I recently had to replace the fuel filter on my Renault Scenic 1.9 DCI.

When was the last time you changed your fuel filter on your Renault Scenic 1.9? DCI? It should be replaced at least once a year. I decided to replace my filter ten months after I bought it and thought I would show you how.

Why Do I Need to Change the Fuel Filter?

Fuel filters need changing as they become clogged with rust from the fuel tank and system. Over time, water builds up from condensation in the fuel tank and can cause your car to have starting problems.

In my case, the engine had begun running lumpy (rough) and was proving slow to start. Changing the fuel filter did the trick. It also cleared the intermittent problem of the glow plug light remaining on after starting.

Where to Start

First you start by identifying your fuel filter and its location. If you look at the picture below you see it is located in the left side of the engine bay as you stand in front of the car.

Tight Space

You will notice that space is tight, so you don't have much room to maneuver. There isn't much play in the fuel lines either. Familiarise yourself with the connections before you start.

Top tip: Take photos of the parts in place before you remove them.

How to Replace the Fuel Filter

Here are some steps on how to replace the entire fuel filter.

Removing the Old Filter

Removing the old fuel filter is easy enough, and Renault has colour coded both the filter and the fuel lines to make the process as easy as possible. If you buy non-dealer parts when replacing, you will see that the colour coding isn't present. This might give you another reason to take a picture before you remove the old part.

The great thing is that the new filter comes with those green stoppers, pictured. This allows you to plug the connections when you remove each fuel line. If you use them when removing the filter, you will not spill any diesel, other than the little bit which will seep out of the end of the fuel line.

When removing the fuel lines, you will need two screwdrivers, as detailed below, to press in the clips which attach the lines securely to the filter. Be careful not to break the plastic on the ends of the lines, particularly if doing the job in cold weather.

• Stubby screwdriver, flat-bladed
• Long thin screwdriver, flat-bladed

Will you do it yourself ?

Fitting the New Fuel Filter

Obviously fitting the new filter is less tricky than the removal of the old one.

The fuel lines should just snap back into place, but your two screwdrivers might be required if the clips on the fuel lines are particularly stubborn.

First Startup After Replacing Filter

When you start up after replacing your fuel filter, the engine may take a while to fire. This is due to the fuel pump priming and pressurising the fuel system again. So don't be concerned if it takes a few turns to get it started.

French Mechanic Changing Fuel Filter: A Different Approach

Thanks for reading and happy motoring.

Regards

Steve

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2014 Steve Mitchell