Older Subaru automobiles made it easy for a home mechanic to change the fuel filter. It’s accessible under the hood and can be installed in less than an hour with common hand tools. Newer Subaru models moved the filter into the gas tank and require a mechanic for replacement.
For Subaru models manufactured before 2005, the fuel filter is located under the hood. Wear safety goggles and keep flame and hot surfaces away when working with fuel systems. When the motor is cold, remove the gas cap and the fuse for the fuel pump from the fuse box to the left of the steering column. Start and run the engine until it stalls. Remove the black negative cable from your battery to eliminate the possibility of sparks. The fuel filter is a black cylinder located near the brake master cylinder. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps on both sides of the filter. Lift up the bracket that holds the fuel filter in place and remove the hoses. They can be stubborn, but damaging them could cause a fuel leak. Twist them firmly if they stick. Remove the rubber sleeve from the old filter and slide it on to the new part. The new filter will be labeled “in” and “out.” Fit the filter into the bracket and attach the “in” to the fuel line on the outside of the engine and the “out” to the line running to the center. Tighten the hose clamps and snap the filter bracket shut. Replace the negative battery cable and fuel pump fuse. When starting the engine, leave the key in the “on” position for 10 seconds before engaging the starter to allow fuel to fill the lines. Check for leaks before you close the hood.
For 2005 and later model years, Subaru incorporated the fuel filter into the fuel pump and moved the assembly into the gas tank. Because the fuel tank must be drained to replace the part, it should be only be changed by professional mechanics. Subaru suggests you have the fuel filter replaced on four-cylinder engines every 60,000 miles. On six-cylinder models, the fuel filter is rated for the life of your fuel pump and does not need to be replaced at a specific maintenance interval.
