How To Fuel Filter Change!

[zionzr2]

I took this from various threads dealing with fuel filter.It should be noted that the design of this system renders this service "NOT NECESSARY" so long as there is not a direct issue.The Fuel Filter is located inside the Tank and it is not necessary to drop the tank. Access is gained from inside the car under the rear passenger seats.Noted by this photo:The Fuel Filter is in the top right of this photo: The following is a step by step provided by Mavrik.Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »Remove the two fasteners and swing the rear seat bottom cushion up and out of the way. Refer to Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear in Seats. Remove the sill plate from the left side door opening. Fold back the carpet in order to maintain metal-to-metal contact while servicing the fuel sender assembly. Remove the access panel for the fuel sender assembly from the rear seat floor. The panel is held in place by a butyl caulk seal. Disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector (1) from the fuel sender assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector of the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor (2) from the fuel sender assembly.Remove the retaining clip (1) from the fuel line fitting. Remove the fuel line (3) from the fuel sender assembly. Disconnect the fuel tank vapor line (2) from the fuel sender assembly.Remove the 8 bolts (1) retaining the hold down plate (2) for the fuel sender assembly. Remove the hold down plate (2). Clean the fuel pipe and the fuel sender assembly to prevent possible fuel contamination during removal. Remove the fuel sender assembly (4) from the fuel tank. Inspect and clean O-ring sealing surfaces on the fuel sender assembly .(Note: thats just to remove the fuel sender to get to the fuel filter)Remove the fuel sender assembly. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement . Remove the bottom cap (2) and the lower cushion (3) from the fuel sender assembly . Remove the fuel pressure regulator (1). Disconnect the fuel level sensor electrical connector. Remove the fuel level sensor (1).Remove the fuel sender top cap (1) from the fuel filter assembly. Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector. Remove the fuel pump (1) from the fuel filter assembly (2)Remove the retaining ring for the fuel strainer from the fuel pump. Install the fuel pump strainer (7) to the fuel pump (11). Use a new locking ring (10). Apply gasoline to fuel pump O-ring (12), and install to the fuel pump. Install the fuel pump (11) in to the fuel filter assembly (13). Apply gasoline to fuel pressure regulator O-ring (5), and install to the fuel pressure regulator (6). Install the fuel pressure regulator in to the fuel filter assembly. Connect the electrical connector (4) to the fuel pump . Ensure that connections are secure at the fuel pump and the top cap (2) of the sender assembly. Install the fuel sender assembly top cap (2) to the fuel filter assembly (13). The fuel sender assembly end caps snap into place. Install the fuel level sensor (3) to the fuel sender assembly. Connect the fuel level sensor electrical connector. Position lower cushion (8) on bottom of fuel pump and install lower cap (9) to fuel filter assembly.(Note: now that the filter has been changed, time to assemble and re-install the sender whoo hoo)Position the new fuel sender assembly O-ring (3) on the fuel sender assembly. Install the fuel sender assembly (4) into the fuel tank. Install the hold down plate (2) for the fuel sender assembly . NoticeUse the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.Secure the hold down plate for the fuel sender assembly with the 8 bolts (1). TightenTighten the bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).Install the fuel tank vapor line (2) to the fuel sender fitting. Install the fuel pipe (3) to the fuel sender fitting. Secure the fuel pipe (3) with the retaining clip (1). Connect the fuel sender electrical connector (1) to the fuel sender assembly. Connect the FTP sensor electrical connector (2) to the fuel sender assembly. Connect the negative battery cable. Pressurize the fuel system and check for leaks. Inspect the butyl caulk seal for the fuel sender access panel. Replace any missing butyl caulk as necessary. Install the access panel to the rear seat floor. Relocate the carpet under the seat and the left sill plate area. Install the sill plate to the left side door opening . Install the rear seat bottom cushion. Secure the seat cushion with the two fasteners. Refer to Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear in SeatsWhew well thats all folks.*EDIT* oh and the filter is listed at $66.90 from GM

[joatmon]

Good info.Did you have to do this on your Vibe?

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »Good info.Did you have to do this on your Vibe?No, I just wanted the information in one easy place so if someone wanted to tackle this project themselves they dont have to search through several threads.

[joatmon]

you rockHere is a tweaked picture you can use to avoid confusion

Attached files

[joatmon]

Here's some more info that may be of some use

Attached files w140001.pdf (145.8 KB) 

[sdavis]

what do you mean by 'renders this service not necessary'? Why would the fuel filter never need to be changed on a vibe/matrix?

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by sdavis »what do you mean by 'renders this service not necessary'? Why would the fuel filter never need to be changed on a vibe/matrix?The filters in the tank like this are good for life, or unless there is an issue at the fuel pump. The replaceable in-line filters of years ago, are generally not on vehicles anymore. Additional costs to the manf, plus many people did not even bother to change them, so many manfs took them off.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by sdavis »what do you mean by 'renders this service not necessary'? Why would the fuel filter never need to be changed on a vibe/matrix?It's part of our societies "maintenance free" mentality.We don't want to, nor do we bother to service anything. If it is good, it will last for as long as one needs it to. This doesn't make if good or right, it's just done.Vinyl siding "maintenance free"..... ah No. No painting but it attracts dirt like a magnet and looks like crap. Weed whackers tear it apart and cold weather cracks it and hot weather causes it to sag and come loose.Wheel bearings, sealed for life, whose life? Not mine for sure but certainly the reduced life of a bearing starving for lubrication! Batteries? how come "sealed" batteries have fill caps????Our society is geared to use it, and throw it away, get a new one. Applies to virtually everything we use today. Cars included.Fuel is still dirty and needs filtering. They are just gambling that you'll get mostly clean fuel for a long time.Dave