How Do I Change a 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Fuel Filter?

The fuel filter is an important component of the fueling system on a 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The fuel filter strains the fuel before sending it to the fuel injector, which sends the fuel into the engine. A dirty fuel filter can cause serious damage to the fuel injector and the engine of your car. You should replace the fuel filter on your Monte Carlo every 25,000 miles or at every tuneup.

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement fuel filter
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Gloves
  • Protective eyewear
  • Park your Chevrolet Monte Carlo on level ground in a well ventilated area and apply the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.

  • Crawl under your Chevrolet Monte Carlo to locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is below the driver's seating area and is a silver metal cylinder about 3 inches in diameter. The fuel filter will be attached to a black hose, the fuel line, at both ends.

  • Use an adjustable wrench to remove the bolts from the metal bracket that surround the fuel filter. Set the metal bracket aside, once the bolts have been removed, to access the fuel filter and the fuel line.

  • Inspect the area where the fuel filter and fuel line connect. There should be metal fittings over the area where the fuel filter meets the fuel line. Disengage these metal fittings by applying inward pressure to them. Keep applying pressure until the fuel filter disconnects from the fuel line.

  • Remove the old fuel filter and discard it. Replace the old fuel filter with a new fuel one. Attach the fuel filter to the fuel line. Position the fuel filter next to the fuel line so that the arrows on the fuel filter are pointing towards the front of the car. Apply steady pressure to the fuel filter until you hear an audible click. Do this for both sides of the fuel filter until it is connected to the fuel line at both ends.

  • Use an adjustable wrench and a set of bolts to secure the metal bracket around the fuel filter. Crawl out from underneath the vehicle. Reconnect the negative battery cable.