How do I change the fuel filter in 99.5 qx4?

[Qxxx4]

I have 107k kms not sure if its been done before, is it easy? where is it!

[gwhunt23]

The fuel filter is right above your rear differential. To change it, do the following:

Open the fusebox and pull out the fuel pump fuse. It should be in the exact middle of the 3rd column. Check against the chart printed on the side of the fusebox housing.

Start the car. Wait for the engine to die (remember, there's no fuel). Once it dies, start it again until you can be sure fuel is completely out of the system.

Now you have released pressure from the fuel lines and can safely remove the inline filter without spraying gasoline everywhere.

Crawl under the rear of your truck and look against the bottom of the floor paneling for the fuel filter. Should be near the rear differential. Take a Phillips screwdriver or a 10mm wrench to remove the mounting bracket.

Now remove the clamps holding the fuel lines to each end of the filter.

Note direction of fuel flow before removing completely.

Reinstall with new filter in proper direction. Replace line clamps, bracket, and fuse and start vehicle. May take a few extra cranks to re-pressurize system.

Planning on doing a pic guide when I change mine in a few weekends.

Good luck!

[timmack]

^^^ nice post, thanks for the info

[Qxxx4]

lol not as simple as the air filter i see, thanks alot, very detailed!

[gwhunt23]

Here's the promised picture guide to changing the fuel filter on R50 Pathfinders / JR50 QX4s...

Step 1: Buy new fuel filter. Purolator is supposed to be a decent brand, I'll see how it holds up over the years.

Step 2: Remove gas cap. This releases fuel pressure on the tank side.

Step 3: Remove fuel pump fuse. Take off the cover to the fusebox located here:

You will find a chart on the back indicating the fuse for the fuel pump:

Remove the given fuel pump fuse using the provided white fuse tool.

Step 4: Start the engine and wait for it to die. Crank again until you can be sure you've released all pressure from the fuel lines.

Step 5: Remove old fuel filter. It's located above the rear differential. It's tucked away towards the floor paneling. Take time to note orientation of filter in relation to fuel tank side and fuel pump side. Chances are you only have to remove the screws from the two clamps on each end - you can probably then slide the filter itself out of the bracket without dealing with a (probably) rusty bracket and screw. The hoses on each end just pull off with some good force.

Step 6: Install new fuel filter with fuel filter flowing in correct direction. Be sure any and all fuel spilled is cleaned up or safely evaporated away. Replace gas cap, fuel pump fuse, and crank engine. It may take a tad while to start as it takes time to pressurize the system.

[SnowSurfLax]

Just turn the vehicle to the on position and wait 30 seconds. Should pressurize the lines as the fuel pump is on when the car is on. No need to crank and crank until it starts up again.

[Qxxx4]

that doesnt look too bad at all! thanks!!!

[coledog188]

For others out there who are thinking of doing it, when you are trying to remove the old filter, and it doesn't come off easily, rotate ("twist") the lines to break the seal and rock them back and forth to pull it off.

Also, unscrew the clamps more than you think you do...it's a pain to do it over and over again when you realize you didn't loosen them enough!

[tomR]

I did this yesterday and had to put a wedge around the new filter. The new filter wasnt quite the same size so the filter bracket woulndt tighten all the way. I was afraid the filter might vibrate. Just wraped a flat piece of rubber around the filter.

The brackets' 10mm screw was very rusted and difficult to loosen/tighten. PB Blaster helped. The rubber hose was stuck pretty well too. Just took some time and effort.

[B Mac]

Sweet.....details and pictures. I think I will try this. My 99.5 pathy 260K has been acting like it is running out of gas or water in the tank. I already change the plugs/wire and distrib. cap. I hope this is the fix. No check engine light either. Thanks for your post.