How to Change the Fuel Filter on RAV4
by Jericho McCune
The Toyota RAV4 is an SUV crossover that has been in production since 1994. The fuel filter cleans dirt and debris from the fuel to protect the fuel injectors. When the fuel filter goes bad, the vehicle loses performance and is difficult to operate. Two fuel filter setups exist on the RAV4 line. One of the setups is non-serviceable because the fuel filter is part of the fuel pump and is located inside the gas tank. The other is serviceable underneath the vehicle, on the frame rail nearest the gas tank. Consult the owner's manual or look under the vehicle to ascertain which setup a particular vehicle has.
Step 1
Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface and set the parking brake. Place wheel chocks around one wheel to prevent rolling. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. Open the fuel filler cap to release pressure on the fuel lines.
Step 2
Position a drip pan under the fuel filter. Loosen the hose clamps with a flat-head screwdriver and slide them away from the filter.
Step 3
Disconnect the hoses from the filter and aim them at the drip pan to collect any spilled fuel. Wipe the ends of the hoses with a rag.
Step 4
Remove the fuel filter mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Remove the fuel filter and lay it in the drip pan.
Step 5
Put the new fuel filter in place and fasten the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Connect the hoses, slide the hose clamps around the bases and tighten them with a flat-head screwdriver.
Step 6
Press on the gas pedal a few times to move fuel into the new filter. Close the fuel filler cap. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
References
- "Toyota RAV4: 1996 thru 2005 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual)"; Bob Henderson; 2009
Tips
- Dispose of the gas and old filter at a place that can handle petroleum products. Do not throw them in the trash.
Things You'll Need
- Wheel chocks
- Drip pan
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Rag
- Socket wrench
