Changing Fuel Filters: 2006 Dura Max Edition

If you're looking to change the fuel filter on your 2006 Duramax, you've come to the right place. This is a simple DIY task that can save you a lot of money. The fuel filter is located on the passenger side of the engine, below the air intake tube. To access it, you'll need to remove the centre air intake tube and the passenger side inner fender. Once you have located the fuel filter, disconnect the water-in-fuel sensor electrical connector and remove the filter by rotating it counter-clockwise. Be careful not to spill any fuel! Drain the old filter and verify that the gasket did not stick to the fuel filter housing flange. Now, you can install the new filter. Lubricate the new o-rings with clean engine oil and attach the water-in-fuel sensor. Hand-tighten the new filter, making sure the water-in-fuel sensor connector doesn't become entangled. Locate and open the bleed valve and repeatedly pump the plunger until diesel fuel begins to flow out. Close the bleed valve, clean up any spills, and reinstall the inner fender and intake tube. Start the engine and check for leaks. And that's it! You've successfully changed the fuel filter on your 2006 Duramax.

Removing the old fuel filter

To remove the old fuel filter from your 2006 Duramax, you will need the following tools: a panel clip remover, a Water In Fuel (WIF) sensor wrench (or channel locks), and a 1/2-inch nut driver. Some sources also recommend a filter wrench, while others suggest channel locks or a strap wrench for unscrewing the old filter. You will also need some engine oil or 2-stroke oil to lubricate the O-rings.

Start by popping the hood of your Duramax and taking a seat by the passenger side tire, looking at the fender well. Using the panel clip remover, remove the pins holding the inner fender well liner to the truck. With the pins removed and the wire harnesses pulled out of the liner, set the liner aside.

Now you should be able to see the fuel filter. Disconnect the WIF connector and let it hang. You might be able to unscrew the fuel filter with your hands if you are strong enough, otherwise, use a strap wrench. With the filter removed, dispose of the contents inside it properly.

Using a WIF wrench or channel locks, remove the WIF sensor. Discard the old O-rings and replace them with the new ones that should come with the new filter. Lubricate the big O-ring and the outer edge of the filter where the O-ring will be placed with some engine or 2-stroke oil. Also, lubricate the little O-ring on the WIF sensor.

With the WIF sensor and new O-rings in place, you are now ready to put the new fuel filter back into the truck. This part can be a little frustrating as it is in an awkward position and it's hard to get the filter threaded on. Be patient and make sure it is tightened down as recommended (1/3 to 1/2 turn after the seal has made contact).

Now go back to the engine and look at it from under the hood. You will see the filter pump and bleeder screw. Loosen the bleeder screw with a 1/2-inch nut driver (do not take it out all the way, just enough to let air out). With the bleeder screw loosened, you can start priming the new fuel filter. This will take a lot of pumps, so be patient. You will hear air coming out of the screw, and eventually, diesel fuel will start to come out. When this happens, press down on the primer pump and hold it, then tighten down the bleeder screw. Keep pumping the primer until it gets very hard to pump—it will be almost impossible to pump anymore after that.

And that's it! You've now successfully changed the fuel filter on your 2006 Duramax.

Installing the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter, first, lubricate the new fuel filter gasket with clean engine oil. Then, install the new filter at the top of the fuel filter assembly. Ensure that the water-in-fuel sensor connector does not become entangled with its surroundings. Install it snugly by hand only, do not tighten with tools.

Next, locate and open the bleed valve towards the driver's side of the fuel priming pump. You can remove the bleed screw for inspection of the o-ring if you wish.

Repeatedly pump the plunger on the top of the fuel filter housing until all air escapes and diesel fuel begins to flow out of the bleed screw orifice. Immediately close the bleed screw; do not overtighten, the screw is plastic. Clean up any spills so that leaks can be easily detected.

Finally, reinstall the inner fender and intake tube. Start the engine and check for leaks. If the truck runs rough for an extended period of time (the idle should smooth out within 30 seconds), turn off the engine, re-bleed the system at the fuel filter housing, and check for leaks (including the bleed screw o-ring).

Bleeding the fuel system

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Before beginning the bleeding process, ensure that you have completed the necessary steps after changing the fuel filter. This includes making sure that the new fuel filter has been installed and tightened properly, and that the fuel lines are connected securely. It is also recommended to check that the fuel filter is cool to the touch before proceeding.

Step 2: Locate the Vent Valve and Priming Pump

The vent valve, also known as the bleed screw, is located at the top of the fuel filter housing. The priming pump, also known as the plunger or primer, is usually integrated into the fuel filter housing. It is used to pump diesel fuel from the fuel tank into the filter.

Step 3: Open the Vent Valve

Using a suitable tool, typically a 1/2 inch nut driver, loosen the vent valve by turning it counterclockwise. Do not remove it completely, just loosen it enough to allow air to escape.

Step 4: Prime the Fuel System

Repeatedly pump the priming pump until all air escapes from the system and diesel fuel begins to flow out of the vent valve. This may take several minutes and numerous pumps. Be patient and continue pumping until you see diesel fuel.

Step 5: Close the Vent Valve

Once diesel fuel starts flowing from the vent valve, immediately tighten the valve by turning it clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten, as the valve is usually made of plastic.

Step 6: Clean Any Spills

After closing the vent valve, clean up any diesel fuel spills or leaks around the fuel filter housing and vent valve. This step is important to ensure that you can easily detect any new leaks after starting the engine.

Step 7: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Keep an eye on the fuel filter and vent valve to check for any signs of leaks. If the engine runs rough for an extended period, turn it off, and re-bleed the system at the fuel filter housing. Then, check for leaks again, including inspecting the o-ring seal on the vent valve.

It is important to note that the bleeding process may need to be repeated if you still notice air in the system or if the engine continues to have difficulty starting. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and consult a certified mechanic if you have any doubts or concerns during the process.

Removing the fender well cover

To remove the fender well cover, you will need a panel clip remover. Sit by the passenger side tire, looking at the fender well. Using the panel clip remover, remove the pins that are holding the inner fender well liner to the truck. You can then set the liner aside.

Some people suggest that removing the fender well cover is unnecessary and that the fuel filter can be accessed from the top. However, others claim that this method is more difficult and that removing the fender well cover provides a better view of the fuel filter.

Resetting the Change Fuel Filter indicator

Resetting the "Change Fuel Filter" indicator on a 2006 Duramax is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to reset the indicator:

For vehicles with steering wheel controls:

• Press and hold the "Select" button on the steering wheel for about five seconds while the "FUEL FILTER LIFE" message is displayed.
• The message will be shown on the Driver Information Center (DIC) for about ten seconds.

For vehicles without steering wheel controls:

• Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position without starting the engine. It is important not to press any pedals during this step.
• Simultaneously press the brake and accelerator pedals completely and hold them down for about ten seconds.
• Release the pedals and turn the ignition key "OFF".
• The "Change Fuel Filter" message should no longer be displayed the next time the engine is started.

It is always recommended to reset the "FUEL FILTER LIFE" system after changing the fuel filter. This procedure will ensure that you receive accurate information about the status of your fuel filter and help maintain the performance and longevity of your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions