Haynes Digital Online Manuals feature everything you love about our books in an instantly accessible digital form that you can use via any device with an internet connection.
We recommend you replace the fuel filter on your 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks (including 2007 Silverado Classics and Sierra Classics) and Chevy Avalanche, Tahoe, and Suburban, and GMC Yukon SUVs, 2WD or 4WD with gasoline engines every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first. This page is taken directly from our digital online manual 24066 for these vehicles.
Note: 2005 and later models are equipped with a non-replaceable fuel filter built into the fuel sender assembly.
1999-2004 Chevy/GMC fuel filter replacement
This video is specifically for trucks with the 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L V8 engines, but the 4.3L V6 is similar.
Note: On models equipped with Theftlock audio system be sure the lockout feature is turned off before disconnecting the battery. Instructions for deactivation are in section 5 of the General Information chapter of the Haynes manual, or in the vehicle owner's manual.
Warning: Gasoline is extremely flammable, so take extra precautions when you work on any part of the fuel system. Do not smoke or allow open flames or bare light bulbs near the work area. Do not work in a garage where a gas appliance (such as a water heater or clothes dryer) with a pilot light is present.
Since gasoline is carcinogenic, wear latex gloves when there’s a possibility of being exposed to fuel, and, if you spill any fuel on your skin, rinse it off immediately with soap and water.
Mop up any spills immediately and do not store fuel-soaked rags where they could ignite. When you perform any kind of work on the fuel system, wear safety glasses and have a Class B type fire extinguisher on hand.
The fuel system is under constant pressure, so, if any fuel lines are to be disconnected, the fuel pressure in the system must be relieved first (see Chapter 4 of your Haynes manual for step by step instructions). The video above gives a brief explanation.
-
Relieve the fuel system pressure.
-
Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
-
The fuel filter is mounted to the right frame rail, near the fuel tank.
-
Use compressed air or carburetor cleaner to clean any dirt surrounding the fuel inlet and outlet line fittings.
-
There are screw-in fittings at each end of the filter, requiring two wrenches to loosen each fitting (see illustration).
Note: Have spare rags or a small container to catch or wipe up extra gasoline that will spill from the filter assembly.
When changing the fuel filter (A), use a flare-nut wrench to disconnect the fittings (B) - remove the nuts on these carriage bolts (C) to remove the filter and bracket
- Use an open end wrench to steady the hex on the filter and a flare-nut wrench to unscrew the fuel line nut, then separate the line from the filter. Using a flare-nut wrench will help to avoid rounding the corners off of the fuel line nuts.
- Detach the fuel filter mounting bracket nuts and remove the fuel filter.
- Installation is the reverse of removal.