How to Replace the Fuel Filter on a 2003 Buick LeSabre
by Grace Mclain
Part of the eighth generation of the LeSabre line of Buicks, which had their origins in the 1950s, the 2003 LeSabre offered technological options like satellite radio. The fuel system of the LeSabre comes equipped with a cylinder-type fuel filter that captures sediments and impurities in the fuel before they can make it to the engine to damage vital parts. Replace the fuel filter on your LeSabre between 60,000 and 75,000 miles.
Step 1
Park the LeSabre in a safe location that is also well ventilated. Engage the parking brake and shut the engine off.
Step 2
Unscrew the cap from the gas tank. This will depressurize the fuel system and prevent fuel from spraying when the fuel lines are removed from the fuel filter.
Step 3
Jack up the rear end of the LeSabre and place the jack stands under the designated jacking points on both sides of the car. Then, release the jack slowly so that the car comes to a safe and secure rest on top of the jack stands. Leave the jack in place as a extra safety measure.
Step 4
Crawl under the rear of the car and locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is mounted to the frame in front of the gas tank. The fuel filter has a hex-head nut fuel line on one end and a quick-connect fuel line on the other end.
Step 5
Slide the drip pan under the car so that it is directly under the fuel filter. Start with the quick-connect fuel line. Slide the end of the tool into the end of the fuel line. Then, press the tool inward until the fuel line unlocks from the fuel filter port. Then, pull out on the fuel line at the same time that the tool is pressed into the end of the fuel line.
Step 6
Unscrew the hex-head fuel line nut on the other side of the fuel filter with a metric open-end wrench. Turn the hex nut counterclockwise to loosen. Once the nut is loose, unscrew it with your fingers and pull the fuel line out of the fuel filter.
Step 7
Loosen the bracket from around the fuel filter by loosening the bracket bolt with a metric open-end wrench. Pull the fuel filter out of the bracket and place it in the drip pan.
Step 8
Position the new fuel filter into the bracket. Then, tighten the clamp back over the fuel filter. Screw the hex-head fuel line nut onto the end of the fuel filter. Then, tighten the fuel line nut with the wrench.
Step 9
Push the quick-connect fuel line straight onto the fuel filter pipe until the fuel line snaps onto the pipe. Then, slowly pull outward on the fuel line to ensure that it is secured to the fuel filter pipe.
Step 10
Pull the drip pan out from under the LeSabre. Then, turn the ignition to the "Accessory" position for five seconds. Turn the key back to the "Off" position. Repeat this process three different times before cranking the engine. This allows the fuel pump to prime the new fuel filter up with gas.
Step 11
Crank the LeSabre and inspect the fuel filter and the fuel lines for any signs of a gas leak. Then, turn the engine off.
Step 12
Jack the LeSabre back up and pull the jack stands out. Lower the car to the ground and remove the jack.
References
- "Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac Full-size Models Haynes Repair Manual"; John H. Haynes; 2006
Tips
- You can buy the fuel line quick-disconnect tool along with the fuel filter at most auto-parts stores.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Drip pan
- Metric open-end wrench set
- Fuel line quick-disconnect tool
- New fuel filter
Warnings
- No open flames or smoking around gas.
- Wear safety glasses when replacing a fuel filter.
- Always refer to local and state laws that pertain to the discarding of gas and fuel filters. Never dispose of gas onto the ground.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
