Aztek Fan Club

[spaztek]

Just bought a fuel filter for our 2004. Was going to change it out today until I couldn't figure out how to release the fuel pressure. Is there a fuel pressure release valve somewhere in the engine compartment? I found a schraeder valve in front of the fan, but it just releases air.

Anyone know?

[97drexelgrad]

Nope, unfortunately you have to release the clamps on the filter and quickly move to avoid the pressurized fuel spray

[LiteCrew]

At how many miles would you recommend changing the fuel filter?

And where is it????

[Python]

At how many miles would you recommend changing the fuel filter?

It should be replaced roughly every 30,000 miles to maintain optimal fuel economy.

[spaztek]

Great! No release valve means 'wear a raincoat when removing the old filter'. Thank you for that information.

For reference purposes for everyone else, the fuel filter on a 2004 - 2WD Aztek is located next to the frame, on the driver's side. The best way to see it is to sit in front of the driver's door, facing the vehicle. Take a mirror and put it under the vehicle, beyond the big frame section, and reflect it upwards and towards you. It will be behind the frame on the driver's side. The pics below show you what it looks like, and give you a reference to location.

I'll be removing it probably today or tomorrow. Oh, when you get a replacement, you will need to know if it's a dual-male end, or a single male end with a quick connect on the other side. Mine's a single male end.

[LiteCrew]

Adding to the Spring To Do List!

Thanks for the info guys.

[spaztek]

Changed fuel filter this morning. Here are my suggested steps (from an amateur perspective):

What you will need: A small mirror, a wrench, needle-nose pliers, eye protection, a plastic trash bag, a rag, a replacement fuel filter

1. Wait about 8 hours after driving the vehicle. That way if you touch the muffler, it will be cool to the touch.
2. Get a plastic trash bag to use for cover, and wear eye-protection of some sort.  
3. Unscrew the nut holding the support bracket (see pictures in previous post). Pull the bracket away from the screw.
4. Take note of the orientation of the old filter, and make sure the new filter will be going in the same way.
5. Use either a quick-disconnect wrench, or a pair of needle-nose pliers, and squeeze the plastic retainer clip on the ENGINE side of the fuel filter.
6. Using the plastic bag to cover either yourself, or the filter area, squeeze the clip while holding and turning the filter - pulling the filter away from the engine. When it releases, it will either shoot or poor gas. In my case, gas poured out of the filter.
7. Now squeeze the plastic retainer clip on the FUEL TANK side of the fuel filter.
8. Again, using the plastic bag to cover either yourself, or the filter area, squeeze the clip while holding and turning the filter, pulling the filter away from the fuel tank. Again, watch for shooting gas. In my case, it poured out of the filter again.
9. You may need to remove one or both of the plastic retaining clips from the old filter to install on the lines. Do that now if needed. Also, note if the old filter left any washers on the line. You will likely need to remove those from the line in order for the new filter to fit properly.
10. Install the line coming from the ENGINE onto the new fuel filter. It may require an extra push. Note that there may be a retaining clip in the fuel filter that connects to the retaining clip on the line. They fit only one way.
11. Install the line coming from the FUEL TANK side onto the new filter. You'll know when it's in. It locks in place.
12. Before putting the support bracket back on the screw, start the engine and check for leaks (use a mirror). If you find any, stop the engine and check your connections.
13. If it runs good and you have no leaks, stop the engine and place the support bracket onto the screw, and install the nut. You're done!

I hope this helps someone else who may need the help. It's a fairly easy process, but it's not in the user manual. Good luck everyone!

[Python]

... Or just go to Jiffylube like my lazy ass does .  But keeping in mind ... my driveway is also not paved and it's a real pain to do any work under the Tek in it.

Thanks for that tutorial though, I'm sure it will be helpful to many!

[spaztek]

Ha ha. Perhaps. I usually do what I can on my own. Though, I don't think I'll attempt that air filter ever again. That was a royal pain!

[97drexelgrad]

Changing the fuel filter could be worse... I found out that my Sierra doesn't have a fuel filter but rather just a mesh screen of sorts inside the fuel tank.  Now cleaning that screen sure does sound like fun eh?