remove the sensor assembly from the bottom of the fuel filter. Be cautious not to crack or damage the sensor during this process.

In summary, disconnecting the wire from the water-in-fuel sensor involves carefully detaching the electrical connector, removing the fuel filter, and then taking out the sensor assembly from the bottom of the fuel filter. Remember to be cautious and gentle throughout the process to avoid any damage to the sensor or its wiring.

Remove the filter

To remove the filter on your 2002 GMC Duramax, start by removing the centre air intake tube between the air filter housing and the turbocharger inlet mouthpiece. Next, remove the passenger side inner fender, which is secured by a series of plastic body clips.

Now, locate and disconnect the water-in-fuel sensor electrical connector. You can then remove the fuel filter by rotating it counter-clockwise (viewed from the bottom up). Be careful not to entangle the water-in-fuel sensor wire while unscrewing the filter, and keep the filter upright until it is removed from the vehicle to prevent spilling fuel.

Once the filter is removed, drain it and verify that the gasket did not stick to the fuel filter housing flange.

Empty the fuel filter

To empty the fuel filter of your 2002 GMC Duramax, you must first purchase a new fuel filter. It is recommended to get an AC Delco filter from Merchant Automotive.

Next, remove the fender wall on the passenger side to access the fuel filter. Disconnect the wire that goes from the water-in-fuel sensor. Take off the filter, remembering that it will have gas in it, and empty it. Be careful not to crack the water-in-fuel sensor when removing it.

Now you can install the new filter. Put old fuel or a little Vaseline on the new O-rings so they seal better. Put the water-in-fuel sensor on the new filter with the new O-ring, then put another new O-ring on top of the filter and screw it back on hand-tight.

Remove the Water-in-Fuel sensor

To remove the Water-in-Fuel sensor, start by locating and disconnecting the water-in-fuel sensor electrical connector. Be careful not to break the wires. Next, remove the fuel filter by rotating it counter-clockwise, ensuring that the water-in-fuel sensor wire does not get entangled. Keep the filter upright until it is removed from the vehicle to prevent spilling fuel.

Once the fuel filter is removed, drain it and check that the gasket did not stick to the fuel filter housing flange. Then, using an appropriate wrench, socket, or pliers, remove the water-in-fuel sensor assembly from the bottom of the fuel filter. Be careful not to crack or damage the sensor. If the assembly is damaged, do not reuse it.

After removing the water-in-fuel sensor assembly, replace the o-ring on the assembly with a new one provided with the new fuel filter. Lubricate the new o-ring with clean engine oil and install it snugly onto the new fuel filter, being careful not to overtighten it.

Reattach the wire

To reattach the wire on your 2002 GMC Duramax, follow these steps:

Firstly, identify the wires. The wires attached to the plastic assembly at the bottom of the fuel filter are for the water-in-fuel sensor. The wire at the top of the fuel filter area is for the fuel heater.

Now, reconnect the wires. Ensure the water-in-fuel sensor connector does not become entangled with its surroundings when reattaching the wire. Once the wire is connected, locate the small black screw on the top of the filter area and remove it. Be careful not to lose it!

Next, you will see a metal prime pump on top of the filter area. Pump this until fuel comes out of the screw hole. Then, put the screw back in, being careful not to overtighten as it is made of plastic.

Finally, start the engine and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the wire has been successfully reattached and you can put the wall back on.

If the truck runs rough for an extended period, turn off the engine, re-bleed the system at the fuel filter housing, and check for leaks again, including the bleed screw o-ring.

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