The fuel at sold at gas stations is not always pure and free of debris. That's why cars have fuel filters--to filter out impurities. A fuel filter is an in-line filter that removes most debris from the gasoline before it enters the combustion chamber. This filter should be changed periodically. Experienced home mechanics can replace the fuel filter on the 2000 Mitsubishi Galant themselves, as long as the proper steps are followed.
Remove the rear seat cushion by grabbing the looped hooks under the seat, on both ends of the seat, and pulling upward. Notice the unpainted panel under the seat. This is the fuel pump access cover.
Loosen and remove the four bolts holding the fuel pump access cover. Pull the access cover up, exposing the fuel pump.
Grab the wiring harness that plugs into the fuel pump. Press the locking button and pull up on the harness to unplug it.
Insert the key into the Galant's ignition and start the vehicle.
Let the vehicle run until it stalls. This eliminates all fuel pressure from the lines. Turn the key to the "Off" position.
Open the Galant's hood and disconnect the negative battery cable, using the ratchet and socket.
Loosen and remove the bolt, known as a banjo bolt, holding the brake line to the top of the fuel filter. to do this, use the ratchet and socket to turn the bolt, and a line wrench to hold the nut on the fuel filter. The fuel filter is located at the rear passenger side of the engine compartment, bolted to the firewall.
Loosen and remove the main line into the bottom of the fuel filter, using two line wrenches. Use one wrench to turn the nut on the line, and the other to hold the connector on the fuel filter.
Remove the gaskets that came of of the top of the filter and discard them.
Loosen and remove the two bolts securing the fuel filter to the Galant's firewall and pull the filter from the vehicle.
Pull the filter from the metal bracket surrounding it, then insert the new filter into this bracket. Make sure the new filter is positioned the same way as the old one.
Place the new fuel filter on the firewall and hand-tighten its bolts.
Place the main fuel in the bottom of the fuel filter and tighten it using two line wrenches--one to tighten the fuel line and the other to hold the filter's connector.
Place the fuel line into the top of the filter, with new gaskets that are included with the fuel filter. Tighten the banjo bolt to 22 foot-pounds. Use a torque wrench and socket to tighten the bolt, and a line wrench to hold the fuel filter nut.
Tighten the mounting bolts holding the fuel filter to the firewall to 10 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench as a socket.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal, using a ratchet and socket.
Plug the wiring harness into the top of the fuel pump, through the fuel pump access hole.
Place the access panel back over the fuel pump and tighten the bolts, using a ratchet and socket.
Reinstall the rear seat cushion by placing the rear of the cushion under the seat-back cushion, then pushing the front of the cushion down until it clicks into place.
Cycle the key from "Off" to "On" several times to pressurize the fuel system.
Start the vehicle.
