97 jeep grand cherokee fuel filter location

Joined Jul 13, 2008

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63 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · Sep 16, 2008

'97 ZJ limited 5.2L
Is the only fuel filter the one on top of the fuel pump (filter/pressure regulator)? My local parts store has that one plus an inline filter showing in their system.
The filter regulator combo is about $175 CAD and the inline filter is $18 CAD. The service intervals mention replacing the fuel filter and I'm guessing it isn't the expensive one. Where does the inline filter fit?

Mucho thanks.

Joined Jun 5, 2008

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17 Posts

If it's like my 1994 when you slide under the jeep it will be located right behind your gas tank mounted to the bottom side of your floor board I think it should be round. If i'm wrong someone will chim in im new to the jeeps but learning every day

SJZ

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Victim of Hope & Change

Joined Feb 22, 2006

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1,517 Posts

'97 ZJ limited 5.2L
Is the only fuel filter the one on top of the fuel pump (filter/pressure regulator)? My local parts store has that one plus an inline filter showing in their system.
The filter regulator combo is about $175 CAD and the inline filter is $18 CAD. The service intervals mention replacing the fuel filter and I'm guessing it isn't the expensive one. Where does the inline filter fit?

Mucho thanks.

'97 & '98 do not have an in-line filter like the previous years, only the one on top of the filter.

Joined Jul 13, 2008

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63 Posts

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 16, 2008

That's very odd, because the 1997 service manual talks about a fuel filter when removing/installing the engine and it does not seem to refer to the one on top of the fuel pump.

Joined Jan 24, 2008

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2,459 Posts

Climb underneath, and look for an inline fuel filter. It is a cylinder about 3 in diameter, 3 inches long. It will be located above the rear drive shaft, or somewhere pretty close to it. I do not know if the 97 had an inline or not, but checking is easy.

Joined Jun 5, 2008

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17 Posts

SJZ is right. I told you wrong and I'm SORRY chekk only 1993 through 1996 models use a replaceable inline filter. 1997 through 1999 models the fuel filter is inside the fuel tank. Thats what the haynes manual says.

Joined Dec 6, 2001

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2,049 Posts

I's also not really a filter. It's just a screen over the pump inlet. Don't worry about replacing it.

Joined Sep 6, 2007

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334 Posts

I have a 99 WJ and it was right outside the tank where the rear a-arm is..

Changing the fuel filter on your Jeep Grand Cherokee is easy work and can be done in a matter of minutes.

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-1998).

Are you experiencing acceleration lag, rough idle, or getting poor gas mileage? Your fuel filter may be dirty or clogged and in need of replacement. Don't fret, this is one of the easiest jobs to do on your Grand Cherokee. The fuel filter is not too expensive and will only take you minutes to change out. You don't even need to have any mechanical know-how. It is easy to get to and you'll be ecstatic with the amount of money you'll save from having a professional do the job for you. You don't need any special tools, and the only worry is having a little fuel spill that is easily managed with an old shop rag.

Materials Needed

  • Hydraulic floor jack
  • Jack stands
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Shop rags

The fuel filter is located under your Jeep, in the center, and right above the differential.

Step 1 – Jack up your Jeep and place on jack stands

Lift your Jeep with a floor jack and place on jack stands at the correct and safest locations. If you are only lifting the front or rear alone, always chock the wheels on the ground from the front and behind to avoid any possibility of rolling. Always use your emergency brake as well.

Figure 1. Always use the correct jacking locations to lift your Jeep.

Pro Tip

Always use jack stands when working under your Jeep. Never work under it when using only a floor jack.

Step 2 – Disconnect fuel lines from the filter

The fuel filter is located under the Jeep in the center above the differential. You'll see that there is a hose at both ends. These are connected with a quick release tab that only needs to be pressed in with your fingers, and then the hose will pull right off. Have a shop rag handy to cover the hoses for any fuel that may spill out of the hose. It should really be a few drops at most. The fuel lines are under pressure, so they may take a little elbow grease to pop off. You can remove the gas cap if you want to relieve some of this pressure.

Figure 2. No tools are necessary for popping off the fuel lines from either end of the filter.

Step 3 – Remove filter

Once the fuel lines are removed, use a ratchet and socket to remove the mounting bracket bolts. The filter holds up to a couple cups of gasoline, so be prepared with a shop rag or a container to let it spill into when removing the filter.

Figure 3. Remove the bracket bolts and the filter falls right out. Take care as it will be filled with gas.

Step 4 – Remove the hose connectors from old filter

You will need to remove the old hose connectors from the old filter. If you haven't dumped the gas yet, it will come pouring out either end. Check the condition of the gas that comes out. It will likely be a nasty brown color, indicating the Jeep was well due for a new fuel filter (see Figure 4).

Figure 4. Remove the connectors from the old filter and reuse.

Step 5 – Install old connectors on new filter and re-install

Put the old connectors onto the new filter and install the filter back into the bracket. Reconnect the hoses and you should be back on the road.

Figure 5. Install new fuel filter.

Featured Video: Fuel Filter Replacement

Related Discussions

  • Help with Fuel Filter - CherokeeForum.com
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  • Fuel Filter Rusted, Lines Stuck - CherokeeForum.com
  • Fuel Filter Change - CherokeeForum.com

How do I know if my fuel pump is bad on my Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Here are the warning signs of a bad fuel pump for your Jeep:.
Engine “chokes” or struggles to maintain speed..
Noises, backfires and a sputtering engine..
Hesitation at start or take-off..
A bad fuel pump can overheat, causing the engine to overheat..
Any of the above issues along with a “Check Engine” light..

Does a 1996 Jeep Cherokee have a fuel filter?

Changing the fuel filter is part of the repair and maintenance schedule for your Jeep.

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