Replacing Fuel Filter In '09 Honda Accord: Step-By-Step Guide

If your Honda Accord is sluggish on steep roads, it may be time to change the fuel filter. This is a relatively simple task that can be done at home, saving you a trip to the mechanic. The fuel filter is located either on the passenger's side firewall or at the rear of the engine, depending on the model year. You will need a set of wrenches to remove the fuel lines and clamp bolts, and a new fuel filter to install. The whole process should take less than an hour and will cost a fraction of the price charged by a professional.

Disconnect the battery and relieve the fuel system pressure

To disconnect the battery and relieve the fuel system pressure on a 2009 Honda Accord, follow these steps:

Park your car in a well-ventilated area. Perform this task in a well-ventilated area because gas fumes may be harmful.

Locate the battery and identify the negative (black) terminal. The negative terminal is usually marked with a minus sign or a black cover.

Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use a wrench or a socket to loosen the nut or bolt holding the cable to the terminal. Be careful not to let the wrench or socket touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.

Once the cable is loose, remove it from the terminal. You may need to wiggle it gently to detach it completely. Set the cable aside, ensuring it does not touch any metal parts of the car.

To relieve the fuel system pressure, remove the gas cap. This will relieve gas pressure from the fuel system. If you prefer, you can also loosen the gas pressure bolt at the end of the fuel rail. Remember to re-tighten it once you're done.

Relieving the fuel system pressure will make it easier to remove or unplug the necessary parts for changing the fuel filter.

Now that you have disconnected the battery and relieved the fuel system pressure, you can proceed to locate and replace the fuel filter.

Remember to reconnect the battery and tighten the gas cap or gas pressure bolt before starting the car again.

Safety is paramount when working on your car. Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and refer to your car's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter on a 2009 Honda Accord, you need to first park your car in a well-ventilated area. This is because the gas fumes can be harmful.

The fuel filter location is different depending on the model year of the Honda Accord. For the 1990-1994 models, the fuel filter is located on the passenger's side firewall. For the 1995-2002 models, the fuel filter is located at the rear of the engine, near the brake master cylinder. For the 2001 model, the air filter is located near the brake master cylinder at the back of the engine. For the 2008 model, the fuel filter is integral to the fuel pump in the gas tank, and it is located under the rear seat cushion. To access it, you need to remove the seat cushion and the fuel tank unit.

Remove the lower fuel line and upper fuel line banjo bolt

To remove the lower fuel line and upper fuel line banjo bolt, you will need a 14mm wrench and a 17mm flare nut wrench.

First, use the 14mm wrench to loosen the nut connecting the lower fuel line to the fuel filter. Place a fluid catch pan underneath to catch any spilled fuel, then pull the lower fuel line off and set it aside.

Next, use the 17mm flare nut wrench to loosen the banjo bolt on the upper fuel line. Rotate the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt, then remove the fuel line by hand.

Now that both fuel lines are disconnected, you can remove the fuel filter. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when performing this task, as gas fumes can be harmful.

Remove the clamp bolts

To remove the clamp bolts, you will need a 10 mm flare nut wrench.

First, locate the clamp that holds the fuel filter in place. You will see that there are two 10 mm bolts fastening the clamp. Use the wrench to unfasten these bolts. It is important to perform this job in a well-ventilated area, as the gas fumes can be harmful.

Once the bolts are removed, you can then unclip the alignment hole holding the top of the fuel filter in place and remove the fuel filter from the clamp. Dispose of the old filter and place the new fuel filter into the clamp.

Replace the fuel filter and reattach the clamp

To replace the fuel filter on a 2009 Honda Accord, you will need to first locate the fuel filter. On Accords from 2001, the air filters are near the brake master cylinder at the back of the engine.

Unclip the alignment hole holding the top of the fuel filter in place, and then remove the fuel filter from the clamp. Dispose of the old filter and place the new fuel filter in the clamp. Make sure the new filter is correctly aligned and seated in the clamp.

Then, insert the fuel filter clamp back into its original position and secure it with the two 10 mm bolts. Make sure the bolts are tightened securely, but be careful not to over-tighten them.

Finally, reconnect the upper and lower fuel lines. Before reconnecting the upper fuel line, insert two new washers. Then, tighten the 17 mm Banjo bolt to a snug fit. Reconnect the lower fuel line and secure it with the 14 mm bolt.

It is important to note that the replacement filter may have come with replacement washers. If it did not, you should replace the washers of the upper fuel line when you replace the filter.

Frequently asked questions