How to change the fuel filter ('97+ Grand Prix)

 

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Equipment Needed

***Always Use Proper Saftey Equipment***

*** NOTE Always use proper saftey measures when working with gasoline, disconnect your battery, and always work on a COLD car when performing the following procedures ***

1.) Depressurize fuel system

Always disconnect your battery before performing any work on fuel system.Locate the schrader valve* on the fuel rail by the front valve cover. Wearing saftey goggles, and using a flat head screwdriver, depress the valve and allow all pressure to be released from the system, soaking up any gasoline spray with a shop rag or paper towels.

Disconnect negative terminal Releasing pressure from schrader valve

2.) Unbolt fuel filter bracket

Jack up the drivers' side of the car (refer to owners' manual for proper jacking positions) or place car on ramps (such as the Rhino Ramps). Using a 13mm socket wrench, remove the bolt holding the fuel filter bracket to the car.

13mm Socket wrench required Move bracket out of way

3.) Disconnect fuel lines

Using two adjustable wrenches, loosen the nut connecting the fuel line to the fuel filter. The nut on the fuel filter is non-moveable, so only turn the wrench with the fuel line nut while holding the other nut (on the fuel filter) in place. You may want to have your drain pan or lots of shop rags handy at this point, approximatley 1/4 - 1/2 cup of gasoline will pour out once the line is disconnected.

Nuts are in front of the fuel filter Use wrenches to loosen nuts

4.) Disconnect fuel lines (con't)

Allow as much fuel to drain from filter as possible. On the other end of the fuel filter, squeeze the plastic clips with your hand to remove the fuel filter completley from the fuel line. Allow the fuel to finish draining.

Draining fuel & disconnecting plastic clip Fuel filter removed

5.) Install new fuel filter

Reverse the above procedures to bolt back on the new fuel filter.

6.) Repressurize the fuel system

Once the fuel lines are recconected, and bolted back up, recconnect your battery. Turn the ignition key to the "on" position but *do not* crank the engine to start yet. Wait and listen for the fuel pump "humming" to stop. Now crank the engine to start, it may take a few seconds longer to start, and may not start on the first crank. (remember that there is air trapped in the system which needs to escape first). Once your engine is running, double check for leaks, and let the car idle for a few minutes to ensure all air is out of the system. Now take your car out for a test drive and enjoy!

* The 3800 Series II non s/c and s/c engines may have slightly different locations for the schrader valve, but are both by the front valve cover.

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