On most cars, the fuel filter is hidden underneath the vehicle, connected via a system of fuel lines. In a 1997 Honda Accord, the filter is conveniently on the firewall, but it's not quite that easy to remove. You have to use special washers when reinstalling the fuel lines, and you can't just reuse the old ones, otherwise you could develop a fuel leak. This job should take about 10 to 20 minutes to do.
Open the gas door and remove the gas cap. Then pop the hood and locate the service bolt on the fuel rail. Place two wrenches on the line--one on the bottom bolt, one on the service bolt--and loosen it one complete turn. Allow the fuel pressure to dissipate, then tighten the bolts and reinstall the gas cap.
Remove the top bolt on the fuel filter, which is mounted to the firewall via a bracket, using an open-end wrench. Slide out the sealing bolt, making sure to catch the washers as they come off of the line. Then unbolt the bottom fuel line using two wrenches.
Unbolt the fuel filter from the bracket using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the fuel filter and discard it. Set the replacement fuel filter into the bracket and tighten it in place using the ratchet.
Connect the bottom fuel line to the filter using a pair of line wrenches. Then reinstall the sealing bolt using the new washers that come with the fuel filter. The assembly should read like this, from top to bottom: Sealing bolt, washer, fuel line, washer, fuel filter.
Start the vehicle and check for leaks. If you find any, tighten down the leaky fittings.
