QuestionMy girlfriend owns a 1997 Wrangler 4X4 2.5L 4cyl with 94000 miles. She said it has been stalling out and dying on her when she goes to slow down, but restarts immediately. She had never changed her plugs or wires or air filter, so I did all of that for her and they desperately needed it. She said it happened again the other day so I am thinking it is her fuel filter. I told her to not drive it for fear of risking burning up her pump and leaning out the engine. The parts staore said on her Jeep the filter sits atop her fuel pump and was only avail at the dealer. Do you think I am right in that it is her fuel filter and is there any way to get to it without dropping the tank? Ifd not, any suggestions are appreciated.
AnswerFUEL FILTER/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
The combination Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure Regulator is located on the fuel pump module. The fuel pump module is located on top of fuel tank.
The filter/regulator may be removed without removing fuel pump module although fuel tank must be removed.
REMOVAL
Remove fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Removal/Installation.
Clean area around filter/regulator.
Remove retainer clamp from top of filter/regulator Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure Regulator Clamp snaps to tabs on pump module. Discard old clamp.
Pry filter/regulator from top of pump module with 2 screwdrivers. Unit is snapped into module.
Discard gasket below filter/regulator Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure Regulator Gasket
Discard o-rings on bottom of filter/regulator Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure Regulator O-Rings If the smallest of the two o-rings can not be found on bottom of filter/regulator, it may be necessary to remove it from the fuel inlet passage in fuel pump module.
INSTALLATION
Install new o-rings to grooves on filter/regulator. Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to o-rings.Do not install o-rings separately into fuel pump module. They will be damaged when installing filter/regulator.
Install new gasket to top of fuel pump module.
Press filter/regulator into top of pump module until it snaps into position (a positive click must be heard or felt)
The arrow Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure Regulator on top of fuel pump module should be pointed towards front of vehicle (12 o'clock position)
Rotate filter/regulator until fuel supply tube (fitting) is pointed to 10 o'clock position.
Install new retainer clamp (snaps) to top of filter/regulator.
Install fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Removal/Installation.
