How to Change the Fuel Filter in a 2004 Chevy Avalanche

The fuel system on the 2004 Chevy Avalanche comes with an in-line canister-type fuel filter. The fuel filter is the last line of defense against small particles and contaminants inside of the gas. The in-line canister fuel filter has a inner filter inside of the filter housing that is designed to trap and hold small particles and contaminants. Once the gas flows through the fuel filter, the inner filter will trap the impurities and send the clean fuel to the engine. This type of filter needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 60,000 miles.

Park the 2004 Chevy Avalanche in a very well-ventilated area, preferably outside.

Take the gas cap off the gas tank so that there will be no fuel pressure on the fuel filter.

Crawl under the driver side of the 2004 Chevy Avalanche near the driver-side door and locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter will be enclosed inside of a black plastic bracket and mounted to the inside of the driver-side frame rail. The fuel filter will have two screw-on fuel lines coming out of each end. Some versions of the 2004 Chevy Avalanche actually have a screw-on fuel line on one end and a quick-connect fuel line on the other end.

Position the gas catch pan under the fuel filter. Loosen the hex head nuts on the end of the fuel lines counterclockwise with the 16 mm open-end wrench. Finish loosening the fuel lines with your fingers. Pull the fuel lines out of the fuel filter. You can also use a 5/8-inch open-end wrench to loosen the fuel lines.

Push the fuel filter out of the black plastic bracket with your hand. Put the fuel filter into the gas catch pan.

Insert the new fuel filter into the bracket with the flow arrow on the filter pointing in the direction of the engine. Make sure that the fuel filter is positioned evenly inside of the bracket because the fuel lines were made just long enough to reach the ports on the fuel filter.

Screw the two fuel lines back onto the ports of the fuel filter. Tighten the fuel line hex head nuts clockwise with the 16 mm open-end wrench. Then, remove the gas catch pan out from under the truck and put the gas cap back on.

Get in the driver's seat and turn the ignition on and off four times. This method will fill the new fuel filter up with fuel and remove the air from the fuel filter. Crank the truck on the fifth turn of the ignition.

Inspect the new fuel filter for leaks. Then, turn the truck off.