Changing the fuel filter is an essential part of car maintenance. A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing the vehicle to lose power. To change the fuel filter on a 99 Cadillac, you'll first need to relieve the pressure in the fuel system and disconnect the battery. Next, locate the fuel filter, which is usually along the fuel line on the bottom of the car or in the engine bay. Disconnect the fuel lines from the filter and remove the old filter from its bracket. Compare the new fuel filter to the old one to ensure they are the same size, then slide the new filter into the bracket and reconnect the fuel lines. Finally, lower the vehicle and reconnect the battery.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fuel filter location | Driver's side, between the middle of the rear door and rear tire under the car |
Fuel filter appearance | Oversized "D" battery with writing on it and a large black arrow pointing toward the radiator |
Fuel filter connection | Two fuel lines |
Fuel filter replacement | Every 60,000 miles |
What You'll Learn
Relieve fuel pressure to avoid gas rushing out of the tank
To relieve fuel pressure on a 1999 Cadillac Seville SLS, start the car and pull the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) nipple. If raw gas starts dripping, replace the FPR. If the vacuum hose and nipple are dry, the chances of the FPR being faulty are slim. Shut down the engine and remove the black cap on the passenger end of the fuel rail. Pack a rag under the exposed Schrader valve. Then, bleed off fuel pressure by releasing the Schrader valve – this is similar to letting the air out of a tire.
Relieving fuel pressure is an important step when replacing the fuel filter on a Cadillac. Failure to do so may result in gas rushing out of the fuel tank when you attempt to remove the filter.
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Disconnect the negative cable from the battery
Disconnecting the negative cable from the battery is an important step when changing the fuel filter on your 99 Cadillac. This is a safety measure to prevent the engine from being started accidentally while you work.
To do this, locate the negative terminal on the battery. You will need a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the terminal. Loosen the nut, but you do not need to remove it completely. Disconnecting the battery will ensure the engine cannot be started during the remainder of the fuel filter replacement process.
Once the negative cable is loose, tuck it to the side of the battery. This ensures that it does not accidentally come into contact with the terminal and cause a spark.
Now that the battery is disconnected, you can continue with the next steps of changing the fuel filter. Remember to reconnect the battery once you have finished all other steps and lowered the vehicle off the jack stands.
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Locate the fuel filter
To locate the fuel filter on a 99 Cadillac, you will need to slide under the car from the rear bumper, on the driver's side. The fuel filter is located on the inner side of the frame rail. It sits about one foot from the gas tank, towards the engine.
The fuel filter will have two fuel lines connected to it and it looks like an oversized "D" battery. The filter should have writing on it, as well as a large black arrow pointing towards the radiator.
If you are having trouble locating the fuel filter, follow the fuel lines from the tank and you will find it.
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Place a bowl under the filter to catch any fuel spillage
When changing the fuel filter on a 99 Cadillac, it is important to place a bowl under the filter to catch any fuel spillage. This is because, when you remove the old fuel filter, there may still be fuel left inside it, and placing a bowl underneath will prevent this fuel from spilling onto the ground. Fuel is a hazardous substance, and it is important to prevent it from contaminating the environment.
In addition, by catching the fuel in a bowl, you can prevent it from coming into contact with any hot engine components, which could potentially cause a fire. It is also beneficial to catch the fuel in a bowl so that it can be disposed of safely and appropriately.
Furthermore, placing a bowl under the filter will help you to identify if there is a fuel leak. If fuel starts to drip into the bowl when it shouldn't, this could indicate a problem with the fuel system, such as a faulty fuel line or a damaged seal.
Finally, by collecting the fuel in a bowl, you can reuse it by pouring it back into the tank once you have finished changing the filter. This will save you money and reduce waste.
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Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place
To remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place, you will need to locate the clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter. They are usually two plastic clips that can be popped out of the holes with a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful when removing these clips, as they are made of thin plastic and tend to break easily. If you can remove them without breaking them, they can be reused. However, it is recommended to purchase replacement clips along with your new fuel filter in case they do break.
The first step is to locate the fuel filter. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine its location, as it could be in one of two common locations. It may be along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump, or in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail. In some vehicles, the fuel filter may be located inside the cabin or require jacking up the car to access it. Once you have located the fuel filter, place a bowl or bucket underneath it to catch any fuel that may spill out during the removal process.
Now, use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pop out the plastic clips holding the fuel filter in place. These clips are thin and prone to breaking, so it is recommended to purchase replacement clips along with your new fuel filter in case they break during removal. With the clips removed, you can proceed to the next step of sliding the fuel lines away from the filter and removing them from the nozzles on either end.
It is important to wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter. Ensure that you tip the fuel lines towards the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled gasoline and avoid allowing fuel to pour out onto the ground.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few warning signs that your fuel filter is clogged and needs to be changed. These include frequent stalling, especially at a red light or when idling, lurching, sputtering, or jerking when going uphill, and sluggish performance.
It is recommended to change your fuel filter every 5 years/50,000 miles, but this may vary depending on where you live, your driving habits, and other factors. It is a good idea to check your owner's manual for specific recommendations.
The cost of changing a fuel filter can vary depending on the type of filter and labor costs. On average, it costs between $70 to $215 to replace a fuel filter, with some estimates ranging from $90 to $150.