The fuel pump in a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van is located in the fuel tank at the back of the van. The fuel line is routed to the engine through the fuel injector. To ensure the fuel is clean, a filter is installed in the fuel line to help pull out harmful debris and sediment. Replacement of the filter is recommended every 30,000 miles for maximum power and fuel efficiency.
Open the hood for access to the engine compartment. Locate the fuse relay behind the battery. Open the fuse panel and locate the fuel pump relay. The location will be labeled on the fuse panel cover. Pull the fuse relay out of the panel.
Start the van and allow it to idle until it stalls out. Turn the ignition to the off position and take the key out of the ignition.
Crawl under the driver side of the van and locate the fuel filter. It will be a canister-shaped filter with a fuel line running into it and a second line running out of the other end.
Place an open end wrench around the outlet line on the fuel filter and turn the nut counterclockwise. Hold the stationary nut with a second wrench to keep the filter from turning. Repeat for the inlet side of the fuel filter.
Unbolt the mounting bracket holding the filter using a socket wrench. Pull the filter out and replace with the new filter. Bolt the mounting bracket back in place with the socket wrench. Ensure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the front of the van as this designates fuel flow.
Screw the outlet line onto the fuel filter by hand. Tighten it with the open-end wrench. Hold the stationary nut on the filter with a second wrench to prevent the filter from turning. Repeat to install the inlet line.
Insert the fuse relay back into the panel. Place the cover back onto the fuse panel.
Turn the ignition key to the "run" position. Leave it there for three seconds to allow the fuel pump to prime the line. Turn the key to the "off" position. Turn the key back to the "run" position and let it sit for three seconds. Proceed to start the van.
Allow the van to idle for five minutes. Inspect underneath for leaks around the fuel filter. Turn the van off and close the hood.
