Replacing Fuel Filter In Pontiac Firebird: Step-By-Step Guide

The fuel filter in a Pontiac Firebird is located on the main gas line that goes to the injectors. It is responsible for ensuring that fuel contaminants do not end up running through the fuel lines and into the injectors. Over time, contaminants build up in the filter, reducing the volume of fuel that can enter the engine, which can lead to fuel starvation issues and cause major damage. To replace the fuel filter, first disconnect the battery and remove the fuel pump relay. Then, locate the fuel filter near the driver's side rear wheel, push in the two tabs on the gas tank side of the filter, and pull the rubber hose off. Use a bucket or pan to catch any leaking gas. Next, use a 20mm and a 16mm wrench to loosen the filter from the fuel line. Finally, install the new filter by threading it onto the fuel line connector and snapping the rubber hose back on.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step in preparing to remove the fuel filter from your Pontiac Firebird. This is a necessary safety precaution to ensure that you do not experience fuel flow while working underneath the car.

To disconnect the battery, first locate the negative terminal connector. This will be the black terminal, and you will need a 5/16" wrench to unbolt it. Loosen the nut that holds the connector in place and then carefully remove the connector from the battery post. Be sure to set it aside in a safe place where it will not accidentally come into contact with the battery post.

Once the negative terminal connector is removed, you will need to remove the fuel pump relay. This can be found in the fuse box. Open the fuse box and pull out the relay. The fuel pump relay is responsible for powering the fuel pump, so with it removed, the fuel pump will not operate, and you will not have fuel flowing through the lines while you are working.

At this point, it is also a good idea to open the gas cap to allow for faster draining of the gasoline left in the lines.

Now that the battery and fuel pump relay have been disconnected, you can proceed to the next step of locating and removing the fuel filter. Remember to exercise caution when working with automotive systems and always refer to a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any procedures.

Remove the fuel pump relay

To remove the fuel pump relay, you will first need to disconnect the battery from your car. Do this by removing the negative (black) terminal connector by unbolting it with a 5/16" wrench. Then, open the fuse box and pull the relay out.

The fuel pump relay is located under the hood, on the driver's side, rear side of the strut tower, and on the driver's side of the brake master cylinder. It is mounted on the upper firewall. Alternatively, it is located under the dash, driver's side, behind the kick panel.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter of a Pontiac Firebird, you will need to get underneath the car. The fuel filter is located near the driver's side rear wheel. You may find it easier to jack the car up for access. To do so, chock the front wheels, jack the car up via the rear diff, and set two jack stands under the axles.

First, push the two tabs in on the gas tank side of the filter and pull the rubber hose off. Have a bucket or pan ready, as some gas will leak out. After letting the fuel drain, take your 20mm and 16mm wrenches and place them on the respective nut on the fuel line side of the filter.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from a Pontiac Firebird, first disconnect the battery and remove the negative (black) terminal connector by unbolting it with a 5/16" wrench. Then, remove the fuel pump relay by opening the fuse box and pulling the relay out. Open the gas cap to allow for faster draining of the gasoline left in the lines.

Get underneath the car and locate the fuel filter. It is located near the driver's side rear wheel. You may find it easier to jack the car up for access. To do so, chock the front wheels, jack the car up via the rear diff, and set two jack stands under the axles.

First, push the two tabs in on the gas tank side of the filter and pull the rubber hose off. Some gas will leak out so have a bucket or pan ready. After letting the fuel drain, take your 20mm and 16mm wrenches and place them on the respective nut on the fuel line side of the filter. Turn the 20mm up to loosen the filter, and turn the 16mm side down to loosen the filter from the line. Then, manoeuvre the filter out.

Install the new fuel filter

Now that you've disconnected the battery, removed the fuel pump relay, and drained the gasoline from the lines, it's time to install the new fuel filter.

First, thread the new filter onto the fuel line connector and tighten it moderately. Be sure to use a 16mm wrench on the nut on the fuel line side of the filter. Then, snap the rubber hose back onto the other side of the filter. Now, replace the fuel pump relay and install the negative battery terminal connector again. Run the pump and check for any leaks around the filter.

You have now completed your fuel filter replacement!

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