Fuel Filter

[gapboi210]

Does anyone know where the fuel filter is located on a '01 V6. And if so, how do I change it?

Thanks

[treeman5]

It's right in front of the gas tank tucked up near the top...one side is a fitting (like a brake line) and the otherside is the plastic clip mechanism like alot of others these days...I had mine replaced in about 10 minutes.

[gapboi210]

What is the procedure for replacing it? I have never done one before but I am willing to attempt anything. How do I remove it and keep the fuel form pouring out of the line? Also, how do I install the new one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[treeman5]

Remove the fuel pump fuse in the fuse panel.

Try cranking the engine...usualy 2 times at 3 seconds each does the trick.

Crawl underneath and use 2 brake/fuel line wrenches (not sure on the size) to loosen the fitting on the one end. The other end has a green clip that you squeeze and then the line pulls out from the filter.

Reverse the procedure for installing the new one.

[gapboi210]

I have never heard of a brake or fuel line wrench>> what do they look like like, where can I get one, how much do they cost etc? Won't fuel come from the tank and out of the line when I disconnect the filter or is this why I need to crank the engine without the fuse?

Thanks for all the info.

[treeman5]

It looks just like a boxend wrench except 1 side is missing. It's meant for fuel and brake lines because you can get it on like an open end wrench, but it grips like a box end since you're gripping on 5 sides...you can use an open end or pliers if you want, but you run the risk of rounding out the fitting.

Gas will not leak from the tank because the filter is after the fuel pump...by cranking the engine without the fuse, you release all the pressure in the system.

[bugwubber]

Yeah the proper term is "Flare end".
I ran into an interesting situation- the quick connect on my '97 doesn't match what is commonly described. There is no "green clip" to easily squeeze on the filter. Instead it is a black round keeper on the fuel line that you have to slide a separator into. And the standard metal separator that I bought is to long to fit in between the fuel filter and the connector. Whadda pain.

I have a 1998 malibu and Im trying to change my fuel filter. I released the gas pressure and was trying to release the "quick connect" (what a joke).. but as the last post says, there arent any white tabs to just squeeze and disconnect..theres a slotted black cover over the fitting. I've squeezed that stupid thing for like an hour, with and without pliers trying to disconnect it.. didnt work. PLEAAASEEE help!!! How do I get it off?

[treeman5]

Try pushing the line in and then pulling it out all while squezzing the tabs...it sounds difficult but it's not...very easy to do. Just use one hand to squeeze the tabs and the other to push and pull the line.

[bugwubber]

I gave up. Fuel filter keeper won. I suppose I'll prolly take it to the shop...

[Rookie Tech]

In the earlier posts about changing a fuel filter on a 2001 V6, do I need to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery as well as removing the fuel pump fuse? You find the fuel pump fuse in the engine compartment right? I have 2 fuses, one is fuse 18 (fuel pump), a Micro Relay, and one is fuse 48 (fuel pump injectors), a Minifuse. Do I need to just pull out fuse 18 (fuel pump) only and not fuse 48 (fuel pump injectors)? Please help, I'd really like to do this myself before I go on a trip out of state in a couple of months.

[steve_o]

I had the same problem trying to muscle that "quick" connect off of my fuel filter a couple of years ago.

Then I bought and used a AC/Fuel Line Disconnect Tool. I think I bought the set at Sears under the name Lisle, but you can buy them elsewhere.

You push the tool over the fuel line and slide it towards the connector to release it. When you see it done (or do it) it is very simple.

Some manufacturers mount the right sized connector under the car, I think my Ford had that.

[dark96]

I was wondering if anybody knew if the same were true for a 99 chevy malibu. It was easier on our cadiliac to find.