How to Change the Fuel Filter in a Honda Accord
by Grace Mclain
The fuel filter in your Honda Accord keeps small particles and impurities from entering the engine's fuel injectors. Once gas is pumped from the gas tank, it travels through fuel lines and into the fuel filter before entering the injectors. If the fuel filter becomes clogged or ineffective with age, dirty fuel entering the injectors can cause engine wear, rough running and failure to start. The fuel filter in a Honda Accord should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Step 1
Park the Honda Accord in a very well ventilated area. Gas fumes can be harmful. If possible, complete this job outdoors rather than in your garage.
Step 2
Open and secure the car hood. Remove the cap from the Honda's fuel tank.
Step 3
Locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter for models 1990-1994 is located on the passenger side firewall. The fuel filter for models 1995 and newer is located on the rear of the engine, driver side, near the brake master cylinder.
Step 4
Slide a fluid catch pan under the Accord in the general vicinity of the fuel filter. Remove the bottom fuel line by turning the fuel line nut with a 14mm open end wrench. Turn counter clockwise to loosen. Once that the fuel line is loose, finish unscrewing the fuel line nut with your fingers. Pull the fuel line out of the bottom of the fuel filter.
Step 5
Loosen the top banjo bolt. Use a 17mm open end wrench to turn the banjo bolt that comes out of the top of the fuel filter. Turn it counter clockwise. Once you loosen the banjo bolt you can remove the fuel line.
Step 6
Remove the top banjo bolt from the top of the fuel filter with a 17mm open end wrench. Turn the nut on the banjo bolt counter clockwise to loosen. Then finish unscrewing the fuel line from the top of the fuel filter.
Step 7
Remove the two 10mm bolts from the clamp that holds the fuel filter in place. Use a 10mm open end wrench for this step. Once you remove the bolts, pull the fuel filter out of the bracket and discard the fuel filter into the catch pan.
Step 8
Position the new fuel filter into the bracket and screw the 10mm bolts back into the bracket. Tighten the bolts with the 10mm open end wrench.
Step 9
Screw the bottom fuel line into the bottom of the fuel filter. Tighten the fuel line nut with the 14mm open end wrench.
Step 10
Screw the top banjo bolt into the top of the fuel filter. Tighten the banjo bolt with the 17mm open end wrench.
Step 11
Slide the catch pan out from under the Accord. Put the gas cap back on the gas tank and tighten the gas cap completely. Turn the ignition to the On position four times to prime the new fuel filter with gas. Crank the engine on the fifth turn.
Step 12
Inspect the new filter for fuel leaks with the car running. If there are no leaks, turn the engine off and close the hood.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual; Honda Accord Haynes Repair Manual Covering All Models from 1993 thru 1998"; John Haynes; 1999
- "Haynes Repair Manual; Honda Accord Haynes Repair Manual Covering All Models for 1998 thru 2002"; John Haynes; 2003
Tips
- The fuel filter for the Honda cars will fit only one way due to the two different size fuel lines. This prevents anyone from installing a new fuel filter backwards.
Things You'll Need
- Fuel filter
- Fluid catch pan
- 10mm open end wrench
- 14mm open end wrench
- 17mm open end wrench
Warnings
- Never use open flames near gasoline.
- No smoking near gasoline.
- Wear protective glasses when working near gasoline.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
