How to Remove a Fuel Filter on a 98 Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire was first conceived in 1995 and the model ran a full decade until 2005. All Sunfires are fuel injected. This means that they have a fuel pump in the fuel tank. The fuel pump has a strainer-type filter on the intake side of the pump. There is also a canister primary filter located behind the fuel tank on the cross-member.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the fuse and relay box on the driver's side fender well. Lift the cap off and look at the underside of the cap for a description and location of all the fuses and relays. Pull the fuel pump fuse out of the box. This will disable the fuel pump.

2

Start the engine. It will only run for a short period until the pressure is gone and it stalls. Turn the key off. Raise the rear of the car, using the floor jack. Lift it by placing the jack under the rear axle. Place jack stands under the subframe and lower the car onto the stands.

3

Locate the fuel filter on the rear cross-member. Disconnect the inlet side of the fuel filter using a set of two wrenches --- one to hold the filter and the other to unthread the fuel line fitting by turning it counterclockwise.

4

Disconnect the outlet side of the filter by grabbing the fuel line and pushing it toward the filter. Pinch the white plastic snap retainer and hold it down while pulling the line off the filter. Loosen the fuel filter bracket pinch bolt with a wrench just enough to slide the filter out of the bracket.

5

Slide a new filter into the bracket and tighten the pinch bolt with the wrench. Thread the inlet fuel line fitting into the filter and turn it clockwise. Tighten it with a wrench. Push the outlet fuel line on the fuel filter until it snaps into place over the white plastic retainer.

6

Lower the car to the ground. Install the fuel pump fuse in the fuse box and replace the lid. Start the car and check for leaks.