Upgrading Your Fuel Intake: From 8 To 10 For Better Performance

Changing the fuel intake is an important part of regular car maintenance. The fuel filter is positioned between a car’s fuel pump and the fuel injectors, and it filters out rust, scale, dirt, and impurities from the fuel. This process protects the fuel pump and fuel injectors from contamination. If you have been experiencing engine misfires, poor gas mileage, or a rough, choppy idle, you may need to change your fuel injectors. This can be done at home, but it is a tough and dangerous job, so it may be better to have a professional do it.

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system

To relieve the pressure in the fuel system, you must first locate your vehicle's fuse box. This is because, to relieve the pressure, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. By locating the fuse box that contains the fuel pump fuse, you can prevent the fuel pump from turning on with the engine. Most vehicles have a fuse box in the interior and under the hood. You can refer to your vehicle owner's manual or the auto maker's website to locate the appropriate fuse box. Once you have located the correct fuse box, use the diagram provided to identify and remove the fuse that powers the fuel pump. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine.

Next, ensure the vehicle is not in gear. Although there will be enough fuel left in the lines for the engine to start and run briefly, the vehicle will only run for a short time. 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. The engine should start easily and expend the fuel remaining in the fuel system. Allow the engine to run for a minute or two before shutting it off. Without a functioning fuel pump, the pressure in the fuel lines will be relieved fairly quickly.

Finally, re-insert the fuel pump fuse and place the cover back on the fuse box. Ensure the vehicle is off before replacing the fuse and do not start the engine again after inserting the fuse.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting a car battery is a relatively simple process that can be done without taking your car to a mechanic or auto shop. However, it is important to exercise caution as incorrect removal can lead to physical injury, or damage to the battery, the car's onboard computers, or its fuses.

Before you begin, make sure you are wearing protective gloves, aprons, and goggles to shield yourself from potential hazards. You will also need a socket wrench or wrench kit to safely disconnect the battery.

Turn Off the Engine

Before you start, turn off the engine and remove the keys from the ignition. Disconnecting the battery with the engine running could be dangerous and cause damage to your vehicle.

Locate the Battery and Terminals

The battery is usually located in the engine compartment, but some cars have batteries in the trunk or under the rear seat. Check your vehicle's manual if you are unsure.

Once you have located the battery, identify the battery terminals. The negative terminal should be marked with a minus (-) symbol and is usually black, while the positive terminal should be marked with a plus (+) symbol and is usually red.

Disconnect the Negative Terminal

It is important to disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent any electrical shorts. Use your wrench to loosen the nut or bolt securing the terminal. After it is loose, carefully lift the cable off the battery post and set it aside, ensuring it does not touch any metal surfaces.

Disconnect the Positive Terminal

Repeat the same process as above but for the positive terminal. Wrap the positive cable end in a non-conductive material such as a towel to isolate it and prevent it from touching any metal surfaces.

Loosen and Remove the Battery Hold-Down

The battery hold-down holds the battery in place while driving. Locate the fasteners and loosen or remove them with your wrench, then carefully remove the battery, ensuring it remains level to prevent battery acid from spilling. Car batteries can be very heavy, so lift with your legs to avoid back injury. Place the battery on a dry, flat surface.

Locate the fuel filter

Locating the fuel filter in your car is the first step to changing it. The fuel filter is typically found somewhere between a vehicle's engine and fuel tank, usually inside the fuel tank itself, in the opening of the fuel line, or along the fuel line running underneath your vehicle. The exact location of the fuel filter depends on the vehicle's make and model. For example, 1995-2002 Honda Accord models have the fuel filter near the brake master cylinder on the back of the engine, while the fuel filter of a 2002 Toyota Corolla can be found underneath the rear seat cushions.

There are two common locations where fuel filters are mounted in vehicles. 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 refer to your service manual to find out for sure.

Remove the old fuel filter

Before you begin, ensure your car has less than a quarter tank of fuel. This will make removing pressure from the fuel line easier. Also, make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area to prevent combustible fumes from accumulating.

First, relieve the pressure in your vehicle’s fuel system. To do this, locate your vehicle’s fuse box and remove the fuel pump fuse. This will prevent the fuel pump from turning on when you start the engine. Ensure the vehicle is not in gear. Then, start the engine and let it run for a minute or two before shutting it off. Re-insert the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.

Next, 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. If your 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 one of the car's designated jack points and raise the vehicle. Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands underneath for support.

Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill out when you disconnect the filter. Then, 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.

With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter and tip them towards the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled gasoline. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves during this step. Finally, slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The fuel filter will likely have a slight bell shape and can only be slid out in one direction.

Install a new fuel filter

Step 1: Compare the new filter to the old one

Before installing the new fuel filter, compare it with the old one. Check that they have the same outside diameter, that the nozzles are the same size, and that it will fit into the bracket. If the new filter doesn't match the old one, you will need to return it and purchase the correct replacement. Do not try to use a fuel filter designed for a different vehicle, as it may not allow the correct volume of fuel to pass through.

Step 2: Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket

The new fuel filter should slide easily into its bracket. If you have to force it, then it is probably not the correct diameter. The filter should stop when it is seated properly, and it should only be able to slide out in one direction. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as this may cause a leak.

Step 3: Fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line

Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the new filter, in the same way that 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. Make sure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles before sliding the clips into place. If a plastic clip breaks, do not drive the vehicle until you replace it.

Step 4: Lower the vehicle

Jack up the car to relieve the weight on the jack stands, then slide them out from under the vehicle. Once the jack stands are clear, lower the vehicle to the ground. Be sure that the jack stands are completely out of the way, otherwise they may damage the vehicle. Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, reconnect the battery.

Frequently asked questions