1990 VW Vanagon fuel filter location and replacement instructions

Fuel filter is on the right side underneath the door

Yes, it is next to the fuel pump. A metal canister held to the
chassis via a phillips head screw/clamp combination.

Since there is no fuel pump fuse for you to pull in the fuse box (to
depressurize the fuel system before disconnecting lines), go
to the engine bay and remove the engine lid.

Look at the back right of the engine against the fire wall. Look
for a single wire that has a plastic connector.

Separate the connector by pulling the two ends apart.

Start the engine and let it run until it dies (no more fuel pressure).

Turn key off and go under vehicle.
Use an appropriate screw driver to loosen the hose clamps on either
side of the filter. Or pliers if they are spring loaded clamps.

Pull off the hoses and catch any spilled fuel with old rags.

Install filter in reverse.

Hope that helped!

Thomas

Haha. I had a blond moment!

You could simply pull one of the fuel pump wires off of the fuel pump
to keep the pump from running. :-)

Which ever is easier for you.

Thomas

Some vehicles have a plastic square filter right after the tank
outlet.

Is that the one you also saw?

Can you post a picture?

Once the filter has been changed, reconnect the pump and make sure all the hose
clamps are tight. Start the engine. Will take a few seconds of priming, so it will not start
right away, or it will start & die a couple of times.

You can cycle the key on/off a few times as well to just activate the pump in order to prime
with fuel.

Thomas