How to Replace a Fuel Filter in a Toyota Corolla

The fuel filter in your Toyota Corolla keeps dirt and rust particles out of the fuel. Some mechanics recommend you replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles, or with every tune up, to keep your Corolla in good running order. The instructions below are for Toyota Corolla models 2001 or older.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• New fuel filter
• New fuel filter gaskets
• Line wrench with extension

1. • 1

     Open the hood and look on the driver's side to find the fuel filter. It is a somewhat small canister attached to the fuel line.

   • 2

     Disconnect the negative battery cable, and wait 90 seconds or more as a precaution against disturbing the air bags. Remove the protective shield around the fuel filter. If the air cleaner hose and cap and the charcoal canister are in the way, remove them as well.

   • 3

     Loosen the lower flare nut slowly to allow all the pressure out. Take off the banjo fitting and the two metal gaskets. Next disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter. Finally, take the filter out of the mounting bracket.

   • 4

     Slide the new fuel filter into the mounting bracket and hold it with the arrow pointing toward the engine. Place a new metal gasket on each end. Attach them with the union bolt.

   • 5

     Tighten the flare nut on the lower connection. Put the charcoal canister back, along with the air cleaner hose and air cleaner cap if you removed them. Reattach the protective shield and hook up the negative battery cable. Check for leaks when you start your Corolla.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to replace the gaskets at the same time you replace the fuel filter.

• The fuel filter for a Toyota Corolla from 2002 and later is inside the fuel tank. It's generally assumed that these filters don't need to be replaced.

• Carefully let the pressure out of the fuel system before you disconnect the fuel lines. Take care to avoid getting fuel sprayed on your skin, face or eyes.

• Wipe up any fuel that may have spilled during filter replacement.