Information on the location and procedure to replace the fuel filter

Tiny
FEWEER1
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I would like information on the location and procedure to replace the fuel filter on my car
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Saturday, September 20th, 2008 AT 11:28 AM

19 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Here is the information you requested. This is a tutorial for you to view on how to replace a fuel filter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

I've attached picture steps below for you on how to remove and replace the fuel filter on your vehicle. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
JDOGG22
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 44,000 MILES
I am trying to replace the fuel filter on my 2001 Buick LeSabre. First, where is it exaclty? Secondly, is it necessary to remove any fuses in the fuse box before removing the old fuel filter? I read somewhere that this is very important. Other places online, however, do not even mention this. Thanks for the help.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Fuel filter is on the frame, below vehicle, just forward of the gas tank, mounted in fuel line.

Disconnect the negative battery cable (MUCH better than removing fuse)

Relieve the fuel system pressure.

Twist the quick connector 1 / 4 turn in each direction to loosen any dirt that may have accumulated in the connector.

Use compressed air to remove any dirt in the connector.

Squeeze the plastic tabs of the male connector and pull apart.

Remove threaded connection from the filter inlet.

Remove the filter.

To install:

Position the fuel filter, making sure it is facing in the proper direction.

Attach the outlet quick connect line to the fuel filter as follows:

Step 1: Be sure the connector is clean and that a new plastic retainer is used on the filter.

Step 2: Apply a couple of drops of engine oil to the male pipe end of filter.

Step 3: Push the fuel line onto the fuel filter until the plastic retainer snaps into place.

Step 4: Check that the connector is locked into place by trying to pull the connector from the filter.

Install the threaded connection to the inlet side of filter and tighten to 22 ft. Lbs. (30 Nm).

Connect the negative battery cable.

Pressurize the fuel system by turning the ignition switch to the ON position for 2 seconds. Turn OFF the ignition switch for 10 seconds. Turn ON the ignition switch.

Check for fuel leaks.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SARAPOSTA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 14,100 MILES
Can you tell me where to locate the fuel fliter on my 1998 Buick LeSabre? I have looked under the car behind the driver's seat, which is where the auto repair shop said it would be located, and I can't find it. My car turns over and sounds like it wants to start, but it just doesn't seem to be getting enough fuel. It chugs and bucks when going up steep hills and it died completely the other day in the middle of an intersection. After being flatbedded home, I just want to see if it's either the fuel filter or fuel pump.

Thanks
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEFF B
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
On my 1998 LaSabre, the fuel filter is located on the passenger side, under the rear passenger seat, close to the door. It is easy to see simply by looking under the vehicle without having to jack it up. Mine is about 8-10 inches under the vehicle from the outside edge. Everybody told me to look under the drivers seat also, maybe that was a different year model (?). Hope this helps.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGZONE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
How would I change a fule filter in a 98 buick lesabre?
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_lasabre_fuel_filter_1.jpg



Hello, looks like a threaded fitting on one end and a quick connect fitting on the other. You need to be sure there is no pressure on the system before taking anything loose. Usually if the vehicle sits overnight without being run or cranked, the pressure will bleed down, you still need to be aware. I have taken the quick connect fitting loose with a pair of needle nose pliers. The plastic insert with the filter, has a couple of ears that butt-up against the end of the fuel line, You squeeze the ears together and pull the line off. I believe the autostores have a tool for this, probably better than the pliers. Fuel may run out of the lines when unplugged, I stop the flow with some kind of plug, you might loosen the gas cap so there won't be any pressure in the tank.

Sorry for the long post, sometimes I get to rambling.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FAITH5
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Buick Lesabre Front Wheel Drive Automatic 125000 miles

I have a gas line leak at the back of my fuel filter that is located on the rear passenger side of my 98 Buick lesabre just ahead of the tire. It looks like there is some kind of press on plastic fitting that attatches the fuel line to the fuel filter. My question is will I need a special wrench to work on this problem and is there an o-ring or something in there that can be replaced or will I need to replace the whole gas line? Please help !
Thank you
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Welcome to the forum, The new filter comes with the plastic insert. I can't tell exactly what is leaking? If you replace the filter, make sure there is no pressure on the system before taking anything loose. Usually after it sits overnight without being started or the key cycled, there isn't much pressure, but, you still need to be aware. Take the gas cap loose, Take the threaded fitting loose first, slowly. I have taken the quick connect fitting loose with needle nose pliars, there is a pair of ears butted up to the fuel line, one on each side, you squeeze the ears together to release the plastic insert, grab the ears and not the fuel line, squeeze and pull.

If the fuel line end is broken, I have seen repair kits. I've never used it.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MATIAS1991
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
The code from the check engine light is saying that I have a fuel trim lean and I think I need to change my fuel filter, how do I change it? Where is it located?
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I attached the location for you of the fuel filter and the procedure below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/repair-lean-mixture-codes-p0171-or-p0174-on-some-manufacturers

Roy

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: There is no service interval for in-line fuel filter replacement. Only replace the in-line fuel filter if it is restricted.

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
2. Raise the vehicle.
3. Remove the quick-connect fitting at the fuel feed line (2).
4. Remove the threaded connection (5) at in-line fuel filter.
5. Inspect the fuel lines, O-rings for cuts, swelling, cracks, and distortion. Replace the lines as required.
6. Inspect the fuel return line (3).
7. Inspect the fuel vent pipe (4).
8. Drain any remaining fuel into an approved gasoline container.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTICE: Always re-attach the fuel lines and fuel filter with all original type fasteners and hardware. Do not repair sections of fuel pipes. If damaged, rep lace.

1. Remove the protective caps from the new in-line fuel filter.
2. Install the new plastic connector retainers on the in-line fuel filter inlet and outlet. Install the new plastic connector retainers in the same position as on the old in-line fuel filter.
3. Install the quick-connect fitting at the inlet of the in-line fuel filter.
4. Install the threaded connection at the in-line fuel filter.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Tighten the fuel tank filler pipe cap.
7. Install the negative battery cable.
- Turn the ignition switch ON for 2 seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF for 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch ON
- Check for fuel leaks.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JGWEISBROD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,500 MILES
How do I change the fuel filter on my 1997 Buick LeSabre?
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/images/external/58841021.gif

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT : There is no service interval for in-line fuel filter replacement. Only replace the in-line fuel filter if it is restricted.

Relieve the fuel system pressure.
Raise the vehicle.
Remove the quick-connect fitting at the fuel feed line (2).
Remove the threaded connection (5) at in-line fuel filter.
Inspect the fuel lines, O-rings for cuts, swelling, cracks, and distortion. Replace the lines as required.
Inspect the fuel return line (3).
Inspect the fuel vent pipe (4).
Drain any remaining fuel into an approved gasoline container.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTICE : Always re-attach the fuel lines and fuel filter with all original type fasteners and hardware. Do not repair sections of fuel pipes. If damaged, rep lace.

Remove the protective caps from the new in-line fuel filter.
Install the new plastic connector retainers on the in-line fuel filter inlet and outlet. Install the new plastic connector retainers in the same position as on the old in-line fuel filter.
Install the quick-connect fitting at the inlet of the in-line fuel filter.
Install the threaded connection at the in-line fuel filter.
Lower the vehicle.
Tighten the fuel tank filler pipe cap.
Install the negative battery cable.

Turn the ignition switch ON for 2 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch OFF for 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch ON
Check for fuel leaks.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHANGHI1417
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 BUICK LESABRE
1992 Buick Lesabre

can anyone tell me were the fuel filter is located at on a 1992 buick lesabre I have looked everywere
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The filter is located under the passenger side directly under the door area. The car will have to be jacked up to access it
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHARLIE REEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 BUICK LESABRE
1990 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Removed fuel filter no problem. Trying to install new one I stripped the fitting engine side. Will start just a bit then it lets loose. How do I repair this fitting to get it to screw into the fuel filter. Do to the economy I cant take the car to the repair shop I spent my last money to get the fuel filter I need help. The car started dieing at stop lights and did not want to start so I figured it was the fuel filter.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
Did you strip the filter or the fuel line? They make a too that is designed to clean up dmaged threads. Check with the local part store and ask them if they have a tap and die set. Most will rent or lend it. Get the correct tap or die (based on what part is bad on yours) and run it over the threads so it straightens them out and makes them functional again. DO NOT chance the size or pitch.

Let me know if you have questions.

Joe
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GMAN6958
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1989 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,000 MILES
I cannot find the location of my fuel filter. Make and model are Buick Lesabre. Year is 1989.
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
There are three possible locations for this component due to variation in production; under hood, passenger side, rear engine area, below firewall, mounted in fuel line OR under vehicle, passenger side, below seating area, mounted on frame in fuel line OR under vehicle, driver side, below rear seating area, mounted on frame in fuel line.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 7:30 PM (Merged)

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