Replacing Fuel Filter: Step-By-Step Guide For X340 Models

Changing the fuel filter is a regular part of vehicle maintenance. It is important to change the fuel filter as a dirty fuel filter can cause the engine to run too lean, leading to diminished performance. The fuel filter in the X340 is located in the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. To change the fuel filter, you will need to relieve the pressure in the fuel system, disconnect the battery, and jack up the vehicle. Then, use a flat-head screwdriver to pop out the plastic clips holding the fuel filter in place. Next, slide the fuel lines away from the filter and remove them from the nozzles on either end. You can then slide the old fuel filter out of its bracket. To install a new fuel filter, simply slide it into the bracket, reattach the fuel lines, and replace the plastic clips.

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system

To relieve the pressure in the fuel system of your vehicle, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. This is how you do it:

Locate your vehicle’s fuse box

First, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate the appropriate fuse box. Most vehicles have a fuse box in the interior of the car as well as under the hood. The fuse for the fuel pump is often in the fuse box located in the interior of the vehicle.

Remove the fuse for the fuel pump

Use the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner’s manual to identify the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Then, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine.

Ensure the vehicle is not in gear

Make sure automatic vehicles are in park and vehicles equipped with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged. Although the vehicle will only run briefly, it will still move if left in gear.

Start the engine

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the motor just as you would any other time. The engine should start easily as it expends the fuel remaining in the fuel system past the fuel pump. If the engine turns over but then sputters out, it may not have had sufficient pressure in the lines to force the fuel into the engine. If the engine dies, the fuel pressure will be sufficiently relieved.

Allow the engine to run for a minute before shutting it off

Depending on the fuel system in your vehicle and its average fuel consumption, the amount of time it will run without a functioning fuel pump can vary. It does not need to run until it dies, however. Just allow it to run for a minute or two before turning the key back to the off position. Without the fuel pump functioning, the pressure will be relieved in the fuel lines fairly quickly.

Re-insert the fuel pump fuse

With the pressure relieved from the fuel system and the engine off, you can re-insert the fuse that powers the fuel pump. Place the cover back on the fuse box and return any pieces of the trim you may have needed to remove to access it. Make sure the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse you removed. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important step in changing the fuel filter on your vehicle. It is a safety precaution that ensures the engine cannot be started while you work. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the battery:

Tools Required:

Hand or socket wrench

Steps:

• Locate the battery: The battery is usually located in the engine bay, under the hood of the vehicle.
• Identify the negative terminal: The negative terminal is one of the two terminals connected to the battery. It should be clearly marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover.
• Loosen the nut on the negative terminal: Use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut that holds the negative cable onto the terminal. You do not need to completely remove the nut, just loosen it enough so that you can detach the cable.
• Disconnect the negative cable: Once the nut is loosened, carefully detach the cable from the negative terminal. It is important to only disconnect the negative cable and not the positive cable, as disconnecting the positive cable can cause electrical short circuits.
• Tuck the negative cable away from the battery: Move the negative cable to the side of the battery to ensure it does not accidentally come into contact with the terminal. This is an important safety precaution.
• Secure the work area: Before proceeding with the fuel filter replacement, make sure that the negative cable is securely tucked away and cannot come into contact with the battery terminal. This will prevent any accidental electrical connections while you work.
• Do not reconnect the battery until the fuel filter replacement is complete: Only reconnect the negative cable to the battery terminal once you have finished replacing the fuel filter and are ready to start the engine again.

Remember, disconnecting the battery is a crucial safety step when performing any maintenance or repairs on your vehicle's electrical or fuel system. Always take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter, refer to your vehicle's service manual. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail. Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so it is important to refer to your service manual to find out for sure.

If your vehicle is a small engine, the fuel filter will be located either inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. Some fuel tanks have internal, non-serviceable fuel filters. If you are unsure of where your fuel filter is located, refer to your engine operator's manual to determine the location.

Remove the old fuel filter

To remove the old fuel filter, you must first disconnect the battery. This will ensure that the engine cannot be started while you work on the fuel filter. You will need to use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal. Once the battery is disconnected, tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to ensure it doesn't accidentally come into contact with its terminal.

The next step is to locate the fuel filter. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine its location. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill out when you disconnect it.

Now, remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Most fuel filters are held in place by two plastic clips. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes. These clips may break as you remove them, so purchasing replacement clips along with your new fuel filter is advised.

With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter and tip them toward the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled fuel. You should wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter.

Finally, slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. It will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction. If your filter sits in the bracket differently, you may need to slide it toward the back of the car to remove it. Some fuel filters under the hood may be held in the bracket with a bolt that will need to be removed.

Install a new fuel filter

To install a new fuel filter, you must first compare the new filter to the old one. Check that they appear to be the same outside diameter, that the nozzles are the same size, and that it will fit into the bracket. If the fuel filters do not match, you will need to return the new one for the correct replacement filter. Do not attempt to use a fuel filter for a different application in your vehicle, as it may not be capable of allowing the appropriate volume of fuel to pass through it.

Once you have confirmed that the new fuel filter is the correct replacement, you can slide it into the bracket. The new fuel filter should easily slide into its bracket. If you have to force it, it is likely not the correct diameter. The fuel filter should stop when it is seated properly, as it should only be able to slide all the way out in one direction. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as that may cause a leak.

After the new fuel filter is in place, fasten it to the fuel line. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the filter the same way they were attached to the old one. With the fuel line in place on the filter, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter. Make sure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles of the fuel filter before sliding the clips into place.

If your vehicle was jacked up to access the fuel filter, you can now lower the vehicle off of the jack stands. Jack up the car to relieve the weight on the jack stands, then slide them out from beneath the vehicle. Once the jack stands are clear, lower the vehicle to the ground. Be sure the jack stands are completely out of the way, otherwise they may damage the vehicle if lowered onto them.

Frequently asked questions