The 3800 is an engine used in sedans made by General Motors. Oldsmobile used this engine for their Cutlass in the 1990's. This engine is also referred to as a 3.8-liter V6. The fuel system in this car starts with the fuel pump, which is located in the fuel tank. The pump takes suction and sends the fuel through the fuel line to the engine. A filter is used halfway to pull any debris out of the raw fuel.
Ensure the car is parked on a flat and level surface. Open the hood for access to the fuse panel.
Open the fuse panel and pull the fuel pump relay. The relay will be labeled.
Start the car and allow it to idle until the vehicle stalls. The fuel system will be depressurized.
Locate the fuel tank under the car. The fuel tank will be in the back of the car. Follow the fuel lines to identify the fuel filter. The filter will be a canister-shaped component installed in the fuel line.
Unscrew the outlet line with a line wrench. Keep the filter from moving by holding the nut on the filter with a second line wrench.
Squeeze the tab on the quick-release fitting to disconnect the inlet line. Pull it away from the filter.
Pull the filter away from the car by unbolting the filter mounting bracket with a socket wrench. The filter will slide off the bracket.
Place the new filter on the mounting bracket. Secure the filter with a socket wrench. The fitting can only be installed one way. To ensure the task is easy, there is an arrow imprinted on the side of it. Ensure that arrow is pointing toward the front of the vehicle.
Screw the outlet line onto the filter. Tighten with the line wrench. Hold the nut on the filter with a second line wrench.
Push the inlet line onto the filter until it locks in place. Pull the line back to ensure it is locked.
Insert the relay back into the fuse panel. This will power the fuel pump.
Turn the ignition to start the car. The fuel system may have air in the lines. Turn the key to the "start" position and hold it there for two to three seconds. Turn the ignition key to start the vehicle. Once all the air is pushed out the vehicle will start.
Allow the vehicle to idle for five minutes. Inspect the filter for any leaks.
