Hello,
I checked the owners manual and no where could I find info on when to change the fuel filter on a 2002 Cavalier. Does this mean it doesn't need to be replaced?
2002 Cavalier
no it does need replaced. At least every 30k.
John Benham wrote:no it does need replaced. At least every 30k.
true.
I do my fuel filters about once a year, and i put about 8000 miles or so on each J a year. there so cheap its no big deal, I wish the 98 was as easy as doing the 05 though, 98 takes forever and 05 takes a whole 10 minutes, and that includes getting tools out and putting them away after haha
Sorry to dig up old thread
How extactly do you do it? I never changed the filter out before. How simple is it?
"quick disconnect" on one side, and nut and bolt style connection on the other.
The reason quick disconnect is in quotes is because if it is your first go at them, they usually arent that quick.
Carefully remove the green lock tab from the quick disconnect (and make sure your new filter has a new one (probably white)), then push the fitting towards the filter, squeeze the plastic of the disconnect together, and pull off the filter.
I would advise getting some PB blaster, if you have driven it in the winter at all.
John Benham wrote:"quick disconnect" on one side, and nut and bolt style connection on the other.
The reason quick disconnect is in quotes is because if it is your first go at them, they usually arent that quick.
Carefully remove the green lock tab from the quick disconnect (and make sure your new filter has a new one (probably white)), then push the fitting towards the filter, squeeze the plastic of the disconnect together, and pull off the filter.
I would advise getting some PB blaster, if you have driven it in the winter at all.
Ok thanks. Its still relatively warm here so I dont think I'll need the blaster.
One more question, where can I find it LOL. Is it near the gas tank itself?
the blaster is to loosen the rust that forms on the nut fitting, it is right in front of the gas tank.
What if your filter does not come with a 'lock tab'? Can you re-use the exsisting one?
When my mechanic changed mine he re-used the old lock tab. It was a green thing.
2002 Cavalier
You should relieve the fuel pressure first ...Remove fuel cap..Then disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector.Sart the engine and burn up the fuel until it stalls, or The fuel line that has the nut end on it I lossen it slowly.Have some shop towels to help absorb the fuel.Line wrenches work the best.
To remove the fuel pressure, I just unplug the fuel pump relay (under the hood) with the car running - and let it quit. To me it's easier than dealing with the muck underneath (I oil spray mine yearly, so although it's not rusty, it's not clean either).
I've only found it necessary to change mine about every 100,000km (60,000 miles). I mainly stick to name brand gas though - maybe less likely to be "dirty"? Our newer systems are quite well sealed compared to those in the past, which is likely why GM didn't bother specifying a change interval. My wife's Ford van says to change it about every 50,000km, but it also uses nearly twice as much gas, so it would be filtering about the same amount. As soon as the throttle response seems to "soften", change the filter - it usually straightens things out.
As for filters - I'm sticking with AC filters from now on. I used one from an orange package the last time, and in less than 2 years the thing looked like it was almost rusted through on the lower side (even with annual oil sprays). The original AC one still looked like new when I degreased it prior to removal. I've seen filters rust out before, and all I can say is that it makes one very expensive mess!
As for the tab - I haven't seen a filter that comes with the proper type of tab to replace the "green" type - only the "older" type that gets discarded when used in the newer cars. I'm just always as careful as possible when working with it - I don't want to break it! Also, you should put a thin coat of engine oil on the quick connect end of the filter prior to installation. That way it won't tear the seal when you're installing it - according to my GM service manuals.
John
