01 QX4 - Wheres my fuel filter??

[longhornsqx4]

Ive read a few threads on people changing there fuel filters, now on my 01 qx4, do I even have one? Ive defientely never "seen" it, and i just picked through the fuel system diagrams in the FSM, and dint see one. Just curious

[nnorton44]

Above the rear axle, can't miss it.

[longhornsqx4]

seriously eh? Whats does it look like? Where is it in the FSM, I think id love to change mine out, bet it hasnt been done yet in 110k

[longhornsqx4]

Thats unreal, I found it in the maintenace part of my FSM, I figured it woulda been in the fuel section....

Looks like a descent diy job, never released fuel pressure before lol, i'll try the fuse method

[Chuck Tribolet]

And DO release the pressure, or it will squirt a bunch of gas.Expect a bit of a fight to get the hoses off.

[JonathanPrem]

And DO release the pressure, or it will squirt a bunch of gas.Expect a bit of a fight to get the hoses off.

Even if you take the fuse out it still squirts bit out And its a tough fight

[Andrew224]

I changed mine out about a month ago... Couple of tips...

The fuse thing is simple. Pull that fuse and the engine will run about 3 seconds (if that) and die out. Turn it over a couple more times and then turn the ignition off. Put the fuse back in.

It's kind of awkward to get at being above the rear axle. Use a pillow to prop you head up to keep from having to crane your neck the whole time.

With mine, the bracket holding it in place was severely rusted and the screw would not buge. Don't worry about it. You can just push it through from the driver's side to the passenger side.

After loosening the hose clamps you'll have to work them back and forth to get them off. I took a pair of needle nose pliers with a rag wrapped around the teeth to get a good grip (be careful not to damage the hose though!) and then carefully pried them off using a little leverage.

Take the rubber hose off the passenger side first (not much fuel comes out) and then the driver side (fuel will leak out at a slow but steady rate from the gas line and the filter, have a pan ready). You will get some gas on you.

Going back together is easier.

Truck should start up after turning over about 3 seconds.

Good luck.

Andrew

[JHC828]

Great write up! Is there enough improvement in performance/efficiency to go through the hassle?

[larryt]

I did mine a few months ago. Not sure looking at the service records when my filter was last changed but it had to be close to 40k ago. It is very easy, but in an awkward spot to access without cursing a little. The throttle feels much more responsive after the change. The butt dyno says it was worth spilling gas all over myself in the process. Have a small bucket under there with you.

[Andrew224]

I don't see a difference at all. But then again, I don't see a difference when I change my engine oil and filter either if you get my drift...

In my opinion, fuel filters are best changed before you see a decrease in engine performance.

Andrew

[Chuck Tribolet]

If changing your fuel filter improved things, you need to buy your gas elsewhere.My 240-Z had a tiny clear plastic fuel filter that got changed maybe every 12Kmiles, and would have about four little grains of "sand" in it. The '01 PF hasa MONDO filter with no recommended change interval. If it got cloged, youare getting crap at the pump (or maybe have a rusty gas tank, but minelooked brand new inside at 120K miles.

[CakeDaddy]

The throttle feels much more responsive after the change. The butt dyno says it was worth spilling gas all over myself in the process. Have a small bucket under there with you.

Im gonna have to co-sign on this. It does feel better on the throttle. I was bored all day today so I did mine. It looked like the original filter with "Nissan Made in USA" on it

Im actually going to cut the old filter open after it dries out to take a look inside. I'll post pics

[CakeDaddy]

Im gonna have to co-sign on this. It does feel better on the throttle. I was bored all day today so I did mine. It looked like the original filter with "Nissan Made in USA" on it

Im actually going to cut the old filter open after it dries out to take a look inside. I'll post pics

I did my fuel filter yesterday along with charging the A/C. I did notice better throttle right after the filter swap. I didn’t have to take the bracket off.. I just slightly unscrewed the clamp on the left side and push it through to the passenger side. Pulling the fuel pump fuse and cranking the engine to bleed the gas worked like a champ, but I did spill about 5oz of gas. Here are some pics. I sliced the oem filter right down the middle to show the junk inside. My 98 pathfinder has 155k and I think this was the original filter.