Skill Level: Professional
1:00
We recommend letting the professionals handle this one.
Your Fuel Filter
Let's talk about fuel filters for a moment before we get into how to replace them. Fuel filters have evolved over the past few decades and most newer vehicles (2010+) have the fuel filter built into the fuel pumps and are designed to last the life of the vehicle. For older vehicles the fuel filter sits between the fuel tank and the fuel pump and keeps the sediment that settles in the fuel tank from reaching the internals of the engine.
Replacing the fuel filter is pretty simple, but there are a few things to consider: You will spill gasoline onto yourself and the floor of the garage if you do this yourself. Wear gloves and be prepared to clean up spilled gasoline. This is one that you should let the pros handle, but I'll give you a quick walk through on what will be done.
Step 1. Release the fuel pressure.
Most vehicles have a fuel pump cutoff switch in the trunk or back of the vehicle. These are safety switches that are designed to release in the event of a crash to both stall your engine and prevent fuel from spilling all over the road should the fuel line rupture. Disconnect the fuel cutoff switch and start your car until its stalls from lack of fuel, this should only take a few seconds. One the engine stalls, remove your keys and open up the fuel cap to release any back-pressure from the system.
Fuel cutoff switch and fuel cap.
Step 2. Replace the Fuel Filter
With the fuel pressure (mostly) relieved, it's time to remove and replace the fuel filter. You will need a fuel coupling tool in order to remove the old filter. You can pick these up for around $10 from the auto parts store. Before you remove the old filter, remember, GASOLINE WILL SPILL OUT! Do not sit directly under the fuel filter as you will be covered in gas.
Old vs New Fuel Filter
Step 3. Wrapping up
With the fuel filter replace, its time to close your fuel cap and re-connect the fuel cutoff switch. Once those are reconnected start your vehicle. It may take a couple times to start as the fuel line builds pressure and returns to normal.
Thats all there is to it. Like I said above its an easy change but I don't recommend you do this one yourself, its just too messy and the chance for gas to get in your eyes isn't worth it.
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