WARNING: Gasoline Spills can be a fire hazard. Work with extreme caution when handling fuel.
Before you begin:
- Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated, flat area.
- Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down completely.
- It's recommended that you wear safety glasses and gloves.
Materials and tools needed:
- New Fuel Filter (Specific to your vehicle)
- Rags or Paper Towels
- Flat-head screwdriver or Fuel Filter Wrench
- Fuel Line Disconnect tool
- Safety Glasses
- Gloves
- Small container to catch any fuel spillage
Steps:
Step 1: Locate the Fuel Filter
1. The fuel filter in a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is located underneath the vehicle, near the fuel tank.
2. It's usually mounted along a metal fuel line using a bracket or clamp.
Step 2: Relieve Fuel System Pressure
1. Before you remove the old filter, you must relieve the pressure from the fuel lines to prevent spilling.
2. There's usually a pressure release valve on the fuel injector rail to do this.
3. Press down on the valve for a few moments until there is no more fuel flow.
Step 3: Disconnect Fuel Lines
1. Use a rag to prevent any fuel from dripping.
2. Locate the fuel line that's connected to the filter.
3. Use the Fuel Line Disconnect Tool or a flat-head screwdriver to depress the release tabs on the fuel line connectors and disconnect them from the filter.
Step 4: Remove Old Filter
1. Use the fuel filter wrench or a strap wrench to loosen and remove the old fuel filter from its bracket.
2. Be careful as it may still contain some fuel.
Step 5: Install New Filter
1. Insert the new fuel filter into the filter bracket. Make sure it's properly seated and the inlet/outlet ports are facing the right way.
2. Hand-tighten the new filter until it stops turning.
3. Snug it down firmly using the fuel filter wrench, but avoid over-tightening.
Step 6: Reconnect Fuel Lines
1. Reconnect the fuel lines to the new filter by pressing the fuel line connectors firmly onto their respective ports until you hear/feel a click.
Step 7: Start the Engine & Check for Leaks
1. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
2. Check the fuel filter and the fuel line connections for leaks.
3. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the fuel lines as needed.
Step 8: Clean up and Dispose
1. Clean up any spilled fuel with a rag and dispose of the old fuel filter properly at a recycling center.
NOTE: Always refer to the vehicle owner's manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines for your particular model.
