Before you begin this procedure, make sure you have already gotten your new fuel filter, located the one on the vehicle, and have compared the two to make sure they match. You can not drive your vehicle to the store to exchange them without a fuel filter securely on the vehicle.
DO NOT SMOKE WHILE PERFORMING THIS JOB!
Parts Needed:
Fuel Filter - Can Be Purchased At Any Auto Parts Store
Screwdriver Or Socket - Depending On Your Vehicle
Wear Raggy Clothes - You'll Know Why When It Happens
Oil Catch Pan Or Simular - Something To Catch Dripping Gas
Safety Glasses - Protect Those Eyes!
Depending on your fuel filter, a special tool may be required to remove it. Check your owners manual or call a dealership to find out if a special tool is needed in your case.
PUT YOUR SAFETY GLASSES ON!
For those who dont want to get dirty, you may want laytex gloves.
Release the fuel pressure by removing your gas cap and leaving it open durring this process.
Locate your fuel filter. Sometimes, this can be tricky. For most cars, it is usually found under the hood towards the back of the engine compartment. For trucks, it is usually located under the truck, towards the back by the gas tank and bolted to the bed paneling. You can always follow your fuel lines from the gas tank untill you find it.
You will usually see two fuel lines going into the fuel filter. You will usually also notice some kind of strap support around the fuel filter.
Remove the bolts to the strap support and set them aside (mark them is needed to help remind you). Remove the strap support and let the fuel filter sit loose.
In the next steps, you will be working with dripping fuel.
DO NOT FOOL AROUND HERE,
DO NOT SMOKE!
Place something on the ground under the fuel filter to catch dripping fuel such as a Oil Catch Pan. Note which way the arrow on the fuel filter is pointing. Carefully remove the fuel lines going into the fuel filter (special tool may be required here), saving any clips. FUEL WILL DRAIN, BE CAREFUL! Drop the old fuel filter into your catch pan.
Pointing the arrow on the fuel filter in the same direction as the one you removed, re-attach the fuel lines the same way you took them off. Re-attach the strap support and bolt it back into place.
Remove all tools and catch pan from the area. Place gas cap back on.
With your foot firmly on the break, start your car (this may take a couple cranks to get the new fuel filter and lines filled back up). Leave your car running and check for leaks.
Properly dispose of old fuel filter and fuel. You can usually take this to any quick lube shop and the will dispose of it for you.
One last thing. If the hoses are getting brittle and frayed, make a mental note to buy some new hoses next time you change your filter. If they're really bad, replace them now.
