Fuel Filter question

Hi,

I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero that started stuttering, sort of, last week. On the highway it will sometimes feel like it's jerking slightly and the RPMs will drop and resume during those spurts. When I'm in town it ocasionally stalls out, does this sound like a fuel filter that needs to be replaced?

Welcome to AF.

Possible. How many miles do you have and has the fuel filter ever been replaced as part of preventive maintenance? You can run a fuel pressure test at the rear fuel rail Schrader valve - Around 52-60 psi for a proper reading. Plus this will test the fuel pump.

Also, what engine do you have?

Wow, thanks for the quick response! I have about 126k miles on it and no, it's never had a fuel filter replacement. Plus, I commute to work quite a distance, about 90miles/day.

Wow, thanks for the quick response! I have about 126k miles on it and no, it's never had a fuel filter replacement. Plus, I commute to work quite a distance, about 90miles/day.

Even if it isn't the fuel filter causing problems, I would replace it! I think the replacement interval is 30k miles.

Had a similar problem in my Grand Am. . . Shuddered real bad and was feeling like it had lost some power. It almost seemed like it would want to die at stop lights. Replaced the plugs, wires, and new fuel filter. Car hasn't ran this good in 50,000mi. +. Plus I get about an extra 30 miles to a tank of gas!

Hello,
I have an 04 alero with 80K miles. I have never replaced the fuel filter. I guess it's about time. So, I looked for it under the hood and had no luck. Can any tell me where it is?

Thanks,
Tom

Hello,
I have an 04 alero with 80K miles. I have never replaced the fuel filter. I guess it's about time. So, I looked for it under the hood and had no luck. Can any tell me where it is?

Thanks,
Tom

Located at the rear end of the car forward of the gas tank by the evaporative emissions cannister. You'll have to safely jack up the rear end and crawl underneath the car to see and replace it.