How to Replace a Fuel Filter on a 2003 Yukon
by Gregory Crews
The 2003 GMC Yukon uses an in-line fuel filter for removing any debris that is in the fuel lines. The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank and suctions the fuel to send it through the fuel line and eventually to the injectors. There is a small strainer attached to the fuel pump that catches most of the debris and prevents it from entering the fuel lines. Some of the debris is small enough to get through the strainer and the fuel filter will remove these particles. Changing your fuel filter will help improve fuel economy and also engine performance.
Step 1
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. Locate the fuse box in the engine compartment. Disconnect the fuel pump relay inside the fuse box. Start the truck and allow it to idle until it stalls out. Twist off the gas cap on the fuel fill nozzle--this will help to relieve some of the pressure.
Step 2
Locate the fuel filter under the truck. The filter will be cylindrical-shaped and located under the vehicle near the driver's door.
Step 3
Unscrew the outlet line of the fuel filter by turning the fuel line nut with a crescent wrench. Hold the nut on the filter with a crescent wrench. Pull the line away from the filter. Unscrew the inlet line in the same fashion. Have a drain pan standing by, as some fuel may still be in the lines.
Step 4
Unbolt the filter bracket with a socket wrench. Pull the filter away from the mounting bracket.
Step 5
Place the new filter in the mounting bracket. Tighten it to the frame with a socket wrench. Ensure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the front of the vehicle. The arrow indicates fuel flow.
Step 6
Thread the outlet line to the filter by hand. Tighten with a crescent wrench to ensure the nut is tight. Hold the second nut with a crescent wrench to keep the filter from turning. Tighten the inlet line the same way.
Step 7
Install the fuse relay back into the fuse panel. This will provide power to the fuel pump. Screw the gas cap back onto the fuel fill nozzle.
Step 8
Turn the ignition key to the "start" position. Leave the key in this position for five seconds, as this will prime the fuel system. Turn the key to start the truck. Allow the truck to idle for five minutes. Inspect around the fuel filter for leaks.
References
- Automedia: Fuel Filter Tutorial
- "Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Haynes Repair Manual for 1999 thru 2006 Full-size Light-duty Gasoline Engine Models. Includes 2000 thru 2006 Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra Denali. 2001 thru 2006 Yukon Denali. 2002 thru 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic and 2007 GMC Sierra Classic and Sierra Denali Classic."; John Haynes; 2007
Tips
- On the 5.3-liter flex-fuel engines, the fuel filter requires a special quick-disconnect tool to remove the outlet line. When pulling the outlet line on this filter, you will need to pull the connector out as far as it will go or until the internal retainers hit the stop. Twist one end of the quick-disconnect tool and place it between the filter and the fitting. Ensure the tool is parallel and push the fitting toward the filter. This will disconnect the fitting. When installing the fitting, you will need to simply push the quick-disconnect fitting back onto the filter until it locks in place.
Things You'll Need
- Crescent wrench
- Drain pan
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Quick-disconnect tool (for 5.3 liter with flex-fuel engines)
- New fuel filter
Warnings
- Use extreme caution when working around gasoline--it is highly toxic and flammable.
Writer Bio
Gregory Crews has been in the film industry for three years and has appeared in more than 38 major motion pictures and 16 television shows. He also writes detailed automotive tutorials. His expertise in the automotive industry has given him the skills to write detailed technical instructional articles.
