Anyone had hands-on experience in changing out their fuel filter in a GP? To get to the fuel filter, the dark grey foam insert has to come out. Do you have to remove the side panels to get it out? If so, what a bummer!

 

Check the DIY tab on the site below and there are several links we collected that may help. Good luck.

 

Thanks, Buzzsaw but the problem is not so much the actual changing of the filter as it is in getting to it in a GP. Looks like the whole rear interior has to come out, sidepanels and all.

 

I have not replaced the fuel filter on my GP but I am pretty sure that the side panels can stay in place. I have the molded black styrofoam rear compartment piece removed from my car so I can store tools/accessories under the flat floor panel so I just went out to take a look. The fuel filter access plates can come off without interferring with the side panels. I took out the black styrofoam many years ago so I do not remember how hard it was to get that part out to get to the filter panels. I do not recall having to remove the side panels to get the black styrofoam piece out of the car.

 

QUIKMNI, that's encouraging but did you have to destroy or cut up the foam piece while getting it out? I'm under the impression that there are slits in the foam on each side that correspond to "tabs" on the bottoms of the side panels, thereby "locking" the foam in place.

 

My foam is still in one piece but maybe I took the foam out one of the two times I removed the side panels. I just cannot remember for sure. None of the clips broke when I removed the panels. I did find it difficult to get the rubber covers back on at the ends of the luggage bar.

 

Well, I just completed the job. Thanks to NAM and the "How to DIY" section, it was a big help. The side panels do have to come off in a GP. The foam insert is held captive by them. But the rear cover across the bottom of the hatch has to come off first. What a job getting the top off the filter housing! I am by no means weak but that sucker was really on there. Finally resorted to a strap filter wrench and a makeshift spanner made from a short length of angle iron (the kind with holes) and 2 8mmx35mm bolts and nuts. Good, also, to have some extra yellow plastic mounting clips, since I found 2 that were broken by the factory installer. At 54k miles, the filter was pretty black. Glad I did it.

 

Thanks for the update and suggestion on how to get the top off.
I have 76,000 miles and have thought about repacing the filter a few times but never attacked the job because I know many people have had various problems with the R&R.

I already have the big foam piece removed from my car and use the space for tool storage so at least it is easy for me to get to the access panels.