How to Replace the Fuel Filter on a 1995 Buick Riviera

by Dan Ferrell

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Your 1995 Buick Riviera is one of a few models equipped with a fuel filter that uses a quick-connect fitting at the bottom and a threaded fuel fitting at the top. When disconnecting the line-retaining nut at the threaded fitting, you need to use a flare wrench to avoid rounding off the nut and having to replace the whole fuel line. Still, with the necessary precautions and using the right tools, you can replace the fuel filter of your 95 Riviera in your own driveway.

Relieve the Fuel System Pressure

Step 1

Disconnect the ground battery cable using a wrench. This is the one hooked to the battery post with the negative (-) sign next to it.

Step 2

Loosen the fuel filler cap.

Step 3

Wrap a clean shop rag around the fuel pressure test port and connect a fuel pressure gauge with a bleeder hose to the test port located on the fuel rail. The rail is where the fuel injectors connect to and the test port is a valve similar to the air valve on your Riviera tires.

Step 4

Insert the gauge bleed hose into a suitable container and open the gauge bleed valve. Allow the fuel to drain into the container and then close the gauge bleed valve.

Step 5

Remove the pressure gauge from the test port.

Remove the Fuel Filter

Step 1

Jack up the front, driver side wheel using a floor jack and support the vehicle on a jack stand.

Step 2

Chock the rear wheels and apply the parking brake.

Step 3

Locate the fuel filter under the driver side of the vehicle by the seating area and behind the engine.

Step 4

Wrap a shop rag around the fitting of the line connected to the bottom of the filter and going toward the fuel tank. Then twist the fitting about one quarter turn in both directions, squeeze the plastic tabs of the fitting connector and pull the line off the filter. Use the rag to soak any residual fuel dripping from the line.

Step 5

Hold the nut at the top of the filter (engine side) with a backup wrench and loosen the fuel line retaining nut with a flare wrench.

Step 6

Finish unscrewing the line retaining nut by hand and back off the nut completely to separate the fuel line from the filter.

Step 7

Unscrew the filter bracket from the frame rail using a ratchet and socket and remove the filter and bracket form the vehicle.

Install the New Filter

Step 1

Slide the fuel filter from the bracket and mount the new filter on the bracket.

Step 2

Install the fuel filter and bracket assembly on the frame rail using the ratchet and socket.

Step 3

Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the nipple at the bottom of the filter and the nut at the top of the filter.

Step 4

Start the line retaining nut at the top of the filter by hand. Then hold the filter nut with the backup wrench and tighten the line retaining nut with the flare wrench.

Step 5

Push the fitting of the line coming from the tank against the plastic connector on the nipple at the bottom of the filter. You should hear a click when the fitting locks on the connector. Pull the fitting slightly to verify the line has locked.

Step 6

Lower your Buick using the floor jack and remove the chocks from the rear wheels.

Step 7

Tighten the fuel filler cap.

Step 8

Connect the ground battery cable using the wrench.

Step 9

Rotate the ignition key to the On position for 2 seconds and then back to Off for 5 seconds. Rotate the ignition key again to the On position to pressurize the fuel system and check for fuel leaks at the fuel filter.

References

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