Interested to replace fuel filter on 2013 ES. Anyone have links to OEM filters, DIY videos, or instructions?

Do you know which other Toyota models share the same fuel pump design with 6th gen ES?

These appear to be the most detailed instructions I've found so far on this forum, but it's a 5th gen. Any significant changes in 6th gen?

 

Hmm... Why?

 

Preventative maintenance

 

Scotty is a village idiot - why do you trust him over Lexus/Toyota recommendation?

 

Happy to debate Scotty vs. manufacturer/dealership on a separate thread or PM. But on this thread, I'm just looking for info. on the fuel filter. If you have something to contribute on this subject, please do share.

 

Well said. But given that Lexus specifies overly conservative 30k engine filter, cabin filter & brake fluid change interval I don't think they would have any incentive to cover up the need for fuel filter replacement (to the point of making it virtually impossible). I have seen plenty of Toyota/Lexuses with 300k and original fuel filters. If you want to replace something - replace the fuel pump. Those do fail without warning after ~200k+ miles and will leave you stranded when they do.

 

If the 2013 DIY filter change is anything like the 2012, this is not an easy job. It's not removing two clamps on a fuel hose and replacing the filter then repeating same. The rear seat comes out and the seal into the gas tank is broken, the sending unit is removed. The same engine is used in 2013 as 2012 so may be same procedure. I'll do it when the car stops running... GOOD LUCK!

 

The write up in the thread you reference is accurate. It is not that difficult, as long as the fuel level in the tank is low. Just have to be a little careful disconnecting the plastic fuel line clips. Replacement clips are available if needed. But............
It is a waste of time, unless you actually have a bad fuel pump. I have helped my friend change quite a few bad fuel pumps. Most of the tanks are clean internally. You do not need to do change the filter, unless you have been filling it from a dirty gas can instead of filling at the gas station. The filter he shows in the thread you attached is still good, just stained from the gasoline. Forget that Scotty video unless you have an old classic car with a rusty gas tank. You are more likely to introduce dirt into the tank removing the cover and pump than actually having a dirty tank or filter.

 

Keep fuel tank low. Great idea. Thanks.

 

Just be aware that your are more likely to do more bad than good for your car. You can damage trim or upholstery when removing rear seats. You can easily break one of the multiple plastic pieces on the fuel pump assembly - and it is ~$600 to replace unless you want to go with questionable aftermarket or used part. You can spill fuel in a car and have a nasty smell for months (don't ask me how I know). You can damage the delicate fuel level sensor. You can break something and that be without a car while waiting for a replacement part.

On the other hand a clogged fuel filter will give you enough advanced warning so you can replace it when and if actually needed (which is most likely never). With clogged filter you start losing power at the wide-open-throttle @ peak RPM - when the demand for fuel is greatest and pump will not be able to supply enough fuel volume to maintain the correct pressure. Maybe you will get missfires and CEL if it gets reallly bad. Scotty's comments about the pump "working hard" with dirty filter are pure BS. The pump always works the same and pumps more fuel that engine would ever need. The fuel pressure regulator than redirects most of this fuel back into a tank while maintaining a set pressure. ~90% of pump failures are due to worn out brushes - which only care about amount of time the pump is on and not sensitive about how "hard" it works.

If it ain't broke don't fix it - quite applicable to what are you trying to do.

 

Point well taken, and thanks for the technical insights. Like many, I've got a nice chunk of time here to do preventative maintenance, and this has been on my list.

 

Just never let the Fuel go below 15% constantly

 

Right. Still interested in replacing filter as preventative maintenance, and happy to have any suggestions about the procedure.

 

Not much more to add than what is in the link. Here are the removal procedures for a 2016 to 2019 out of Techstream for the pump. Also how to depressurize.