© /lisafx You're heading down the interstate when you see an eighteen-wheeler merging into traffic. As you hit the gas a little to pull ahead and give the truck some space, you feel your car shudder a bit. By the time you reach home, you've forgotten all about it. A month later, however, your car stalls out at a red light. You manage to start it up again and limp home, but this time you're determined to find out what's going on.

Numerous things could be causing your car's problems, but a clogged fuel filter is a likely culprit. In fact, a clogged fuel filter can eventually keep your car from running at all.

Filter location depends on the vehicle’s make and model, but one common location is near the fuel tank underneath the chassis. If you have trouble finding the fuel filter. Fuel filter replacement isn't as hard as it may seem. Learn how to change a fuel filter and make sure a fuel system is working properly with these car maintenance.

While some manufacturers claim that a fuel filter should last the life of a car, many mechanics recommend you change the filter as frequently as every 12,000 miles (19,312 kilometers) [source: ]. Your car's fuel filter is located between the fuel tank and the fuel pump. As the fuel pump pulls fuel toward the engine, the fuel filter removes any impurities that could clog your fuel injectors and keep your car from running smoothly (or at all). If you're like many consumers, the dismal economy might have you doing some routine auto maintenance work that you would have left for the professionals in years past. So where does changing a fuel filter rank between installing a cigarette lighter and rebuilding an engine?

The answer depends largely on what kind of car you have. For some cars, the job is fairly simple, but for other cars, the filter can be part of more complicated systems, requiring considerable expertise to change. In fact, the Car Care Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people properly maintain their cars, recommends letting a licensed professional do the work since fuel filters are often located in hard-to-reach areas [source: ]. Read on to learn about what tools you'll need for the job, as well as the basics behind changing your fuel filter.

Three Parts: Changing the fuel filter is a part of regular maintenance. Keeping your fuel system properly maintained by changing the fuel filter prolongs the life of the fuel pump. Dirt in the fuel is captured by the filter which clogs over time, causing it to operate less efficiently. The clogged filter reduces fuel pressure and volume in the fuel system. If your vehicle is losing power, it could be a sign of a clogged fuel filter.

Replace the filter at the manufacturer’s recommended interval. Note: This guide applies to gasoline engine vehicles only.

The fuel filters in diesel cars and trucks are usually much larger, and the whole fuel system is much more complex. Diesel engine fuel systems are also under a lot more pressure, with modern common rail systems producing over 1000 bar of pressure. Accidentally releasing such high pressure could result in injury.

Locate your vehicle’s fuse box. In order to relieve the pressure in your fuel system, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. In order to prevent the fuel pump from turning on with the engine, you will need to locate the fuse box that contains the fuel pump fuse. Most vehicles have a fuse box both in the interior of the car as well as under the hood.

Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate the appropriate fuse box. • If you do not have an owner’s manual, try referring to the auto maker’s website. • The fuse for the fuel pump is often in the fuse box locating in the interior of the vehicle. Remove the fuse for the fuel pump. Once you have located the correct fuse box, use the diagram provided on the fuse box cover or in the owner’s manual to identify the fuse that powers the fuel pump.

Use a pair of needle nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse. • With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine.

• There is still fuel and pressure in the fuel lines running from the rear to the front of the vehicle. • Check the auto maker’s website for a fuse diagram if you do not have one. Ensure the vehicle is not in gear. Although the engine will not be receiving a fresh supply of fuel from the gas tank, there will be enough fuel left in the lines for it to start and run briefly.

Make sure automatic vehicles are in park and vehicles equipped with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged. • Although the vehicle will only run briefly, it will still move if left in gear. • Be sure the parking brake is engaged if you are in a standard vehicle. The parking brake is optional but advised for automatics. Allow the engine to run for a minute before shutting it off. Depending on the fuel system in your vehicle and its average fuel consumption, the amount of time it will run without a functioning fuel pump can vary greatly. It does not need to run until it dies, however.

Instead just allow it to run for a minute or two before turning the key back to off. • Without the fuel pump functioning, the pressure will be relieved in the fuel lines fairly quickly. • Allowing the engine to run until it dies may make it difficult to start it again.

Hello, The fuel filter (1) is located in the primary fuel tank module. The paper filter element traps particles in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system. The filter housing is made to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature.

The fuel filter is inside the tank. It is part of the fuel sending unit. They are usually good for 100,000 miles. If you want the fuel filter changed you have to drop the gas tank and replace the fuel sending unit. (I have never had to change one either) Here is a guide to show you what you are in for when dropping the tank Here are some diagrams to show you what is will be like on your car (below) Please let us know what happens.