Repair Topics / Fuel Filter

• How filters work
• How to replace a fuel filter
• How to test fuel pressure
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• How to replace engine oil and filter
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Car Fuel Filter Questions and Answers - This category contains featured questions as examples. They relate to most vehicles.

Question: 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 mileage: 21,100. Where is the fuel filter located?

Answer: Your truck is not equipped with a "fuel filter". The only filtering device is a sock on the fuel pick-up in the tank.

Question: 1998 Ford Mustang 4.6 mileage: 33,000.  I've looked in my service-maintenance manual and nowhere does it mention when to change the fuel filter.   Could you please tell me when or does it ever need replacement.  Thank You.

Answer: The fuel filter is normally changed at the time of tune-up, the timing being whatever the manufacturer recommends.

Question: 2002 Ford Ranger mileage: 72,000.  In trying to replace the original factory-equipped fuel filter, I could easily get the rear portion (pointed toward fuel tank) of the filter to come loose from the fuel line.   However, the front side (pointed toward the engine) slides about 1/8 inch and stops.  Repeated attempts at sliding, twisting, and even banging yield no results.  It doesnt seem to want to budge...Is there a special retaining ring and/or tool needed to get this out, or is brute force the answer?  Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer: Yes, there is a retaining ring that requires a special tool to remove the fuel filter.

Question: 1999 Chevrolet Lumina mileage: 85,000.  I need to know where the fuel filter and PCV valve are located on the 3.1L V6 1994 Chevrolet Lumina Sedan engine. I have done a general tune up and would like to finish the job.

Answer:  The fuel filter is located under the frame close to the gas tank.  The PCV valve is located on the top of the engine by the valve covers.

Question: 2002 Ford Focus mileage: 85,000.  After driving for maybe 20 minutes (whether stopping & starting or straight driving) car stalls & won't start for 4-5 hours. Sometimes very rarely, I can put a little fuel directly in the carburetor & get it started but even then, it will run maybe a block before dying again.  The fuel filter has been changed (going into the carburetor); is there another filter on the car?

Answer:  Only one fuel filter.  Your fuel pump may be failing.

Question: 1999 Mitsubishi pickup mileage: 74,000.   I need to change the fuel filter in my pickup, but I cant seem to find it, can you please tell me if it is hidden somewhere or am I just blind?  Thank you

Answer:   Your fuel filter should be on top of the fuel tank by the frame.

Question: 1999 Dodge Stratus mileage: 42,000.  I got a new fuel filter but I cannot find where to install it.  Do you know just where the fuel filter is located on the 1996 dodge Stratus?  Mahalo for any information you could provide.

Answer: The fuel filter is located close to the fuel tank.

Question: 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette mileage: 52,000.  Where is fuel filter located?

Answer:    The fuel filter is located by the fuel tank.

Question:   2002 Chevy Astro van, miles: 50,000 Where is the fuel filter located and how does it come out.

Answer:   The fuel filter is located on the frame rail on the drivers side midway between the front and rear wheels. Standard wrenches should work to change it.

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