How to Install a Fuel Filter on a Toyota Tacoma

With the price of gasoline and considering the maintenance schedule for your Toyota Tacoma, keeping it in tip top running order would be a cost effective measure in today's economy. Replacing the fuel filter before it clogs or allows dirt and sediment to reach the fuel system and contaminate it is just one step you could take. Replacing the fuel filter is a little challenging, but you can save quite a bit of money on labor charges from your local service station and do the job yourself with a few hand tools and a drain bucket.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Open end hand or line wrenches 3/8-inch drive ratchet 3/8-inch drive metric socket set Drain bucket Shop rag

1. • 1

     Park the Tacoma on a flat, level surface.

   • 2

     Locate the fuel filter on the inlet line of the fuel rail. It will be on the left-hand side (driver's) down low near the bottom half of the firewall.

   • 3

     Strategically place a drain bucket below the fuel filter to catch any fuel spillage.

   • 4

     Remove the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any sparks from occurring while working on the fuel lines.

   • 5

     Relieve the pressure in the fuel filter by slowly loosening the top inlet bolt holding it to the fuel rail with an open end or line wrench. Loosen the bolt just enough to allow the pressure to seep out and adjust the location of the drain bucket to catch the fuel. When the fuel slows to a trickle, loosen the nut on the outlet side of the fuel filter with an open end or line wrench. Remove both the inlet and the outlet connections of the fuel filter. A small amount of fuel will trickle out.

   • 6

     Remove the bolt on the fuel filter bracket using the ratchet and socket.

   • 7

     Remove the old fuel filter and place in the drain bucket.

   • 8

     Install the new fuel filter into the bracket and tighten.

   • 9

     Tighten the outlet of the fuel line to filter connection and then the inlet, replacing the gaskets supplied with the new fuel filter. Tighten the lines securely.

   • 10

     Wipe your hands with a shop rag and reattach the negative terminal to your battery.

   • 11

     Start the engine and check for any leaks. It may start hard at first until pressure has been restored to the fuel rail.