The fuel filter on a 2006 PT Cruiser is built into the fuel pump module, which is mounted inside the fuel tank. This means that to replace the filter, you will need to replace the entire pump module. This is a complex process that involves relieving the fuel system's pressure, removing the fuel tank, and disconnecting various components such as the fuel vapor hose and the EVAP line. It is recommended to refer to a repair manual or seek professional assistance for this task.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fuel filter location | Inside the top of the fuel tank, where it connects with the fuel line |
Fuel filter replacement | Replace the pump module, as the filter is built into the fuel pump module |
Fuel filter replacement cost | Between $90 and $207 (including parts and labor) |
Fuel filter replacement time | At least 1.6 hours |
Fuel filter replacement frequency | Every 5 years/50,000 miles, but consult your owner's manual for more specific information |
Fuel filter function | Prevents contaminants from getting inside the engine, which could lead to a loss in performance and potential damage to the cylinder lining |
Signs of a bad fuel filter | Problems with starting, stalling, excessive vibration while driving, rough slow-speed cruising |
What You'll Learn
The fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module
If your 2006 PT Cruiser's fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module, you will need to replace the entire pump module to change the filter. This is because the fuel filter is mounted inside the fuel tank, and you must remove the tank to access the pump module.
Before you begin, relieve the pressure in the fuel system. First, remove the fuel pump fuse or relay. You can find the location of the fuse by checking the owner's manual or looking under the lid of the fuse box. Then, start the engine and let it idle until it stalls. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Next, you will need to raise the rear end of the car and support it on jack stands. Place a drain pan underneath the tank to catch any fuel that spills out. Unscrew and remove the drain cap on the tank, allowing the fuel to drain into the pan.
Now, you can begin to disconnect the various hoses and connectors attached to the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel vapor hose and loosen the hose clamp for the fuel filler neck hose. Use a screwdriver to disconnect the hose from the fuel fill pipe. Raise a transmission jack under the tank to support it, and place a piece of plywood on the jack to prevent damage to the tank.
Disconnect the EVAP line and fuel supply hose at the quick-connect fitting. Then, disconnect the electrical connector for the fuel pump module.
At this point, you can begin to remove the fuel tank. Unbolt the tank support straps with a wrench and lower the jack to remove the tank. Once the tank is out, squeeze the locking tabs for the fuel supply line to disconnect it. Pull out the locking tab for the electrical connector with pliers.
Now, you can remove the fuel pump module from the tank. Draw an alignment marker on the fuel tank to ensure that you can correctly line up the module upon re-installation. Unscrew the module's locknut with water pump pliers and remove it from the tank, being careful not to bend the fuel sending unit float arm.
Install the new fuel pump and filter into the fuel tank, again being cautious not to damage the float arm or the filter. Screw the locknut into place with the water pump pliers, using the alignment mark you made earlier.
Reconnect the fuel supply hose and electrical connector, ensuring they are secure. Raise the tank back into place with the transmission jack and bolt the straps on. Reconnect the filler, vapor, and EVAP lines, along with the electrical connector.
Finally, lower the car off the jack stands and refill the fuel tank. Reconnect the battery cable and fuel pump fuse, and replace the air filter housing.
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To replace the filter, you must replace the pump module
To replace the fuel filter on a 2006 PT Cruiser, you must replace the entire pump module. This is because the fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module, which is mounted inside the fuel tank.
Step 1: Remove the fuel cap and open the hood.
Remove the cover on the air filter housing and locate the fuse box, which is usually found behind and below the filter housing. Remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box.
Step 2: Start the engine and let it idle.
Let the engine idle until it stalls and turns off by itself. This will help relieve the fuel system's pressure. Once the engine has stalled, turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Step 3: Raise the rear end of the car.
Use a jack to raise the rear end of the car and support it on jack stands. This will give you access to the underside of the vehicle and the fuel tank.
Step 4: Drain the fuel tank.
Locate the drain cap on the fuel tank and unscrew it. Place a gas can or a drain pan underneath to catch the fuel. Allow the fuel to drain completely before proceeding.
Step 5: Disconnect the fuel lines and hoses.
Disconnect the fuel vapor hose and loosen the hose clamp for the fuel filler neck hose using a screwdriver. Disconnect the hose from the fuel fill pipe. Also, disconnect the EVAP line and the fuel supply hose at the quick-connect fitting.
Step 6: Raise the fuel tank.
Use a transmission jack to raise and support the fuel tank. If you don't have a transmission jack, you can use a floor jack with a piece of plywood on it to prevent damage to the tank.
Step 7: Disconnect the electrical connector.
Disconnect the electrical connector for the fuel pump module. Also, unbolt the tank support straps using a wrench. Lower the jack and carefully remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Step 8: Remove the fuel pump module.
Squeeze the locking tabs for the fuel supply line and electrical connector to disconnect them. You can use pliers for this step. Draw an alignment marker on the fuel tank to help you reinstall the new fuel pump module correctly. Unscrew the module's locknut using water pump pliers and remove the module, being careful not to bend the fuel sending unit float arm.
Step 9: Install the new fuel pump module.
Install the replacement fuel pump and filter into the fuel tank, ensuring that you don't damage the float arm or the filter. Screw the locknut into place using the water pump pliers and align the module correctly using the mark you made earlier.
Step 10: Reattach the fuel tank and connections.
Raise the fuel tank back into place with the transmission jack and bolt the straps securely. Reconnect the filler, vapor, and EVAP lines, along with the electrical connector.
Step 11: Lower the vehicle and refill the fuel tank.
Lower the car from the jack stands and refill the fuel tank. Reconnect the battery cable and the fuel pump fuse. Replace the air filter housing.
Please note that this process may vary slightly depending on your specific vehicle and its condition. Always refer to your owner's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps.
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Relieve the fuel system's pressure
To relieve the fuel system's pressure on a 2006 PT Cruiser, start by removing the fuel cap and opening the hood. Next, remove the cover on the air filter housing and remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box located behind and below the filter housing. Start the engine and let it idle until it stalls. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Now that the fuel system's pressure has been relieved, you can proceed to raise the car's rear end and support it on jack stands. Unscrew and remove the drain cap on the tank and let the fuel drain into a gas can or drain pan capable of holding 16 gallons.
From here, you can continue with the rest of the steps to change the fuel filter, which is built into the fuel pump module.
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Disconnect the negative battery cable
Disconnecting the negative battery cable is an important step when changing the fuel filter on a 2006 PT Cruiser. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:
First, open the hood of your car. Locate the negative battery cable, which should be clearly visible. It is important to identify the negative cable correctly; it will typically be black and have a minus (-) symbol near the clamp. You may also consult your car's user manual to be absolutely sure.
Second, once you have identified the correct cable, you will need to disconnect it. Make sure you have the necessary tools, such as a wrench or pliers, to loosen the clamp that holds the cable in place. Place the wrench on the clamp bolt and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen it. Do not force it, as you may strip the threads. If it does not come loose, try again with a little more force, but be careful not to break the bolt.
Third, with the clamp loosened, you can now disconnect the cable. Gently pull on the cable to remove it from the battery terminal. Be careful not to let the cable touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.
Fourth, with the cable disconnected, you will need to insulate and secure it to prevent accidental contact with the battery terminal. You can use electrical tape or a cable tie to do this. Ensure that the cable is secure and cannot move around.
Finally, check that the cable is fully disconnected and that there is no risk of it coming into contact with the battery terminal. You can now proceed with the rest of the fuel filter replacement process, which involves relieving the fuel system's pressure, draining the fuel tank, and removing the fuel pump module. Remember to refer to a professional repair manual or seek expert advice if you are unsure about any steps.
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Disconnect the fuel supply hose
Disconnecting the fuel supply hose is a crucial step in changing the fuel filter on a 2006 PT Cruiser. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
First, ensure you have relieved the fuel system's pressure. Open the hood and remove the cover on the air filter housing. Remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box, which is located behind and below the filter housing. Next, start the engine and let it idle until it stalls. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Now, you will need to access the fuel tank. Raise the rear end of the car and support it securely on jack stands. Place a gas can or drain pan capable of holding 16 gallons below the tank and unscrew the drain cap to allow the fuel to drain. Once the tank is empty, disconnect the fuel vapor hose and loosen the hose clamp for the fuel filler neck hose with a screwdriver. You can then disconnect the hose from the fuel fill pipe.
At this point, you will need to raise a transmission jack under the tank to support it. If you do not have a transmission jack, you can use a floor jack with a piece of plywood on it to prevent damage to the tank. With the tank supported, disconnect the EVAP line and the fuel supply hose at the quick-connect fitting. Be careful when handling these components, as they are crucial to your vehicle's fuel system.
Now you are ready to disconnect the fuel supply hose. To do this, squeeze the locking tabs for the fuel supply line to release it. Use pliers to carefully pull out the locking tab for the electrical connector and disconnect it. With these steps completed, you will have successfully disconnected the fuel supply hose, and you can continue with the next steps of changing the fuel filter on your 2006 PT Cruiser.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to change the fuel filter every 5 years/50,000 miles, but you may need to do it more often depending on your driving habits and where you live.
The average cost to change a vehicle's fuel filter is between $90 and $207, including parts and labor.
You will need to relieve the fuel system's pressure, remove the tank, and replace the pump module, as the fuel filter is built into the fuel pump module.