No external fuel filter on newer NBS trucks

100R1 · February 23, 2005

Some customers have commented that they have been advised to replace their vehicle’s fuel filter periodically.

On many vehicles, the fuel filter is non-serviceable (see table). The filter is an integral part of the fuel pump module and fuel pressure regulator assembly. The filter can be serviced only by replacement of the fuel module assembly. This process requires the removal of the fuel tank (one to two hours of labor, depending on the model), plus several hundred dollars in unnecessary parts.

The vehicle owner’s manual outlines the periodic maintenance service required, under the Maintenance 1 and Maintenance 2 guidelines. Routine fuel filter replacement does not appear on either of these schedules.

In the future, due to the increased regulation of evaporative emissions, fuel systems utilizing a non-serviceable filter will become more common as new models are introduced.

- Thanks to David MacGillis

Vehicles with Non-Serviceable Fuel Filters

Chevrolet

2003-05 Corvette

2004-05 Malibu and MAXX, Silverado*, Tahoe**, Suburban, Avalanche

2005 Equinox, Cobalt, Aveo, Trailblazer and EXT, SSR

GMC

2004-05 Sierra*, Yukon** and XL

2005 Envoy, XL and XUV

Pontiac

2003-05 Vibe

2005 G6, Pursuit ***, Wave***

Buick

2005 Rainier

Cadillac

2004-05 XLR, Escalade, EXT and ESV

Hummer

2006 H3

Saturn

2002-05 VUE

2005 ION

* 2004 V8 only (4.3L uses conventional external filter)

** 2004 RPO L59 uses conventional external filter

*** Canada Only

Elwood 2000 · February 23, 2005

And my suburban doesn't have an underhood light, glove box light, floor lamps, but I DO have "puddle lamps" and "power folding mirrors" and tons of other things that are really not necessary, BUT they sound more impressive on a list of equipment than "glove box lamp" does.

I heard about the fuel filter issue a couple weeks ago and needless to say, THIS maintenance freak is NOT very pleased! Next, they will probly try to make a steering wheel and option for the '06 model year!

Pewter Pro-Tec · February 23, 2005

My uncle has a 2004 Exploder and it has a SEALED auto transmission. Yep, no dipstick.

We looked in the manual and it said something like "your transmission does not need to be checked, if you need service, please bring it to a ford dealer". I was simply baffled.

My friend is a Honda technician and he said Hondas are going the same way, no fuel filter and no trans dipstick, he said it's to keep the consumers from messing around in there where they have no bizness

BellevueSilvy · February 23, 2005

I can attest to the non servicability my parents just bought a Nissan Murano with that CVT transmission which is sealed as well but I assume for good reasons on that part since you can't just dump trans fluid down there.

silverado3500 · February 23, 2005

Next thing to go will be the hood. (Since we mortals cant service our own vehicles anymore)

SlamminL5s · February 23, 2005

You know it sounds to me that the auto makers are going cheap on their designs or is it just me

MS3DALE · February 23, 2005

You know it sounds to me that the auto makers are going cheap on their designs or is it just me

Its not just you,I agree.

jhm · February 23, 2005

My uncle has a 2004 Exploder and it has a SEALED auto transmission. Yep, no dipstick.

We looked in the manual and it said something like "your transmission does not need to be checked, if you need service, please bring it to a ford dealer". I was simply baffled.

My friend is a Honda technician and he said Hondas are going the same way, no fuel filter and no trans dipstick, he said it's to keep the consumers from messing around in there where they have no bizness

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Honda was ahead of the pack in this regard. We have a 2000 Honda and I couldnt find the fuel filter. I called dealer and he said it has a lifetime filter in the tank. I said who's lifetime, mine, the cars or the filter's? He laughed.

100R1 · February 23, 2005

Here is whats still has me baffled, This is a statement from GM as to why they are going non-serviiceable

"In the future, due to the increased regulation of evaporative emissions, fuel systems utilizing a non-serviceable filter will become more common as new models are introduced".

Are they saying that the eveporative emissions from servicing (replacing) a external fuel filter is causing a big enviromental concern? Dang what about all of the cows in the world with methane ? Next they will sealing our car windows to trap the gas from humans, Well aleast from me......

My Wife has the same basic system on my Jeep Grand Cheroke,and it bites the big one. As it has gotten higher in miles (90K now) I have had to dump fuel system cleaner in the tank a lot more often than I like to solve hard starting etc.

So what's so hard or requires a engineers degree to change a fuel filter on a regular maintenance schedule ?

I remember the good old shade tree days, Rochester carbs & breaker point Distributors.

Elwood 2000 · February 23, 2005

I am suprised that they did not make the fuel filter where it needs to be changed at every oil change so they can sell more fuel filters!

gnutruk · February 23, 2005

Next thing to go will be the hood. (Since we mortals cant service our own vehicles anymore)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep. And soon, back to rat-a$$ automatic sliding seat belts.

gnutruk

robot225 · March 12, 2005

FYI...talked to the service manager at my dealer yesterday...

Apparently it's the "T" code engines that do not have an inline fuel filter. There is a filter on the pump in the tank but its not supposed to be be serviced.

He said they haven't ahd any problems yet, but that there really hasn't been enough time for those types of problems to surface.

He sounded a bit skeptical however about the ffact that it doesn't have a filter. I have an extended warranty so i'm not terribly cocncerned, but i guess i'll be more religious about running fuel injector cleaner.

redvett · March 12, 2005

Corvette with the 4L60E has been sealed since 1997. 2003 Corvette has had the returnless fuel system which has no replaceble fuel filter.

intruder217 · March 13, 2005

What's stopping anyone from adding a filter?

toyotatech · March 13, 2005

I can tell you that Toyota has gone to the "lifetime filter" on all of it's models. It's been a couple of years now and I haven't seen any problems. I had the filter/pump assy. out of a camry and I was suprised at how big the filter was. It was the size of a coffee can. I wonder how big the GM lifetime filters are.Any GM Techs out there who have seen one?