How to Replace a 2001 Chevrolet Impala Fuel Filter
by Tonya Cunningham
Your 2001 Chevrolet Impala's fuel filter is one of the most important components of your vehicle. It is responsible for guarding the fuel system against harmful elements such as rust, paint, dirt, grime, sludge and debris. If these particles ran through your fuel lines, they would eventually cause tremendous harm to your engine, resulting in a hefty repair bill. As part of a vehicle ownership routine, your Chevy's fuel filter should be changed approximately every 30,000 miles.
Step 1
Disconnect your fuel relay, which is located just above the emergency brake at the driver's seat floor.
Step 2
Run your motor until it stalls out due to the disconnected fuel-relay fuse. This action will allow any dangerous pressure to be relieved that may be in your fuel lines.
Step 3
Elevate your Impala's back end using a car jack. Jack stands should be placed on the ground at each side of the car's rear end as additional assurance that the vehicle will not collapse on you during the fuel-filter replacement.
Step 4
Set your drip pan just beneath the fuel filter under your car. You will see the fuel filter as a cylinder-shape container just between the two fuel lines toward the rear driver's side of your Impala.
Step 5
Unclamp the two fasteners that are at each side of the fuel filter. Your needle-nose pliers will make this step a lot easier if your fingers are unable to grasp the clips.
Step 6
Raise the new filter to the exact position where the old filter was mounted. By gently wiggling the new filter into the fuel-filter location, you will hear a slight snapping sound as the clips lock into place.
Step 7
Wiggle the filter slightly to be sure that it is securely mounted. If any fuel has spilled, your shop rags can be used to wipe up excess, and you will be able to better see if the filter is positioned flush against the fuel lines.
Step 8
Lower the rear of your Impala using the jack, and remove the jack stands. Be careful that no animals or people are nearby during this step.
Step 9
Plug the fuel relay back in to its socket.
Step 10
Start your engine multiple times until it finally holds. It is normal for this to take several tries, since the fuel needs time to travel through the system's lines again before it can maintain a start. Once the engine has been successfully started, the fuel-filter replacement is complete.
References
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Drip pan
- 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers
- Shop towels
- Replacement fuel filter
Writer Bio
Born and raised in western New York, Tonya Cunningham attended Niagara University until 1992 as a pre-law student. Today, Cunningham is a legal assistant and freelance writer looking forward to the completion of her first book.
