How to Change the Fuel Filter on a Camry

by Carl Pruit

The fuel filter in your Toyota Camry is designed to prevent contaminants from reaching the engine through the fuel tank. Occasionally, the fuel filter needs to be replaced to maintain the vehicles fuel efficiency and engine performance. The fuel filter is positioned in different areas of your Camry depending on the year of the vehicle and engine design. Fuel filters are located either under the driver's side of the car frame, in the gas tank itself or in the engine compartment like the 1997 Camry model listed below. No matter where the fuel filter is located, replacement of the filter is generally the same procedure.

Step 1

Locate the fuel filter in the engine compartment of your 1997 Toyota Camry, on the driver's side, next to the air cleaner.

Step 2

Detach the air cleaner from the top of the engine by removing the wing nut on top by hand. Lift the unit out of the engine compartment.

Step 3

Locate the fuel filter just below the air cleaner. Detach the banjo fuel fitting with a 17 mm socket wrench. Remove the 14 mm fitting on the bottom of the filter with a socket wrench.

Step 4

Open the gas cap to relieve some of the pressure in the gas line,. Loosen the 10 mm nut with an open end wrench holding the fuel line leading to the carburetor from the fuel filter. Move the line out of the way.

Step 5

Detach the fuel line leading to the gas tank from the fuel filter using an open end wrench. Tilt the fuel line up so that gas does not leak out.

Step 6

Position the new fuel filter in place. Start the threads on both sides by hand, connecting both fuel lines to the filter.

Step 7

Secure the fuel lines to the fuel filter by tightening the nuts on both sides with an open end wrench.

Step 8

Reattach the upper and lower banjo fittings the fuel filter to secure it. Then place the air cleaner back into position and secure it with the wing nut.