How to Clean a Fuel Filter

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A fuel filter prevents debris from entering your vehicle's engine, and changing or cleaning it regularly is essential. If your filter is nylon or paper, you should just replace it with a new one. If it's made of metal and isn't too grimy, you can clean and reuse it. Before you start, relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines, then spray it with a solvent cleaner. Let it dry for an hour, then reinstall it, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Removing the Filter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check your owner's manual to find the fuse for your fuel pump. Remove it, then start your engine and let it run for 1 to 2 minutes. It might sputter out before the time's up, which means the pressure is relieved. [1]
    • While the engine might sputter out, this isn't necessary to relieve the pressure. Running it for 1 to 2 minutes will do the trick.
    • Make sure your car is parked in a level, well-ventilated area.
  2. Turn your car off, then open the hood. Find the negative terminal on your battery, and use a wrench to remove the cable. Tuck the cable on the side of the battery so it doesn't accidentally come into contact with its terminal. [2]
    • The negative terminal is marked with a minus sign (-), and the positive terminal with a plus sign (+). If your terminals are colored red and black, the negative terminal is the black one.
    • If you don't disconnect the battery, sparks could ignite gas fumes and residue that drips from the fuel lines.
    Advertisement
  3. Locations vary by make and model, so check your owner's manual. [3] It'll be somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and gas tank. A common spot is under the car just past the fuel pump. In some models, it's housed in the engine bay. [4]
  4. Jack up your car if necessary. Slide a jack under one of your vehicle's jack points, then pump or twist the handle to raise the car. Place jack stands beneath the car near the jack, then lower the jack until the car sits on the stands. [5]
    • Check your manual to identify your vehicle's jack points.
    • Don't rely on a jack alone to hold your vehicle's weight. Never work under a vehicle that's not supported by jack stands.
  5. When you detach the fuel lines from the filter, any gas remaining in the lines will spill. A bucket or jar underneath the filter area will catch spilled gas. [6]
  6. The exact design of the clips that hold the lines to the filter vary by model. Check your manual or look online for your vehicle's design. You'll either use a flathead screwdriver to pop them out or pull them out by hand. [7]
  7. Use a wrench or hose clamps to slide the fuel lines off of the filter. Pop the lines off of the nozzles on either end of the filter. As you remove the lines, make sure to angle them toward the bucket or jar to catch any gas that drips. [8]
    • Wear gloves and protective eyewear when you detach the fuel lines.
  8. Depending on your vehicle, you'll either slide the filter out of a bracket or loosen bolts that hold it in place. Look around your filter for bolts or check your manual. [9]
    • Before you slide out the filter, note its position so you'll know how to correctly reinstall it.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Filter

PDF download Download Article
  1. There might be residual gas in the filter. Gently tap both the fuel-in and fuel-out nozzles into the container you used to catch spilled gas from the fuel lines. [10]
    • The nozzles are located at each end of the filter.
  2. Purchase a cleaner in a pressurized container that comes with a small application straw. Attach the straw to the container's spout, then spray inside each nozzle. [11]
    • You can find a pressurized cleaner at your local automotive store. Ask an employee to recommend a product that safe to use on fuel filters.
  3. Carefully knock the filter against the side of the container you used to catch spilled gas. Let the spray and any loose debris fall out of each nozzle. Spray the nozzles one more time, tap out debris, and let the filter air dry for at least 1 hour. [12]
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Reinstalling the Filter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Be sure to slide the filter back into its bracket in the correct position. If necessary, replace any bolts you removed. [13]
  2. Slide the fuel lines back into each nozzle. Make sure you've reconnected the lines tightly to prevent leaks. Then pop the clips that fasten the lines to the nozzles back into place. [14]
  3. If you jacked up your car, jack it higher to remove the stands, then lower it to the ground. Use a wrench to reconnect the cable on the battery's negative terminal, and replace the fuel pump fuse. [15]
  4. After reconnecting the battery and fuse, run your engine for a few minutes. Since the fuel system's pressure needs to be reestablished, it might take a few tries before it starts. While it runs, check under your car for fuel leaks. [16]
    • If you spot leaks, you'll need to disconnect the battery, jack the car up (if necessary), and tighten the fuel lines.
    • If your engine won't start after a few minutes, double check your fuses. If your dashboard and dome lights are dim or won't turn on, your battery might need to be jumped . If the fuses and battery are fine, make sure you reinstalled the filter correctly and that the fuel lines are tight. Contact your mechanic if none of these troubleshooting methods work.
  5. Dispose of the old gas . If the gasoline you've collected from your fuel lines and filter isn't badly contaminated with debris, you could use it in a lawn mower or other gas-fueled equipment. If it's loaded with debris and unusable, transfer it to a gasoline container and bring it to a disposal center. [17]
    • To find a disposal center, contact your city or county waste management authority or your local fire department. You could also call a nearby automotive shop and ask if they dispose of gas for free.
    • It's illegal to throw away gas in the trash or to pour it down a drain, even in small amounts.
    • Keep the container sealed during transport and never smoke or light a flame near gasoline.
    6. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Adjustable wrench
      • Flathead screwdriver
      • Protective gloves and eyewear
      • Hose clamps
      • Bucket or large jar
      • Pressurized carburetor cleaner
      • Jack and jack stands (if necessary)

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset a Traction Control Light (TCS)
      How to
      Reset Your Steering Angle Sensor Without an OBD-2
      How to
      Get Out of Limp Mode: 5 Ways to Bypass, Signs, & More
      "Stop Vehicle Leave Engine Running" Mercedes-Benz Warning: Causes & Fixes
      How to
      Fix a Locked Steering Wheel
      How to
      Change an Oxygen Sensor
      What to Do If Your Car’s Anti-Theft System Prevents It from Starting
      Quick and Easy Steps to Reset the Maintenance Required Light
      How to
      Open a Hood with a Broken Latch
      How to
      Fix a Cigarette Lighter in a Car
      How to
      Unlock the Hood of Your Car
      How to
      Reset a Gas Gauge Needle
      How to
      Identify Your Vehicle’s Transmission
      How to
      Determine Gear Ratio
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      2. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      3. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 10 June 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.howacarworks.com/fuel-systems/cleaning-fuel-pump-filters
      5. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      6. ↑ https://motor.onehowto.com/article/how-to-clean-your-fuel-filter-5303.html
      7. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      8. ↑ https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter
      9. ↑ https://motor.onehowto.com/article/how-to-clean-your-fuel-filter-5303.html
      1. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/clean-fuel-filter-5117221.html
      2. ↑ https://motor.onehowto.com/article/how-to-clean-your-fuel-filter-5303.html
      3. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/clean-fuel-filter-5117221.html
      4. ↑ https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter
      5. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      6. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      7. ↑ http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/fuel-filter-change.html
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-gasoline/#.WhtTvkqnGCg

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean a fuel filter, start by removing the filter from your car's engine. Next, disconnect the negative terminal on your car's battery. Once the battery is disconnected, remove the filter from the fuel lines and spray it with a pressurized carbon cleaner to clean it. After that, let the filter dry for about an hour before reinstalling it. Finish up by reconnecting your battery and running your engine for a few minutes to reestablish the fuel system's pressure. Be sure to check for any fuel leaks as you're running your engine! For tips on properly disposing of old fuel, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 209,134 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement