Fuel filter replacement

Good luck

Just be careful in nudoing the fuel line to drop fuel pressure, use safety glasses as fuel may spray out at high pressure till till the line pressure drops.

Mark (mhpautos)

Looks like a threaded fitting on one end, use a couple of wrenches, quick connect fitting on the other end. Make sure there is no fuel pressure on the system, before taking any lines loose. The autostore should have a cheap tool for the quick connect fitting. Some of these fittings I have taken loose with a pair of needle-nose pliers. It's best to use the proper tool. The filter I looked at was for vin J.

My info, 3.4L, says it is located under the vehicle rearward of gas tank. Make sure no pressure on the system before taking any lines loose. The filter looks like a threaded fitting on one end, quick connect fitting on the other. The auto store sells tools, don't know the wrench size. They also sell a tool for that quick connect fitting. I have taken those loose with a pair of needle nose pliers, using the proper tool is best.

In-Line Fuel Filter Replacement
Removal Procedure
The fuel filter is located under the rear of the car, behind the fuel tank. There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement. Replacement is required only if the fuel filter becomes restricted.

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief .
Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

Raise the vehicle and suitably support.
Caution: In order to Reduce the Risk of Fire and Personal Injury:

à   If nylon fuel pipes are nicked, scratched or damaged during installation, Do Not attempt to repair the sections of the nylon fuel pipes. Replace them.

à   When installing new fuel pipes, Do Not hammer directly on the fuel harness body clips as it may damage the nylon pipes resulting in a possible fuel leak.

à   Always cover nylon vapor pipes with a wet towel before using a torch near them. Also, never expose the vehicle to temperatures higher than 115à   C (239à   F) for more than one hour, or more than 90à   C (194à   F) for any extended period.

à   Before connecting fuel pipe fittings, always apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the male pipe ends. This will ensure proper reconnection and prevent a possible fuel leak. (During normal operation, the O-rings located in the female connector will swell and may prevent proper reconnection if not lubricated.)

Using back-up wrench, remove the fuel filter fitting (3).

Grasp the fuel filter and the fuel pipe quick-connect fitting. Twist the quick-connect fitting 1/4 turn in each direction to loosen any dirt within fitting. Using compressed air, blow out dirt from quick-connect fittings at end of fuel filter.

Remove the quick connect fitting by pushing inward toward the fuel filter and grasping the plastic tab around the connector and pull apart.
Remove the fuel filter.
Installation Procedure
Caution: Always apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the male pipe ends before connecting the fuel pipe fittings in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. This will ensure proper reconnection and prevent a possible fuel leak. During normal operation, the O-rings located in the female connector will swell and may prevent proper reconnection if not lubricated.

Remove the protective caps from the new fuel filter.
Install the fuel filter (2) in same position as the old fuel filter.
Install the fuel filter fitting using a new O-ring.
à   Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the male tube end of the filter and of the fuel sender assembly.

à   Push the quick-connector (1) together to cause the retaining tabs/fingers to snap into place.

à   Once installed, pull on both ends of each connection to make sure they are secure.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

à   Install the fuel filter fitting (3).

Tighten

à   Use back up wrench to prevent the fuel filter O-ring or fuel pipe from damage.

à   Tighten the fuel filter fitting to 27 Nà   m (20 lb ft).

Lower the vehicle.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Inspect for fuel leaks through the following steps:
6.1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 2 seconds.

6.2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for 10 seconds.

6.3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

The fuel filter is located on the cross member just forward of the fuel tank.

FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter is contained in the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. The paper filter element traps particles in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system. The filter housing is made to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature. There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement.

The filter is sealed, so the whole thing needs replacement. Sound like you haven't kept current on the Maintenance? If this is true expect to not only HAVE to do the maintenence now but also fix the problem that was created from the lack of it.

Are you sure it is fuel related?

Shoot some car cleaner or starting fluid into the throttle body, then crank the engine.