Depressurize the System

• 1). Remove the gas cap to relieve built-up pressure in the tank.
  
  
• 2). Remove the lower finish panel from the driver's side of the dash. This is the plastic panel located directly below the steering column. Five screws hold the panel in place. There are two additional screws that attach the hood opening lever that you must also remove.
  
  
• 3). Locate the circuit opening breaker attached to the left of the steering wheel. With the lower finish panel removed, you will see the breaker attached to the dash with a single screw, with a wire harness leading underneath the instrument panel. Lift up the plastic clip that attaches the harness to the breaker and remove it.
  
  
• 4). Start the engine and let it idle until it dies. Turn the engine off. The system is now depressurized.
  
  

Replace the Fuel Filter

• 1). Make sure that the truck is cold. This reduces the risk of fire in case of a gasoline spill. Lift the hood and prop it open. Disconnect the negative battery cable to reduce the risk of sparks.
  
  
• 2). Remove the banjo bolts from both ends of the fuel filter using a socket wrench. Separate the lines from the filter. The fuel filter is a cylindrical object located under the vehicle, near the engine. It is connected directly to the truck's chassis.
  
  
• 3). Use a socket wrench to remove the two bracket bolts that attach the filter assembly to the chassis.
  
  
• 4). Remove the bolt on the clamp that holds the filter to the bracket. Remove the fuel filter.
  
  
• 5). Insert the new filter into the bracket and replace the bolt in the clamp. Make sure that you align the filter properly. The inlet and outlet ports are marked, and the inlet port should face the rear of the vehicle.
  
  
• 6). Reattach the bracket to the chassis and firmly tighten the two bolts.
  
  
• 7). Insert the new washers, two per end, into the ends of the fuel filter. The washers come with the new filter.
  
  
• 8). Reattach the fuel lines. Tighten the banjo bolts to 22 ft-lbs. of torque.
  
  

Pressurize and Test the System

• 1). Reconnect the circuit opening breaker. Replace the lower trim panel.
  
  
• 2). Replace the gas cap. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
  
  
• 3). Turn the ignition on, wait a few seconds, and turn it off. Repeat this several times. This allows the fuel pump to prime the system. Turn the ignition to start. If the vehicle starts, let it run a few minutes and then turn it off. If it doesn't, allow the starter to cool for a few seconds, then repeat until the vehicle starts. Cranking the starter too long will cause it to overheat and malfunction.
  
  
• 4). Check beneath the vehicle and around the fuel filter for leaks.