How to Replace a Fuel Filter on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
by Baptist Johnson
The fuel filter on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix is an in-line filter that is attached to the fuel line. As fuel flows from the gas tank to the engine, the fuel filter traps dirt and debris found in the fuel. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and become faulty. Once this happens, a replacement filter is needed. Pontiac recommends you change the fuel filter every 20,000 miles or as needed.
Step 1
Park the Pontiac Grand Prix on level ground in a well ventilated area. Engage the parking brake or apply tire stops to the wheels of the vehicle. Open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Unscrew the gas filler cap and allow it to remain unscrewed to relieve the gas pressure in the fueling system.
Step 2
Crawl underneath the Grand Prix from the rear of the vehicle. Locate the the fuel tank below the trunk area. Locate the fuel filter toward the rear of the fuel tank. The fuel filter should be attached to a black hose, which is the fuel line and is a few inches away from the fuel tank. The fuel line should run from the fuel tank toward the front of the vehicle to the engine.
Step 3
Inspect the fuel filter, which is shaped like a cylinder and partially enclosed within a metal bracket. Loosen the metal mounting bracket with a flathead screwdriver. Pry open the mounting bracket and expose the fuel filter completely.
Step 4
Loosen the fuel line from the fuel filter with the use of an adjustable wrench. Depending on how tight the fuel filter is connected to the fuel line, you may need to use two adjustable wrenches--one to stabilize the fuel filter and the other to turn the fuel line counterclockwise. Once the fuel line has been loosened, it exposes a set of quick-release fittings that secure the fuel filter to the fuel line. Use your hands to squeeze the quick-release fittings together until the fittings disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter completely. Repeat this procedure with the opposite side of the filter. Discard the used fuel filter once it has been disconnected.
Step 5
Align the new filter with the quick-release fittings. Push the filter and the fittings together. Continue to apply pressure until you hear an audible click. Tighten the fuel line to the fuel filter with the use of an adjustable wrench. Ensure the fuel line is attached to the fuel filter tightly.
Step 6
Secure the fuel filter to the mounting bracket with a flathead screwdriver. The mounting bracket should come together around the fuel filter. Make sure the fuel filter is snugly secured by the mounting bracket. Crawl from underneath the vehicle. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery unit. Screw the gas filler cap back in place over the fuel tank.
Tips
- For a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, AutoZone recommends using an Az fuel filter with part number FF4508.
- For your safety, wear protective eye wear and gloves when performing maintenance on your vehicle.
Things You'll Need
- New fuel filter
- Flathead screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Protective eye wear
- Gloves
Warnings
- Keep open flames away while replacing the fuel filter on your vehicle.
Writer Bio
Baptist Johnson was first published in 2000 when a poem he wrote won first prize in a local writing contest. He also writes and edits for Etched Press Society, a micro-publishing company based in Wilmington, N.C. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from East Carolina University.
