Begin by removing the fuel pump fuse from the fuse panel. It should be a blue 15amp fuse. The fuse panel is inside your car, to the left of the steering column. Once removed, start the engine. After the engine fails to start (i.e. it stalls on you) don't worry, it just means there is no fuel going to the engine, so the engine is going to die. Attempt starting the car at least three more times and if the car doesn't start, then the fuel pressure has been released successfully. Make sure you turn the ignition to the OFF position before continuing.
Now locate your fuel filter, it will be along the fire wall. It is a big cylinder with hoses on the top and bottom. Using an old towel or large rag to absorb all of the extra fuel, loosen the hose clamps and remove the filter and the hoses. You may also want to check the hoses at this point to see if they are worn or deteriorating. If they are hard, you need to replace them. The hose on the bottom will be attached to another hose with a bracket, remove the hose and replace later.
Replace the fuel filter with a new high-pressure fuel filter in the correct direction and reinstall the hoses in the reverse steps. Put back the fuel pump fuse. Start the engine and check for leaks. Crank the starter to put fuel pressure back into the car as you did to release it.
DONT WORRY IF YOUR CAR DOESNT START THE FIRST TIME. It's not supposed to. It will take a few tries to get the fuel pressure back up. If you have a fuel pressure gauge, normal is around 30 +/- 3 psi. |
