Sylvie Willis
Changing the fuel in a vehicle is a simple process that can be done at home if you are confident working with car engines. The fuel filter is an important component of your car, ensuring the engine runs effectively and smoothly. It is recommended that you change your fuel filter every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres or every two years, as a clogged filter will reduce fuel pressure and volume in the fuel system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to change the fuel filter | Every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres or every 2 years; every 20,000 km if driving in dusty conditions or using a 4x4 vehicle |
| What the fuel filter does | Acts as a secondary safety defence to protect the engine from dirt, dust, rust and debris that can contaminate and clog injectors and enter the combustion chamber |
| How to know if the fuel filter needs changing | Stuttering from the engine at idle or under load, decreased fuel efficiency, longer than usual to start the car, misfiring, struggling to accelerate, being unresponsive or stalling |
| What to do before changing the fuel filter | Park the vehicle on a solid, level surface; have a fire extinguisher available; wear eye protection, gloves and old clothing |
| How to relieve the pressure in the fuel system | Locate the vehicle's fuse box and remove the fuel pump fuse; start the engine and let it run for a minute or two until the fuel in the lines is used up and the engine stops; re-insert the fuel pump fuse |
| How to remove the old fuel filter | Disconnect the battery; locate the fuel filter (usually along the fuel line on the bottom of the car or in the engine bay); jack up the car if necessary; place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter; remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place and then remove the fuel lines from the filter; slide the fuel filter out of its bracket |
| How to install the new fuel filter | Compare the new filter to the old one to ensure they are the same size; slide the new filter into the bracket; fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line and replace the plastic clips |
What You'll Learn
Relieve the pressure in the fuel system
To relieve the pressure in the fuel system, follow these steps:
Firstly, locate your vehicle's fuse box. This is necessary because relieving the pressure in your fuel system requires running the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. To prevent the fuel pump from turning on with the engine, you need to locate the fuse box containing the fuel pump fuse. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or the auto maker's website to find the correct fuse box, which is often located in the interior of the car.
Once you've found the correct fuse box, use the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual to identify and remove the fuse that powers the fuel pump. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers for this step. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine.
Next, ensure your vehicle is not in gear. Although the engine will not receive a fresh supply of fuel from the gas tank, there will be enough fuel left in the lines for it to start and run briefly. Make sure automatic vehicles are in park, and vehicles with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged.
Now, start the engine. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it as usual. The engine should start easily and expend the remaining fuel in the system. Allow the engine to run for a minute or two before shutting it off. Without the fuel pump functioning, the pressure in the fuel lines will be relieved fairly quickly.
Finally, re-insert the fuel pump fuse with the engine off. Return the cover to the fuse box and replace any pieces of trim you removed to access it. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse.
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Remove the old fuel filter
To remove the old fuel filter, you will need to disconnect the battery and locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is likely to be located 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. If you are unsure, refer to your vehicle's service manual.
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 jack under the car at one of its designated jack points and raise the vehicle. Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it and never rely on a jack alone to support the weight of the vehicle while you work.
Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that spills out when you disconnect the filter. Then, remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. These are usually plastic clips located on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes. Be aware that 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 the fuel lines toward the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled gasoline. Wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter. Then, 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.
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Prepare the new fuel filter
Before installing the new fuel filter, compare it with the old one to ensure they are the same. Check that the outside diameters match, and that the nozzles are the same size. Check also that the new filter will fit into the bracket. If the fuel filters do not match, you will need to return the new one and purchase the correct replacement filter. Do not attempt to install a fuel filter designed for a different vehicle or application.
It is also important to check that the new fuel filter is installed with the arrow pointed in the correct direction. Check your car's repair manual if you are unsure. The arrow should indicate the direction of fuel flow, which will always be towards the front of the vehicle.
Once you have confirmed that the new fuel filter is the correct one, slide it into the bracket. It should fit easily without having to force it. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as this may cause a leak. If you find yourself pushing hard on the filter, it is likely not the correct one.
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. Make sure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles of the fuel filter before sliding the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter.
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Install the new fuel filter
To install a new fuel filter, you should first check that the new filter matches the old one. Make sure they have the same outside diameter, the same nozzle size, and that it will fit into the bracket. If the new filter does not match the old one, you will need to return it and purchase the correct replacement.
Once you have the correct filter, slide it into the bracket. It should be a snug fit, so if you have to force it, it is likely the wrong size. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as this may cause a leak.
Next, fasten the fuel filter 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. Then, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter.
If your vehicle was raised to access the fuel filter, you can now lower it. 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. Finally, reconnect the battery to complete the installation.
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Re-insert the fuel pump fuse
Re-inserting the fuel pump fuse is the final step in relieving the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system. It is important to ensure that the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse.
To re-insert the fuel pump fuse, locate the fuse box, which is often found in the interior of the vehicle. Place the cover back on the fuse box and return any pieces of the trim you may have needed to remove to access it.
If you are unsure about where the fuse box is located, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or the auto maker's website. You can also check the fuse box cover, which may have a diagram that shows the location of the fuse box.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several signs that indicate it's time to change your fuel filter. These include a stuttering engine at idle or under load, decreased fuel efficiency, longer than usual start-up time, misfiring, struggling to accelerate, being unresponsive, or stalling.
Most fuel filters should be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres or every two years. However, if you drive in dusty conditions, fill up at small service stations, or use your vehicle for off-roading, it is recommended to replace the fuel filter every 20,000 kilometres.
Replacing the fuel filter can be done yourself if you are confident in working with car engines and components. If not, it is recommended to have it changed by a professionally trained mechanic.
