Replacing Your Pip Fuel Filter: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing a fuel filter is a routine part of car maintenance. It is important to keep your fuel system in good condition by changing the fuel filter regularly, as this will prolong the life of the fuel pump. A clogged fuel filter can cause a reduction in fuel pressure and volume in the fuel system, leading to a loss of power in your vehicle. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change your fuel filter safely and effectively.

Depressurise the fuel system

Depressurising the fuel system is an important step in changing a fuel filter. This is because the fuel system contains pressurised fuel, which could squirt out when the filter is detached, potentially causing injury or contaminating other components.

To depressurise the fuel system, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the car's fuse box. This can usually be found in the interior of the car, under the hood, or both. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the correct fuse box. Once located, open the fuse box and identify the fuel pump fuse or relay. This should be labelled in the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual. Remove the fuel pump fuse or relay by hand or with tweezers.

Next, ensure the car is not in gear. Although the engine will not receive a fresh supply of fuel from the tank, there will be enough fuel left in the lines for it to start and run briefly. For automatic vehicles, ensure the car is in park. For vehicles with a standard transmission, put the car in neutral and engage the parking brake.

Now, start the engine and allow it to idle until it stalls. This may trigger the check engine light. Once the engine has stalled, crank the engine again for about 5 seconds to release any remaining fuel pressure. At this point, the fuel pressure should be sufficiently relieved.

Allow the engine to run for a minute or two before shutting it off. The amount of time it runs will depend on the fuel system and average fuel consumption of your vehicle. Be careful not to let the engine run until it dies, as this may make it difficult to start again.

Finally, re-insert the fuel pump fuse or relay, and replace the cover on the fuse box. Ensure the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting a car battery is a relatively simple process that does not require a mechanic or auto shop. It is an important step when performing maintenance on your vehicle, replacing or recharging the battery, or storing your vehicle for a long time. Here is a detailed and instructive guide on how to disconnect the battery of your car:

Turn Off the Engine: Before beginning, ensure that your car engine is turned off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Attempting to disconnect the battery with the engine running could be dangerous and cause damage to your vehicle.

Locate the Battery and Terminals: Pop the hood of your car and locate the car battery. It is typically a large, block-like component located under the hood, on either side of the engine bay, or in some cases, in the trunk. Consult your vehicle's manual if you are having difficulty locating it.

The battery will have two terminals, marked with a plus (+) and a minus (-) symbol, or red and black colours, respectively. The negative terminal will usually have a black cable, while the positive terminal will have a red cable.

Disconnect the Negative Terminal: It is essential to disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent any electrical shorts. Use a wrench to loosen the nut or bolt securing the terminal, and then carefully lift and remove the cable from the battery post. Ensure that the cable is set aside and does not touch the battery again until you are ready to reconnect.

Disconnect the Positive Terminal: Repeat the same process for the positive terminal. Ensure that both the positive and negative terminals are kept separate and do not touch any metal surfaces. You may want to isolate the positive cable end by wrapping it in a non-conductive material, such as a towel.

Loosen and Remove the Battery Hold-Down: The battery hold-down keeps the battery in place while driving. Locate the fasteners and loosen or remove them with your wrench, then carefully lift and remove the battery hold-down.

Remove the Battery: Carefully remove the battery, ensuring that it remains level to prevent battery acid from spilling. Be cautious of the weight of the battery, which can be between 30-50 pounds. Place the battery on a dry, flat surface.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected your car battery, ensuring safety and preventing any potential issues during your maintenance or repair work.

Locate the fuel filter

Locating the fuel filter is the first step to changing it. The fuel filter is typically found somewhere between a vehicle's engine and fuel tank. It's usually inside the fuel tank itself, in the opening of the fuel line, or along the fuel line running underneath your vehicle.

The fuel filter is positioned between a car's fuel pump and the fuel injectors. In modern vehicles, the most common location for the fuel filter 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.

Your car's fuel filter may also be found under the bonnet or under the vehicle, likely behind an inspection cover. In some cases, you may need to remove a wheel to gain access to the fuel filter.

Before accessing the fuel filter, it's important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. You can usually do this by allowing your engine to run for a minute or so without the fuel pump functioning.

To relieve the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system, locate your vehicle's fuse box and remove the fuel pump fuse or relay. Then, start your engine and allow it to idle until it stalls. Once the engine dies, the fuel pressure will be sufficiently relieved.

Remove the old fuel filter

To remove the old fuel filter, you will need to relieve the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system, disconnect the battery, and jack up your vehicle if the filter is underneath it rather than in the engine bay.

First, relieve the pressure in the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay. You can find the fuse box by referring to your vehicle's owner's manual or looking under the hood/in the interior of the car. Once you have located the correct fuse box, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuel pump fuse. Ensure the vehicle is not in gear, then start the engine and let it idle until it stalls. Allow the engine to run for about a minute before shutting it off. Re-insert the fuel pump fuse and make sure the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse.

Next, disconnect the battery by removing the cable from the negative terminal. You will need a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable in place. Tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to ensure it doesn't accidentally come into contact with the terminal.

Now, locate the fuel filter. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine its location. The most common location is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Place jack stands beneath the vehicle before working under it.

Place a bowl, bucket, or drain pan under the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill out when disconnected. Some vehicles will leak continuously until everything is reattached, so have rags handy as well.

Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place using a flat-head screwdriver. These clips are usually made of thin plastic and tend to break easily, 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 gasoline. 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 typically 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.

Install the new fuel filter

Before installing the new fuel filter, compare it to the old one to ensure they are the same. Check the outside diameter, nozzle size, and bracket fit. If they don't match, do not install the new filter as it is not the correct replacement.

Now, slide the new fuel filter into its bracket. It should be a snug fit, but if you have to force it, it is likely the wrong size. Be careful not to damage the housing of the new fuel filter.

Next, fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the new filter, just as they were attached to the old one. Then, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter. Ensure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles before clipping them into place.

If your vehicle was jacked up to access the fuel filter, lower the vehicle now. Be sure the jack stands are completely out of the way, so they do not damage the vehicle when it is lowered.

Finally, reconnect the battery to complete the installation.

Frequently asked questions