How to replace the fuel filter on a 1996-2002 Caravan, Voyager or Town and Country

A fuel filter is usually not a difficult maintenance part to replace. But check out the gritty battle I had with the filter on a 2000 Dodge Caravan. But corrosion wasn't going to stop me from changing it out and hopefully finding the answer for an occasional loss of power on the highway.

[@bobblowhard8823]

MAN, I miss the days when the fuel filter was right there, under the hood, just staring at you, and held on with just two small hose clamps!

[@mapache34]

I LOVE this! True to life! I have been there. A 'trick' I use on struck bolts/nuts is to "tighten" them a little, with the penetrant. Wait a bit, then try to loosen them. Rust is crystals- tends to break loose sometimes by moving it opposite. Great photography.

[@sandykiester3472]

I always like to review the procedure to replacing any item on my Van. Especially after I get the estimate...(for my 1998 Caravan in 2022 & inflation) is $221. I now appreciate the rusty bolts, the time, the required tools & temperament of my new mechanic. Bless his heart and YOU for posting this video. Many thanks!

[@Morpheux1]

4:00 you have to push the line in, then press the clip and pull out slowly.

[@hughmcclelland4253]

Thanks for the video. Fuel leak in the original filter line so replaced with the $39 Wix filter and everything went smoothly as my 1999 Dodge has only been driven 140,000 miles in the Puget Sound Region.

[@MrRobziee]

Awesome video! The engineers who designed this fuel filter should be required to spend the rest of their days replacing them as punishment !!!

[@jobamasux]

Great video , by far the best caravan fuel filter replacement showing step by step including some extreme problems that rust can cause and how to overcome them!

[@RedFenix]

Really good video. Really like that you 'showed' how to fix unforeseen issues that would occur. Very informative. The 'thumbs' down people have NO idea on how sincere you were trying to be in this video.

[@documentarist100]

I am buying an extra filter today for '05 Grand Caravan work vehicle. Was just going to throw it into the tool box and swap it out when I had a fail... Thanks to this video, I will be scheduling a preventative pre-fail swap out before I have the problem. Excellent video. Superb job in showing step by step real world wrenching. And, the rust and other issues were a phenomenal heads-up! Thank you.

[@73challenger5031]

I just did this on my wife's Town and Country using your video to guide me. The van had no rust whatsoever so the job only took about an hour to do! Thank you, Sir!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I often fantasize about working on rust-free vehicles.

[@ianmaculam752]

I love gory battles and war videos. No way I’m skipping 😊

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I love comments that tickle my funny bone

[@LANACHAPEL]

Thank you for sharing this! You saved my husband a lot of time and money! Now he says you should go have a cold beer!!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Anyone completing this job should reward themselves afterwards. I did!

[@ras9875]

Thanks! I was going to replace my fuel filter but after watching this I think it will be alright.

[@DanielStPierre]

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to document your battle with this fuel filter... Sounds like I'm going to have a fun day tomorrow trying to do the same on our mini van! #TGBTG

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Daniel St.Pierre you're welcome and good luck

[@elizabethknutson5502]

your video helped me change my fuel filter for the first time on my own!!!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Great to hear. Nice work!

[@redtailhawk289]

I wish you had cut the filter into so we could see how stoped up it was. Good job. I wonder if they are any better since Fiat bought them out in 2014 ?

[@marcvanbueren9386]

Thank you. I really appreciate your Insight and tutorial as to taking care of this issue

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@scottsutton7779]

Thank you for this instructional video. I live in the country and have had some rodent chew threw the long line 3 times. I'd always refreshed my memory by watching your video everything. Thank you again. Good job sir. 😎

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. That is a strange thing for a rodent to have an appetite for though.

[@nicholasfimbinger3253]

I too have fought epic battles to change a fuel filter. Nice video sir

[@noheader]

thank you for your video. I did not have near a hard time as you. I recommend using an impact on the bolts and offset needlenose pliers to undo the clips.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome and thanks for sharing the tips.

[@davidgriffiths2069]

Great composure on that clip!!!

[@tundeogida9740]

Thanks very much for uploading this video I found it very informative, could have been a lot easier without the corrosion.

[@marcusfollosco1683]

Thank you for sharing.big help for me.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Glad it helped you!

[@busybee2033]

Thank you good job, someone can always get something out of a video that can help them, don't worry about the people commenting that already have all the answers

[@samuelrodriguez5293]

Very good video 👍

[@martinwalters1954]

You must live in Michigan and work under the same Murphy as I do. :). My 2000 currently has crank, no start with good spark. 1st thought is fuel filter. Glad you posted this. Now I know what to expect... bruised knuckles and lots of cursing. Going to move filter to another position. Dread if it is fuel pump.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Well, a northern neighbor, Wisconsin. According to Murphy, it will be the pump. If you do one, you may as well do the other...that was my approach.

[@76markez76]

God bless you tube and your effort to make video. tks again

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@76markez76]

worked great for about 10 minutes then shut down again. may be bad fuel. Guess I'll have to drain it somehow. do you know how to purge the line?

[@guestguide2544]

You can get a set of the plastic fuel quick connect fitting wrenches for a few $.

[@thomassmith2056]

great explaining. thanks 😁😁

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@wcjcnc]

Screw this. I’m going to cut a hole in the floor to access all this. Then put a trap door there for any future repairs. I did that to my wife’s Chevy Tahoe.

[@Not1Edit]

I'm so thankful for this video, been waiting weeks for the weather & tools & stars to align so tomorrow is the day. I will update on how it goes, thankyou again for saving Me a ton of aggravation. Update Well that sucked! But it's done, thanks again for the video

[@WeBuildStuff]

thanks for the video! good job getting the camera in there!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I appreciate the comment.

[@samuelrodriguez5293]

Excelent Job 👍

[@katmercioglu1]

Great video, excellent job Bravo!!! One thing , don't try if you're not good mechanic.Some of the work very dangers.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for watching and you're right, safety first!

[@noheader]

Thank you for showing everything

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@james-im1sj]

You guys remember those day's when you just unscrewed the filter...lol

[@adolfogomez-herrera2346]

all the great uses of a screwdriver.

[@michaelacosta393]

This man is lucky he didn't set himself on fire

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I guess you didn't notice the precautions taken to do this safely. Luck had nothing to do with it.

[@ismaelzapien493]

Thank you my friend for the video... City constitución B.C.S. MÉXICO....MY PROBLEM THE MY CAR ITS, FAIN....MUCH THANK YOU...

[@johnavoloch9055]

I'm getting ready to take this project on. I'd like to ask before I start, did you have any issues with your van just stalling at idle?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

No I did not. Mine had a brief loss of power intermittently at highway speeds.

[@lokeycarter6679]

That sounds like the camshaft position sensor

[@michaelmonster4944]

Hey there, the final clip you attached (near 15min 20 sec) what does that hose go to? Is it the high pressure line to the engine or the fuel return line? Around that clip is where mine is leaking, it's unfortunately a fairly new recently installed filter, too, no rust either..... Any help would be great~ Good video, thanks bud

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for watching. I took another look at it but I can't tell either. I don't want to guess. I don't have the van anymore.

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Awesome video thank you! My question is - after opening up the lines,do you have to bleed air out of the fuel system? If so, how did you go about doing this? Thank you

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I did not bleed the lines and had no problems

[@charleschimfwembe5528]

Was it petrol?

[@cw3339]

Must be an East coast van Mine doesn't have a spot of rust underneath it! I get to change the fuel pump and filter on Tuesday!

[@struggle4all]

For a clumsy oaf you did a pretty good job. Well done.

[@williammartin1001]

Strap bolts are 15mm filter bolt is 10mm and only have to take front strap bolt out. Back strap bolt loosen about 3/4 of way out. Be gentle the tits are plastic and if u break one just go buy new fuel pump. From the voice of experience

[@jamesmskipper]

That was a great video! Very difficult to do with all that rust! I think it will be much easier without the rust. I'm old and have difficulty working under the car now, so I took mine to a local mechanic. (The fuel pump had failed.) The labor and parts costs weren't bad and I could have bought my own parts. Good thing I let them buy and guarantee the parts! The new pump failed almost immediately (We thought it was a bad regulator in the filter.) but they replaced both pump and filter for free AND the labor was free. BUT now that I see how you did it, I'll replace the next one myself. (I have three old T&Cs - 1998, 1999, and 2000.)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for watching and I wish you good results if you ever need to this job again.

[@samanthaburleson4698]

The Original Mechanic I have a 2002 dodge that's stalls, and hesitates when u are given it gas also while down shifting on its on. when it does this it's also burning a crap load of fuel. what can I do I have tried the throttle position sensor and changed the Throttle body still doing the same.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I can't really think of any advice likely to help you for that problem

[@TFD1982]

Samantha Burleson what's the fuel pressure it's easier to do on these vans since the valve is in fronttry and hook one I give it gas Revit up the highway speeds give it different RPMs and see if it maintains it

[@yurii.5613]

Nice video! I have 3.3l 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager. The fuel filter is the same as yours I think. Also needs to be replaced. But I wished you mentioned where you got the new kit, what's the proper name/part # for it and how much did it cost. Thank you.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I had a clip of the kit, purchased from NAPA, just before I began the install, as I recall.

[@martinwalters1954]

Saw your fuel pump video. Filter must not have been the problem, no?

[@lavernetarrant4776]

How come you don't put any grease on the bolts when reinstaling

[@fvrrljr]

HAHAHAHAHAHA War Video LMAO Been There Done That! i liked that you put "subtitles and skip too" those who skip miss out on the ART OF WAR. they are the ones that give up. loved how you Improvised, you beat me to the punch I was saying "go to Harbor Freight and get yourself a dremel drill". I salute you. i Like, OLE!

[@baileywhanau]

Hi there, when you lowered the fuel tank... there was no mention of detaching the fuel filler neck hose from the tank? Can the tank be lowered with this filler hose still in place? Thnx

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Yes it can as long as you only drop it a few inches.

[@baileywhanau]

Awesome, thanks :)

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful!

[@TheGrandHistorians]

Great video make more

[@dorianinho30]

Thanks for your video ! Very helpul. I'm asking myself, I have this car, 2002 G.Caravan Sport V6 3,3L, 240.000 kms, and I have a problem of high consumption. Between highway and city, I'm around 14L/100 km which is too much, and I drive gently. Wheel alignment is done, air filter is new, I'm asking is the Fuel filter could be a problem for high consumption. I'd really appreciate if someonce can answer :) Thanks a lot for the video again !

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

There are so many possibilities. If you haven't replaced the spark plugs (and wires) I would try that before the fuel filter. Certainly if that is the original fuel filter it should be changed out also. At 240K I would wonder about engine wear especially if it burns oil.

[@dorianinho30]

@@TheOriginalMechanic Thanks for your answer :) I really appreciate. The spark plugs are pretty new. I don't know about the fuel filter. I'll check this out. Some people speak as well about the oxygen sensor. I'll try to change those 2 and see how it goes. Thanks!

[@Mindbeauty]

I have a 2004 Grand Caravan. I can see gas was leaking from the top of the tank to the floor once for a while, but not every time I drive the van. Otherwise, the van starts and runs just fine. Is it a leaking fuel pump, O ring, fuel line, or somewhere else? Thanks!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Make sure the fuel pump mounting nut is good...and tight. Otherwise only a close inspection is going to reveal the problem. Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@ChessMasterNate]

Someone probably changed the pump without using the special tightening tool.

[@iwilfix9407]

Damn i hate those hose clips, they never come out nice. I never knew you had to install the clip on the line first.

[@jurdydugdale163]

Lmfao. This video makes me NOT want to change my fuel filter.

[@jgarb21]

When dropping the tank do you need to be wary of stressing the intake hose connection on the other side?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I had no problem with this drop of only a few inches.

[@jgarb21]

@@TheOriginalMechanic thanks for replying. Turns out after looking at my car it is an all-wheel drive and there's the rear transfer case really in the way. I may have to drop it all the way out.

[@richardburns4411]

i got a universal fyel pump does ut mount outside the tank or inside the tank

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

It mounts inside the tank.

[@gerbermaldonado1593]

good video, what was the symptoms you have to decided that fuel filter need to be replaced

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

A loss of power on occasion at highway speeds.

[@Brandon-21MN]

Did the filter fix that ​@@TheOriginalMechanic

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@Brandon-21MN No it didn't

[@tombaja4.9]

Good vid. I thought changing the ps pump was easy. Not. Plugs not either. Fuel filter; Lord have mercy!

[@EveryDayTrucker]

ok... great video bro! One thing, I wish you would've set up the scenario better so viewer's have a better idea as to why you decided to replace the fuel filter. I have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan with 206k and when I step on the pedal, it bogs down and chugs then hesitates before slowly building up to road speed then randomly chugs and bogs afterwards while driving. I'm leaning more towards catalytic converter but not sure. What would you think?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

My 2000 Caravan very intermittently lost power and only at highway speeds. Then just as quickly it came back up to speed. After I did the fuel filter (and pump, to muddy the issue) this went away. Certainly if you have never done the filter, it is a cheaper and easier alternative to the catalytic converter. I've never seen a catalyst cause what you're seeing, but who knows?

[@adolfogomez-herrera1348]

Great video. I love WD-40

[@daver6451]

They make a plastic little tool to discount fuel line quick connects around $10 at your parts store

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Nice job. Did you replace the filter because the engine was stumbling or was there a leak and smell of gas problem? Thanks Happy Motoring.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

The engine was running poorly. Replacing it helped.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

@@TheOriginalMechanic Tx. My problem is gas smell. I had the same problem with an 87 Reliant and it was a hose going to the filter that was cracked. My van has almost 170k on it so a filter change won't hurt it. Great video and tx again.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Video came in handy as the plastic nipple on the fuel pump broke and I had to replace the fuel pump. Your video and one other on you tube, came in handy as you showed you could do it without dropping the tank completely out of the car. Now to replace the muffler and yes I checked out your video on that. Hope I can reuse the muffler clamp. Thanks again. Happy Motoring.

[@usingtheirhypocracyagainst8636]

thank god mine is an arizona vehicle, rust free.

[@hankchinaski4651]

Epic

[@ovix5780]

Thank you

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@angelamullin8039]

What happens if a clip brakes while taking the old one off.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I usually scrounge around for another clip or some other means of fastening...after a few choice swear words!

[@Poncho1753]

Cómo seyar una grieta en los tubo de agua que queda en la parte de abajo en medio de un carabam

[@djmatteoniify]

Give it to the shop.....have a couple of complementary cups of coffee...pay the big bucks...have a nice day!

[@kedakoop]

I have 2002 that want stay started l have to stay on the gas pedal a little so it want cut off someone told me change the air flow sensor but i was told it doesn't have one ..any ideas

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

That's a problem with many possible causes. Lack or air or gas could certainly be the problem. I would check for engine codes first.

[@kedakoop]

The Original Mechanic​ I did all I got was 1684 which is battery been unhooked in the last 50 starts..But I hope I don't buy alot of parts and don't have too..Mines has 196,××× miles hope to get another 200k out her I drove her about about 7-10 miles like that and it stayed running along as I gave it a little gas not much just enough .

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

That's an ambitious goal, another 200K. Mine has rusted so badly it will be in the scrapyard long before that! Good luck.

[@daver6451]

yes it has a mass air flow sensor typically close to the throttle body

[@ChessMasterNate]

It is very easy to break the pump. Be very easy taking those connectors off the pump. It is just old brittle plastic. I recommend taking it to the shop instead of doing this one yourself. And don't run you tank nearly to empty unless you like paying to have this done.

[@bobrussell-ug5ti]

My question is what would happen if you don't put the ground strap on would it keep it from starting

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

It would still start. I believe the ground strap is there for safety to reduce the chance of a spark igniting gas fumes that may be present.

[@bobrussell-ug5ti]

@@TheOriginalMechanic ok my 1997 Chrysler Town and country was running perfectly fine I went to the gas station got some gasoline and within a mile or so it started to loose power and eventually stoped running I sprayed some starting fluid up top and it acted like it wanted to start but wouldn't i put new filter on it and no change and I can hear from pump kick on but still won't start

[@bobrussell-ug5ti]

Could I have bad gas or water in the gas ​@@TheOriginalMechanic

[@brendakirk3849]

Anyone Kno where we can get a fuel filter 2004 Chrysler town country they discontinued it

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Should be out there on the aftermarket. The quality may be questionable though. I usually find the hard to find at RockAuto.com.

[@thatguyfromca]

how can you tell if it's the fuel filter or the pump?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Very good question and I don't have a good answer, except to say change out the filter (a maintenance part) first and see if it runs better. If not change the pump.

[@scottfranson4215]

53K subscribers 174,152 views • 5*s video on a very hard place to get to ... I have a shutter for over 1 1/2 years done everything I could to find it . Chrysler Shop two times other mechanic 1 time Transmission replace because I was lied too. they did not bolt everything on right so that was extra 550 bucks. Now I have thought every thing though and When I bought it had to have gas fill line fix . SO now I`m thinking something got into gas tank because it shutters on low gas going done the road ,I get back after I get it checked . God Bless.

[@Farron1960]

what a stupid fun place to put a fuel filter.

[@evilgrows]

Wow! that battery post has a lot of corrosion on it!

[@pauljohn5554]

How long did it take you to do this job

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

About 4 hours as I recall.

[@pauljohn5554]

@@TheOriginalMechanic as I may say you were persistent. Good job

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@pauljohn5554 Parts rusted together will test your perseverance!

[@pauljohn5554]

@@TheOriginalMechanic copy that

[@johnpadvaiskas]

First video i have seen where things are stuck shit like this happens to me all the time.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I feel your pain

[@saveusall7673]

that is a job

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Yeah, especially thanks to the rust, it sure is.

[@memadman]

I'll pay someone to do this.

[@lilpatman]

WOW you had no idea how to get clamp off lol easy way next time is put plyers on clamp where u see it in hose and push in on clamp not pull out lol was entertaining thogh

[@daviddawkins9669]

use a nylon screw

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Thanks for sharing that tip.

[@annettesterling6772]

How to replace fuel filter in 2003 town and country

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Should be similar to this, but I have not done that model or year.

[@cgichui]

The Original Mechanic dropping the tank isn't necessary, you should be able to reach the filter retainer bolt( avoid stripping the bolt by doing it right the first time or use a stripped nut socket due to rust)with an extension ratchet assuming you have good clearance from the ground. Just change my filter on my 2001 town and country.

[@alialrikabi5546]

No wonder why mechanic will charge you $300 for $30 part. It's the rust 😣

[@briandelanis7348]

What a horrible design. However that was some fine tight quarters, under car footage.

[@josfonse9058]

LMAO

[@mikemayes8396]

parts changer

[@saveusall7673]

use a ratchet man you dun it now

[@casperghost9168]

Ha ha ha ha.... Sorry I had to laugh

[@baxagasanov1145]

Бараны

[@arthurgutierrez7931]

That does not look like fun!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Rust multiplied the difficulty level at least 3X