Fuel Filter location on 2004 Malibu Classic

[Captain Ahab]

Hello all. Does anyone know the exact location of the fuel filter on a 2004 Malibu Classic (essentially the 2003 body style with the 2.2 Ecotec engine made for Fleet usage). It's due to be changed and none of the Hayne's or Chilton's manuals I have seen cover the '04 classic w/ the 2.2 Ecotec. Thanks in advance for any help.

['97ventureowner]

The fuel filter is located in the fuel tank and generally is non-serviceable.

[Captain Ahab]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

The fuel filter is located in the fuel tank and generally is non-serviceable.

By non-serviceable do you mean non-replaceable?

['97ventureowner]

They call it non serviceable I guess because they think the average DIYer won't attempt to go through the motions of dropping the tank and gaining access to the filter inside the tank. I'm not sure with the Malibu, but many GM vehicles are going this route, including my Uplander. I don't even think the dealer's parts department lists them. I haven't seen one yet but I wonder if it's considered part of the fuel pump and is generally replaced along with the pump if it goes bad.

[cmhj2000]

It is in the tank.

Many in-tank filters are a sock like device attached to the pick up tube.

['97ventureowner]

One thing I meant to add previously to my posts is that this is a good reason to not let your tank get below 1/4 before refilling it ,or to purchase fuel at a station that is currently getting a fuel shipment. Letting your tank get too low before refilling can cause dirt and debris to get sucked up into the filter and impede gas flow. Also buying at a gas station that is receiving a new shipment of gas is bad as during the delivery process, debris in the underground tanks gets stirred up and the filters that are present on the station's fuel pumps don't get all of this debris. That can shorten the effective life of the filter in your gas tank.

[jonnik]

My '04 Classic has an in-line fuel filter just forward of the fuel tank and behind a heat shield. Just follow the fuel lines and remove the shield.
Fram# G7315
WIX# 33311
Some people have trouble with the connector end, but I've always had sucess using needle nose pliers to squeeze the fingers together to release the filter.

[slls]

Originally Posted by jonnik

My '04 Classic has an in-line fuel filter just forward of the fuel tank and behind a heat shield. Just follow the fuel lines and remove the shield.
Fram# G7315
WIX# 33311
Some people have trouble with the connector end, but I've always had sucess using needle nose pliers to squeeze the fingers together to release the filter.

That sounds right, the 04 Malibu has only a in tank filter, different car.

[brian 1]

actually the malibu classic has an external fuel filter.(classic is a N body)the malibu is a Z body which has an internal fuel filter that is part of the fuel pump as well as the fuel pressure regulator.they are all in one.2004 was the only year you could get the classic body and the malibu body.

[Captain Ahab]

Originally Posted by jonnik

My '04 Classic has an in-line fuel filter just forward of the fuel tank and behind a heat shield. Just follow the fuel lines and remove the shield.
Fram# G7315
WIX# 33311
Some people have trouble with the connector end, but I've always had sucess using needle nose pliers to squeeze the fingers together to release the filter.

Thank you very much. The Hayne's manual I have is for Malibu's up to '03. So everything is covered by the manual except the engine which doesn't cover the 2.2 ecotec only the six cylinder and the old 2.4.

[Helmuth48]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

One thing I meant to add previously to my posts is that this is a good reason to not let your tank get below 1/4 before refilling it ,or to purchase fuel at a station that is currently getting a fuel shipment. Letting your tank get too low before refilling can cause dirt and debris to get sucked up into the filter and impede gas flow. Also buying at a gas station that is receiving a new shipment of gas is bad as during the delivery process, debris in the underground tanks gets stirred up and the filters that are present on the station's fuel pumps don't get all of this debris. That can shorten the effective life of the filter in your gas tank.

Yes, you are so right !!!! I have heard that time and time again by many Service Line mechanics. Rules to live by...so tell the wife and kids...ya as if they will listen !!!

[adeltaman]

Brian, do you have any tricks on replacing the back 4 spark plugs on the V6 Malibu (2001)? Is laying over the engine and scraping the knuckles the only way? If so, what combination of tools works best?

[builtf250tuff]

have found the in line filter however just fyi the parts store says that it is indeed unservicable but i did change it apparently they believe that t it should be a dealer item however it is a lot easier to change if u lower the tank