Replacing Fuel Filter: Gmc Canyon Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon is a relatively simple task that can be done at home. The fuel filter is located on the driver's side of the vehicle, towards the rear of the cab. The inlet hose comes from the tank and the outlet hose goes towards the engine. To change the fuel filter, first, remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box and start the truck, letting it run until it dies. Remove the gas cap to relieve pressure in the tank, then jack up the truck and locate the fuel filter. Remove the inlet hose first to reduce fuel loss, then remove the outlet hose. Install the new filter, making sure to connect the inlet and outlet hoses to the correct sides. Lower the truck, put the fuse back in, and screw on the gas cap. Finally, inspect for leaks and prime the fuel line by turning the ignition to the on position.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter on a Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, you will need to look underneath the driver's side of the vehicle. The fuel filter is located towards the rear of the cab. The inlet hose (from the tank) will be on the left, and the outlet hose (towards the engine) will be on the right.

The fuel filter is easy to identify as it will have two hoses connected to it. These hoses can be removed by pushing in two little plastic squares on the connectors, similar to a childproof cap on a medicine bottle. Removing the inlet hose first is recommended, as this will leave the outlet hose connected and reduce fuel loss.

If you are having trouble locating the fuel filter, it may be inside the fuel tank. Some models, such as the 2006 Chevy Colorado, have the fuel filter mounted inside the tank.

Remove the fuel pump fuse

To remove the fuel pump fuse, start by locating the fuse box and the fuel pump fuse number. This information can usually be found in the driver's manual. The fuse box is typically located under the hood, and common locations include under the kick panel (driver and passenger front) or either side of the trunk wall behind the carpet.

Once you've found the fuse box, remove the fuse box cover to access the fuses. The correct fuse can be identified by its colour and the fuse location number printed on the fuse box floor. Most fuse boxes will supply a fuse-pulling tool attached to the rear of the cover, or you can use a small pointy nose plier to pull the fuse upwards and remove it.

With the fuse removed, hold it up to the light to check if the metallic strip inside is broken. A broken strip indicates a blown fuse. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced with one of the correct rating, which can also be found in the driver's manual.

It's important to note that simply removing the fuel pump fuse may not be enough to relieve fuel pressure. In some vehicles, such as the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, the fuel pump relay may also need to be removed.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of your Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, you'll need to first turn off the truck for 30 seconds to stop the fuel pump from pumping. Next, disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent the pump from trying to pump air through the lines. Then, place a drain pan underneath the truck to catch the fuel from the filters.

Now, locate the fuel filters. For 1st Gen Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the fuel filter is inside the tank. For 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the fuel filter is located on the driver's side of the vehicle, towards the rear of the cab.

Once you've located the fuel filters, use a 1 1/4" or 27mm socket to remove them. Start by removing the inlet hose (the one that comes over the top of the filter) to reduce fuel loss. Have a rag ready to catch any fuel that spills. After removing the inlet hose, remove the outlet hose (the one towards the engine).

With both hoses removed, pull the fuel filters down with a little force to get past the seals. You can now discard the old fuel filters and install the new ones.

Disconnect the fuel lines

To disconnect the fuel lines, you will need to first relieve the pressure in the gas tank by removing the gas cap. Jack up the truck and slide underneath, ensuring it is secure and you have enough room to work. Identify the fuel filter—it will be located towards the rear of the cab on the driver's side.

You will see two hoses attached to the filter. One is the inlet (coming from the tank) and the other is the outlet (going towards the engine). Look at the connectors on the hoses attached to the filter ends. You will see two little plastic squares. Push those in to remove the lines from the filter. It is recommended to remove the inlet hose first, as this will leave the outlet hose connected and reduce fuel loss. Have a rag handy, as you will lose fuel from both the hose and the filter. You should lose about a quarter of a cup from each.

Now, you are ready to install the new filter.

Install the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter on your Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon, follow these steps:

• Ensure the new filter has plastic clips. If it does, remove them—you won't need them.
• Check that the filter is facing the correct way: the inlet (from the tank) should be on the left, and the outlet (towards the engine) should be on the right.
• Slide the new filter into the holding bracket. It should sit nice and tight.
• Reconnect the fuel lines, making sure you hear a click, so you know each side is locked on tight.
• Lower the truck, put the fuse back in, and screw on the gas cap.
• Inspect for leaks. Turn the ignition to the 'ON' position with the truck off and let it sit for a few seconds. Repeat this step twice, and the truck will start right up!

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