Dumb Fuel Filter Question...

**Biggest** · March 31st, 2005, 10:48 PM

Has anyone changed their's out? I ran out of gas in my 00 GTS the other night (another story) and was a little concerned I might have pulled a bunch of trash off the bottom of the tank into the fuel filter. I had my car in the shop for some other stuff and told the tech to change the fuel filter while he was at it. He said Rich Carlson faxed him a proceedure that requires cutting a hole in the trunk to get to it.

Someone on this forum said there was an access panel on the bulkhead behind the passenger seat, but this tech says not for year 2000. Any input would be appreciated.

**dblankenbaker** · March 31st, 2005, 10:59 PM

No, no, no! Put the car up in the air... it's below and outside (to the left) of the fuel tank on the driver's side. It's only like a $25 part.

**Biggest** · April 1st, 2005, 12:43 PM

Thanks for the response. Is this true for a year 2000 also?

**Roadkill** · April 1st, 2005, 01:15 PM

Why not just place a quick call in to Tator?
I know he cleared up my questions for a '94 in about 30 seconds

**_Mark_** · April 1st, 2005, 03:37 PM

I can't believe you would have to cut through anything in order to replace a fuel filter - I mean it is a part that is meant to be replaced!

(not that anything would surprise me)

I'm about to change mine out but I have a 99.

TOM B · April 1st, 2005, 05:46 PM

This is how Chrysler wants you to do it:

FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter mounts to the frame below the front of the fuel tank

REMOVAL
Disconnect positive battery cable at the PDC.
Release fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this section.
Remove fuel tubes from fuel filter. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings and Fuel Tubes in the Fuel Delivery section.
Remove fuel filter mounting bolt Fuel Filter Remove filter from clamp.
INSTALLATION
Install filter into clamp.
Position filter on frame rail. Install mounting bolt.
Install fuel tubes to filter. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings and Fuel Tubes in the Fuel Delivery section.
Connect positive battery cable at the PDC.
Use the DRB Scan Tool ASD Fuel System Test to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.

QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
REMOVAL
When disconnecting a quick-connect fitting, the retainer will remain on the fuel tube nipple.

WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE BEFORE DISCONNECTING A QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS. REFER TO THE FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE.

Perform Fuel Pressure Release Procedure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this section.
Disconnect negative cable from battery or auxiliary jumper terminal.
Squeeze retainer tabs together and pull fuel tube/quick-connect fitting assembly off of fuel tube nipple. The retainer will remain on fuel tube.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Never install a quick-connect fitting without the retainer being either on the fuel tube or already in the quick-connect fitting. In either case, ensure the retainer locks securely into the quick-connect fitting by firmly pulling on fuel tube and fitting to ensure it is secured.

Using a clean lint free cloth, clean the fuel tube nipple and retainer.
Prior to connecting the fitting to the fuel tube, coat the fuel tube nipple with clean 30 weight engine oil.
Push the quick-connect fitting over the fuel tube until the retainer seats and a click is heard.
The plastic quick-connect fitting has windows in the sides of the casing. When the fitting completely attaches to the fuel tube, the retainer locking ears and the fuel tube shoulder are visible in the windows. If they are not visible, the retainer was not properly installed Plastic Quick-Connect Fitting/Fuel Tube Connection Do not rely upon the audible click to confirm a secure connection.
Connect negative cable to battery or auxiliary jumper terminal
CAUTION: When using the ASD Fuel System Test, the Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay remains energized for several minutes, until the test is stopped, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position.

Use the DRB scan tool ASD Fuel System Test to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.
TWO-TAB TYPE FITTING
This type of fitting is equipped with tabs located on both sides of the fitting Typical Two-Tab Type Quick-Connect Fitting These tabs are supplied for disconnecting the quick-connect fitting from component being serviced

CAUTION: The interior components (O-rings, spacers) of this type of quick-connect fitting are not serviced separately, but new plastic retainers are available. Do not attempt to repair damaged fittings or fuel lines/tubes. If repair is necessary, replace the complete fuel tube assembly.

WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CONSTANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF) BEFORE SERVICING ANY FUEL SYSTEM HOSES, FITTINGS OR LINES, THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE IN THIS GROUP.

DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION
Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this group.
Disconnect negative battery cable from battery or auxiliary jumper terminal.
Clean fitting of any foreign material before disassembly.
To disconnect quick-connect fitting, squeeze plastic retainer tabs Typical Two-Tab Type Quick-Connect Fitting against sides of quick-connect fitting with your fingers. Tool use is not required for removal and may damage plastic retainer. Pull fitting from fuel system component being serviced. The plastic retainer will remain on component being serviced after fitting is disconnected. The O-rings and spacer will remain in quick-connect fitting connector body.
Inspect quick-connect fitting body and component for damage. Replace as necessary
CAUTION: When the quick-connect fitting was disconnected, the plastic retainer will remain on the component being serviced. If this retainer must be removed, very carefully release the retainer from the component with two small screwdrivers. After removal, inspect the retainer for cracks or any damage.

Prior to connecting quick-connect fitting to component being serviced, check condition of fitting and component. Clean parts with a lint-free cloth. Lubricate with clean engine oil.
Insert quick-connect fitting to component being serviced and into plastic retainer. When a connection is made, a click will be heard.
Verify a locked condition by firmly pulling on fuel tube and fitting (15-30 lbs.)
Connect negative cable to battery or auxiliary jumper terminal.
Use the DRB scan tool ASD Fuel System Test to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.
PLASTIC RETAINER RING TYPE FITTING
This type of fitting can be identified by the use of a full-round plastic retainer ring Plastic Retainer Ring Type Fitting usually black in color

CAUTION: The interior components (O-rings, spacers, retainers) of this type of quick-connect fitting are not serviced separately. Do not attempt to repair damaged fittings or fuel lines/tubes. If repair is necessary, replace the complete fuel tube assembly.

WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CONSTANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF) BEFORE SERVICING ANY FUEL SYSTEM HOSES, FITTINGS OR LINES, THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE IN THIS GROUP.

DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION
Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this section.
Disconnect negative battery cable from battery or auxiliary jumper terminal.
Clean fitting of any foreign material before disassembly.
To release fuel system component from quick-connect fitting, firmly push fitting towards component being serviced while firmly pushing plastic retainer ring into fitting Plastic Retainer Ring Type Fitting With plastic ring depressed, pull fitting from component. The plastic retainer ring must be pressed squarely into fitting body. If this retainer is cocked during removal, it may be difficult to disconnect fitting. Use an open-end wrench on shoulder of plastic retainer ring to aid in disconnection.
After disconnection, plastic retainer ring will remain with quick-connect fitting connector body.
Inspect fitting connector body, plastic retainer ring and fuel system component for damage. Replace as necessary.
Prior to connecting quick-connect fitting to component being serviced, check condition of fitting and component. Clean parts with a lint-free cloth. Lubricate with clean engine oil.
Insert quick-connect fitting into component being serviced until a click is felt.
Verify a locked condition by firmly pulling on fuel tube and fitting (15-30 lbs.)
Connect negative battery cable to battery or auxiliary jumper terminal.
Use the DRB scan tool ASD Fuel System Test to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.

No need top cut any holes anywhere!!!!!!!!!!!

prodiver · April 2nd, 2005, 05:14 PM

I don't think I would be to concerned about picking up sludge or anything else from the bottom of the fuel tank. I have 58000 mi on my 95 and recently had to pull the fuel tank to remove the fuel pump to replace the gauge sending unit. A real pain in the ass to do. There was absolutely nothing in the bottom of the fuel tank. I was amazed that it was so clean, even the screen on the fuel pump was clean.

**Biggest** · April 2nd, 2005, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the great replys! :thumb:

Dammit the check engine light came on (for the third time) so it's gonna be hard for me to convince them that I left the gas cap off again. Looks like it might actually be the vent hose connected to the tank. The tech (and Rich Carlson) says you do have to cut the trunk to replace that...