Fuel filter change

anyone replaced a fuel filter in a 04 liberty? if so was how difficult was it?

Fuel filter

The fuel filters are supposed to be "permanently" installed in the tank and don't supposedly need replacement. The service manual says that, in the cargo area, you need to drill the rivets out of the rear two cargo hooks in the floor and fold the carpet forward to expose the access door. From there its pretty easy and straight forward.

Some of the earlier KJ's don't have this access door and the whole fuel tank must be dropped in order to access the fuel filter.

I've never heard of a permanent filter before, eventually the pores in the filter will clog. My guess is that they have some type of pressurized backflow that keeps things from clogging up, but things will eventually clog. ALL filters eventually clog.

Personally I'm not going to mess with the fuel filter unless I notice a drop in my MPG's. If my MPG's drop I plan on checking the easier variables that affect MPG's before drilling out my rivets or dropping my fuel tank.

Chrysler says it a lifetime filter. But I would be wise to change it at least once or twice during the life of the Jeep. You would have to drop the gas tank a few inches it on the top of the tank. I'm sure TJKJ will chime in.

I can't vouch for the '04's but I have replaced my fuel filter in my '02 KJ 2 times(every 30,000miles).I took me about 20min to change the filter itself with about another 20min to remove the MOPAR gas tank skid/MOPAR rear hitch,but now that I have the RL rear bumber and Kilby gas tank skid it will be a royal pain to change with having to remove about 700lbs of armor to just get to the gas tank.

tjkj2002 said:

I can't vouch for the '04's but I have replaced my fuel filter in my '02 KJ 2 times(every 30,000miles).I took me about 20min to change the filter itself with about another 20min to remove the MOPAR gas tank skid/MOPAR rear hitch,but now that I have the RL rear bumber and Kilby gas tank skid it will be a royal pain to change with having to remove about 700lbs of armor to just get to the gas tank.

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So you just dropped the whole tank out instead of going in through the hatch in the cargo floor? I'm debating how I want to get to mine, since i've only got skid plate to worry about. Hrrrm.

Cableguy said:

So you just dropped the whole tank out instead of going in through the hatch in the cargo floor? I'm debating how I want to get to mine, since i've only got skid plate to worry about. Hrrrm.

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Hey Cableguy! Did you ever change your fuel filter? Mine is driving me CRAZY!! Every time i fill up till i get past 3/4 of a tank i hear HUUUUMMMMMM!!! AHHHHH Is it possable to do through the "hatch" or not? My solution as of now?? To turn up the radio.... HELP!

My filter is under the hood, but it needs to be replaced on a regular schedule.

JLRockies said:

My filter is under the hood, but it needs to be replaced on a regular schedule.

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What year is yours?

Fuel filter

All the fuel filters are built into the tanks (not sure about the CRD's). He's either added a second inline filter, or he's talking about his air filter.

VTNomad said:

All the fuel filters are built into the tanks (not sure about the CRD's). He's either added a second inline filter, or he's talking about his air filter.

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OK??? But do i have to drop the tank or can i get to it through the cargo hatch???

I have a 2006 CRD.

Taken from my 2002 KJ service manual.

FUEL FILTER
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter are not
combined on this vehicle. The main fuel filter is
attached to the front of the fuel tank (Fig. 1) and is a
serviceable/replaceable item. Also refer to Inlet Filter
and Fuel Pressure Regulator.
REMOVAL
The main fuel filter is attached to the front of fuel
tank (Fig. 1). Three fuel lines are used at filter.
Fuel tank removal will not be necessary for
fuel filter removal. Access is from rear cargo
area.
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY BE UNDER A
CONSTANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE
OFF). BEFORE SERVICING MOST FUEL SYSTEM
COMPONENTS, THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE.
(1) Release fuel system pressure.
(2) Four cargo holdown clamps are located inside
vehicle on floor of rear cargo area. Two of these four
clamps must be removed. Remove 2 rearward
mounted clamps by drilling out clamp rivets.
(3) Fold carpeting forward to gain access to fuel
pump module access plate (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove 4 fuel pump module access plate nuts
(Fig. 5).
(5) While applying heat from a heat gun, carefully
pry up metal fuel pump module access plate. Take
care not to bend plate.
(6) Clean top of fuel pump module area around
fuel line connection points.
(7) Disconnect 2 fuel lines at fuel pump module
(Fig. 6) by pressing on tabs at side of fitting.
(8) Raise vehicle.
(9) Place drain pan under fuel filter.
(10) A third fuel line is attached to bottom of filter
(Fig. 7). The disconnection point for this 3rd line is
approximately 1 foot towards front of vehicle. Clean
fuel line connection point before disconnection. Disconnect
by pressing on tabs at side of fitting.
(11) Disconnect 3rd fuel line from body retention
clip. Place a small screwdriver into side of clip and
twist for removal.
(12) Remove filter ground strap at fuel tank
mounting strap.
(13) Remove 1 filter mounting nut (Fig. 7) and
remove filter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Position fuel lines on filter towards top of fuel
tank.
(3) Position filter to mounting stud on front of fuel
tank.
(4) Install filter mounting nut and tighten. Refer
to torque specifications.
(5) A third fuel line is attached to bottom of filter.
The connection point for this 3rd line is approximately
1 foot towards front of vehicle. Connect by
snapping together.
(6) Connect 3rd fuel line to body retention clip
(snaps in).
(7) Attach filter ground strap to tank mounting
strap.
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Attach (snap on) 2 filter fuel lines at fuel pump
module fittings.
(10) Start engine and check fuel line fittings for
leaks.
(11) Apply silicone sealant to fuel pump module
metal access plate.
(12) Install fuel pump module metal access plate
and 4 nuts. Tighten 4 nuts. Refer to torque specifications.
(13) Position carpet and install 2 new cargo clamp
rivets in each cargo holdown clamp.

(4) Remove 4 fuel pump module access plate nuts
(Fig. 5).
(5) While applying heat from a heat gun, carefully
pry up metal fuel pump module access plate. Take
care not to bend plate.

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Not true for all '02 KJ's,mine does not have this access plate.

tjkj2002 said:

Not true for all '02 KJ's,mine does not have this access plate.

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Maybe it's time to get out that saw and make one Might be easier than taking all your gear off each time.

icarl said:

Maybe it's time to get out that saw and make one Might be easier than taking all your gear off each time.

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It's easier to take the rear bumber off,got 200lbs of tools and stuff bolted to the floor in the back.