[LayaDeVille]

I own a 1998 Deville and unfortunately ran it out of gas! Now it wont start after putting 7 gallons of gas back in. I want to eliminate all possibilities before replacing the fuel pump. I want to replace the fuel filter but I am not sure how! Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[Kev]

The filter should be located under the body, left side, in front of the rear wheel. You will need a standard screw driver and a couple of rags. If it has not been running the fuel lines may not still be pressurized but you might want to releive pressure by opening the schrader valve on the fuel rail on the intake manifold. Then crawl under and remove the white plastic retaining clips in either end of the filter paying close attention to how they are installed so that you can put the new clips in properly. Once these are off carefully pull the fuel lines off the filter, loosen the hose clamp and remove the old filter. There will likely be fuel in the filter and lines that will spill, thus the need for the rags. Whatch out for your eyes, wear safety glasses!

Next you are ready to install the new filter. Snap the new retaining clips into the fule line fittings, put the filter in place in the proper direction, tighten the hose clamp and carefully, smoothly push the fuel lines back on until they snap into place.

 

[LayaDeVille]

Thanks! I'll let you know how it turned out

 

[ElDawgg 2G]

Hello...
Your 7 year old fuel filter probably need to be replaced, however, it is not a likely culprit for the car not starting. It is my understanding that the fuel pump is liquid-cooled. A low fuel level will not provide enough cooling effect and many times the pump will burn out if not properly cooled. Always fill up when the fuel level reaches 1/4 tank.
Post back your solution.

 

[ocjmakaveli]

I own a 1998 Deville and unfortunately ran it out of gas! Now it wont start after putting 7 gallons of gas back in. I want to eliminate all possibilities before replacing the fuel pump. I want to replace the fuel filter but I am not sure how! Anybody have any suggestions?

are you sure it was out of gas or maybe the car just guit on it's own

does it crank but not start?

is fuel getting the schrader valve in front with the key on?

 

[LayaDeVille]

[are you sure it was out of gas or maybe the car just guit on it's own

does it crank but not start?

is fuel getting the schrader valve in front with the key on?]

Yea- I'm positive it was empty

It cranks, it just wont fire!

If the schrsder valve is under the plastic valve cover next to the first injector, then yes, fuel is getting to the schrader valve

 

[jamesbugman]

Any luck getting it started?
What are the chances that it is the fuel pump?
I'm asking this for a ummmmm "friend" who wishes to remain anonymous but hopes he won't have to replace the fuel pump after a similar experience last night. :bigroll:

Also where is the cheapest source for a fuel pump, (ie is the $307 pump at AutoZone any good?)

Thanks
James

 

[LayaDeVille]

Turns Out..... it WAS the fuel pump, which I knew it was, but hope'd it wasn't I tried eliminating all other possibilities first before giving up close to $600 to replace it- I need to get a damn JOB!

 

[LayaDeVille]

If You Own A Cadillac-

Treat It Like Its Your Newborn Child

Thats The Only Way!

 

[Kev]

Turns Out..... it WAS the fuel pump, which I knew it was, but hope'd it wasn't I tried eliminating all other possibilities first before giving up close to $600 to replace it- I need to get a damn JOB!

Glad you got it fixed. I figured it was the pump too. Too bad you weren't able to do the job yourself, you could have done it for the cost of the pump. Not really a difficult job. Sounds intimidating because you have to drop the fuel tank but that is very easy if you have a good floor jack and jack stands.

What I'd like to know is, did you change the filter and how did that go?

 

[LayaDeVille]

Glad you got it fixed. I figured it was the pump too. Too bad you weren't able to do the job yourself, you could have done it for the cost of the pump. Not really a difficult job. Sounds intimidating because you have to drop the fuel tank but that is very easy if you have a good floor jack and jack stands.

What I'd like to know is, did you change the filter and how did that go?

I dont have the right tools or equipment so....oh well

Yea- I swaped out the old filter according to your directions
It took me 2 minutes

Thanks,

 

[Kev]

I dont have the right tools or equipment so....oh well

Yea- I swaped out the old filter according to your directions
It took me 2 minutes

Thanks,

Geez! That's faster than I have ever done it! You're an animal man! :yup:

Good job! :thumbsup:

If you are mechanically inclined (unless you hate working on cars which is OK) you might think about getting yourself a good floor jack and jack stands. They have served me well over the years that I have had mine. They have saved me more than their cost a few times over.

 

[jamesbugman]

My neighbor, who runs a shop, showed me a trick that sometimes will get the fuel pump working long enough to get home, to a shop, or at least off the side of the freeway.
Beat on the tank, it will sometimes free up the fuel pump for a few miles. It takes a pretty good whack, but don't overdo it. A rubber mallet smack dab in the middle of the bottom of the tank got my car running for a few minutes in my driveway.
James

 

[cadiman28]

remember, never change your fuel filter while smoking

 

[hogstamogsta]

does replacing the fuel filter give you better gas mileage? and what will pleaseee let me know