1998 jeep cherokee xj fuel filter location

I need to know how exactly to change a fuel filter on a 95 xj and if doing that is even worth the trouble. The jeep only has 46K miles on it right now and i dont think the filter was ever changed. any advice? Thanks

It's near the gas tank and can be removed with hand tools. It's been awhile, but I believe a screwdriver can do the job.

On a scale of 1 to 5 wrenches, I believe it registers as a 1/4 wrench :laugh:

I agree. Pretty simple to do. And I would normally change it about every 50K, so I would do it.

balloo93 said:

It's near the gas tank and can be removed with hand tools. It's been awhile, but I believe a screwdriver can do the job.

On a scale of 1 to 5 wrenches, I believe it registers as a 1/4 wrench :laugh:

..or depending with the amount of rust, it might be closer to 3 wrenches :laugh: If that's the case, getting a few spare hose clamps and a few feet of rubber fuel hose might be a good idea before starting :shhh: ..oh, a nice, good spray of fuel to your eyes might hurt a little.

10 minute job with $10 fuel filter. i think i used a 10mm socket on mine, and used spare fuel injection rated hoses (3/8 and 5/16) pieces to clean it all up.

you will feel the difference, motor runs "stronger"

add a bottle of techron to the gas tank after you change the filter.

agree with the less than 1 wrench out of 5.

get some extra rags for the fuel slop as well, and wear some glasses or goggles.
the fuel filter is among the most forgotten and basic things one can do to restore engine performance.

Is it a good idea to depressurize the system by the fuel rails first?

Yeap. But the filter will be full of fuel anyway, so have some rags ready. I agree on the comments that it is a very easy, 10 minute job. Unless, like I wrote, everything is covered with rust like mine was.

cnskate said:

Is it a good idea to depressurize the system by the fuel rails first?

not really, loosen nuts slowly. wiggle hose wrapped in shop rag.

The fuel filter is located on the right inboard side of the unibody frame toward the rear portion of the vehicle but forward of the gas tank. You can either use a screw driver or a 8mm socket (depending on clamp). There will be a 10 mm bolt that holds the fuel filter to the unibody rail. Make sure when pulling the fuel line from the filter to hold a rag over the end of the filter you are removing the line from to prevent the excess fuel from spraying you and everything around you. For a beginner it will probably take you 20-30 minutes, but if you are mechanically inclined it should take around 10 minutes to complete the job. When the job is done and you are ready to start you Cherokee up cycle the ignition on and off a few times to build the fuel pressure back up and it should start right up. Hope this helps.

Just for kicks, you might want to buy some fuel injection hose, just in case yours is starting to dry rot. Make sure you specify fuel injection hose and not fuel hose.

at first i read that as oil filter and saw that it said it had never been replaced in 46k. :rofl:

i was about to get my pimp hand ready. :laugh:

I also need to do this and wanna do it myself. I was reading something about relieving the fuel pressure by removing the fuel pump fuse? is this necessary?

Cherokeekid88 said:

I also need to do this and wanna do it myself. I was reading something about relieving the fuel pressure by removing the fuel pump fuse? is this necessary?

no

10char

You dont need to remove the fuse. When you remove the filter poor the contents into a glass jar. You will be amazed on how dirty the gas will be.