- Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Relieve the fuel system pressure by removing the fuel pump relay from the under-hood fuse box and crank the engine for a few seconds.
- Jack up the rear of the vehicle and support it with jack stands.
- Locate the fuel tank under the vehicle.
- Remove the fuel lines from the fuel pump assembly by releasing the fuel line connectors.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts securing the fuel pump assembly to the fuel tank.
- Carefully remove the fuel pump assembly from the fuel tank.
- Unscrew the fuel filter from the inlet side of the fuel pump assembly.
- Install the new fuel filter onto the inlet side of the fuel pump assembly and tighten it securely.
- Reinstall the fuel pump assembly to the fuel tank and tighten the mounting bolts.
- Reconnect the fuel lines to the fuel pump assembly and make sure the fuel line connectors are properly secured.
- Replace the fuel pump relay in the fuse box.
- Lower the vehicle and start the engine to check for any leaks.
Please note that the fuel filter replacement procedure may vary depending on the specific trim level and engine option of your 1997 Stratus, so it's always recommended to consult a reliable repair manual or refer to Chrysler-specific repair resources to ensure accurate and safe completion of the task.
