How to Replace the Fuel Filter on a 2002 Chevrolet S-10

The fuel system in your 2002 Chevy S-10 delivers pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors through the use of an in-tank fuel pump and frame-mounted fuel filter. The fuel filter features a laser welded canister containing a filter element with a large surface area. This type of filter reduces the frequency of filter replacement while maintaining a constant flow of fuel, at the proper pressure and volume, to the injectors. The fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles according to the manufacturers maintenance schedule.

Turn the ignition key off. Remove the gas cap. Disconnect the negative battery cable, using an 8 mm wrench. Place several shop towels under the fuel pressure test port, located on the fuel rail near the firewall.

Remove the black plastic dust cap from the test port and depress the Schrader valve in the port, using a small screwdriver, until gasoline no longer sprays out of the test port. Remove the fuel soaked shop towels from the engine compartment.

Secure the truck with wheel chocks wedged against the front tires. Position the floor jack under the driver-side frame rail near the rear leaf-spring shackle. Raise the rear of the truck until there is sufficient room to work under the S-10. Support the rear of the truck by placing a jack stand under the frame near the floor jack, and lowering the jack until the S-10 is sitting firmly on the stand.

Locate the fuel filter on the inside of the driver-side frame rail and position a drain pan under the filter. Squeeze the two small plastic retaining clips on the fuel line fitting on the front of the filter and slide the fuel line off the filter's nipple. Allow any fuel that spills out of the filter and line to drain into the drain pan. Slip a 13/16-inch wrench on the fitting nut on the back of the filter and unscrew the fuel line fitting from the nut using a 9/16-inch wrench.

Slide the old filter out of the plastic filter mount and lay it in the drain pan. Push the new filter into the mount and guide the rear fuel line into the filter-fitting nut. Start the fuel line fitting by hand and tighten it securely, using the wrenches. Push the front fuel line onto the fuel filter nipple until it snaps onto the nipple and it cannot be removed by pulling on it.

Reconnect the negative battery cable. Prime the fuel system by turning the ignition key on and off several times. Check for leaks at the fuel filter fittings. Start the engine and check one final time for leaks before removing the drain pan and jack stand. Lower the floor jack and slide it from under the truck.