Replacing the fuel filter on a car is only recommended for mechanically inclined individuals; it's not a job for an inexperienced home mechanic. The 1998 Honda Accord's fuel filter is located within the engine compartment. On most other vehicles, the filter is mounted on the vehicle's frame, near the gas tank. This makes accessing the filter a little easier than it would be otherwise, but the replacement procedure is still involved.
Shut the engine off and put on your shop gloves and goggles for protection. Open the fuel door and unscrew the fuel cap. Open the hood and detach the negative cable from the battery with a pair of pliers.
Locate the fuel-service bolt on the fuel rail, next to the throttle cable. Apply a wrench to the bolt, cover it with a shop towel, and turn the bolt counterclockwise to relieve the fuel-system pressure. This prevents the fuel from spraying when you are replacing the fuel filter. A small amount of fuel will come from the area beneath the bolt. Avoid getting it on your skin. After a few seconds, turn the bolt clockwise to tighten it.
Look in the rear corner of the engine compartment on the driver's side to find the fuel filter. It is located behind the strut tower. Remove the two bolts from the fuel-filter bracket.
Unplug the electrical connection from the fuel filter. Apply a wrench to the fuel filter's outboard bolt. You'll hold this with one hand to prevent the filter from turning while you are removing the banjo bolt. This process is known as using a "backup wrench."
Cover the filter with your shop rag to prevent spewing. Apply another wrench to the banjo bolt on the inboard side of the fuel filter. While holding the backup wrench, turn the banjo bolt with the other wrench. Remove the two washers between the bolt and the fuel filter.
Remove the fuel filter from the bracket. Insert the new fuel filter into its place. Attach it to the fuel line on the outboard side. Install the two new washers and secure the filter with the backup wrench while tightening the banjo bolt.
Tighten the two bolts on the fuel-filter bracket. Reconnect the electrical connection. Re-attach the negative cable to the battery.
Crank the engine. Inspect the fuel filter connections for leaks. If you see leaks, the connection is not tight enough. Turn the engine off, detach the negative cable from the battery, relieve the fuel pressure again and tighten the banjo bolt.
