The 1996 Toyota 4Runner is responsible for keeping clean gas flowing to the engine. The fuel filter has a inner filter that is made up of small fibers that catch and hold any impurities. The clean gas can then flow to the fuel injectors. The fuel injectors will then disperse the clean gas throughout the engine. Replace the fuel filter on the 1996 Toyota 4Runner between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.
Park the 1996 Toyota 4Runner in a ventilated location that has a level surface and pull the parking brake out.
Remove the gas cap from the filler neck on the gas tank. This will relieve the pressure off of the fuel filter and prevent gas from spraying everywhere.
Slide under the driver side of the 4Runner near the driver side door and locate the fuel filter that is mounted to the inside of the frame rail. The fuel filter has a quick release fuel line coming out of each end of the filter.
Slide the drip pan under the are of the fuel filter. Locate the locking tabs on the end of the fuel lines where the fuel lines connect to the fuel filter pipes. Compress the locking tabs with your fingers and pull out on the fuel lines at the same time. The fuel lines should come straight off the fuel filter pipes when the locking tabs release from the pipes. If the lock tabs are stuck, use the pliers to compress the locking tabs.
Wait for the small mount of gas to drain out of the fuel filter and the fuel lines into the drip pan. Then, remove the two bracket bolts from the fuel filter clamp with the ratchet and a socket. Pull the fuel filter out of the bracket and place it in the drip pan.
Position the new fuel filter about half way through the fuel filter bracket so that half of the fuel filter is facing the engine and the other half is facing the engine. Also make sure that the flow arrow on the side of the fuel filter is facing the engine.
Push both of the fuel lines onto the fuel filter ports until each fuel line locks onto the pipes. Then, gently pull out on the fuel lines to ensure they properly secure to the pipes.
Pull the drip pan out from under the 4Runner and screw the gas cap back onto the filler neck of the gas tank until it clicks.
Turn the ignition key to the accessory position for five seconds and then back off again. Do this method three times. Then, crank the engine on the fourth turn.
Inspect the new fuel filter for leaks while the motor is running. Then, turn the engine off.
