Lextranny

How often you supposed to replaced the fuel filter? Dealer says never.
True or false?

I got a 2005 RX330 AWD with 35k miles on it.

Has anyone done it?

Lexmex

On U.S. gas, probably you can go a very long time and not need changing. U.S. gas is of sufficiently high quality that for the average time of ownership of most vehicles, it is not necessary.

HOWEVER, having lived where I live and having to use Pemex gas (no other stations down here), I have had it changed several years ago (and it could use another changing), as the last time they did it, I did have a sufficient amount of accumulation. My uncle down here has changed out several fuel filters on vehicles and probably in the coming year will change it out with him again.

andreys

According to Lexus/Toyota, you should never need to change the filter, so dealer is perfectly right. However, from experience, it is a good idea to replace the filter after about 100k or so.

-- Andrey

Lextranny

Thanks for the info......how hard is it to DIY? I was told the fuel filter is inside the gas tank?

Lexmex

Well, at least on the RX300, one has to remove the rear left seat and there is a kind of panel one can access the pump and the filter attached on to it. However, it is not something I would do my own as you have to take some precautions and disconnect some lines.

andreys

Fuel filter is very easy to change if you're comfortable with tools. Fuel filter is located just behind the driver's door (underneath) and has one fuel line going in, and one fuel line going out. You disconnect them, swap the filter and you're done.

However, if there is nothing wrong with your filter, there is absolutely no need to change it.

andreys

are you sure? I have never seen a vehicle where fuel filter is located *inside* the car and fuel filter swap requires seat removal. Even on my sister's Highlander (same as your RX300) fuel filter is underneath the car and no seat removal is required. Are you confusing fuel filter with something else?

Lexmex

After removing the seat and carpet, there is something called a Floor Service Hole Cover and that goes to the fuel tank where the pump and the filter are. The fuel filter surround the fuel pump. Not sure about the other configurations of vehicles you mentioned. Now, I could fathom you could get at that tank without doing that, but I can't see much separation of space there. A few years back when I had this done at Lexus they indeed had removed the seat to get at it.

andreys

wow... I just looked at Lexus FSM and indeed, fuel filter is inside the fuel pump next to the gas tank. That's just stupid... So yeah, doing that in person is possible, but is certainly more inolved than on other vehicles.

Best advise, if things work and you have no problems with fuel delivery, no need to change the filter.

andreys

Here is FSM for those who're interested

Lexmex

I may do a DIY on this with my RX300, but only at the point when I am ready to leave Mexico (also may change out my catalytic converter again (already on my second aftermarket cat down here).

I figure one might be able to the tip the gas tank down to get at it without the seat, but I do know of vehicles my uncle as worked on where the filter is in other more convenient locations. I agree with you, the location is stupid, major PITA.

andreys

Here is the location for a fuel filter on my 4Runner... Basically it is located just underneath the skid plate sort of on the side of a body and is *very* easy to swap with just two bolts that I was talking about earlier:

Lexmex

Here's the one for the RX300, (photo originally came from RX300 owner and CL member meetya).

The fuel pump is enclosed by this filter.

Lextranny

Sounds like it requires a lot of work just to change it. I'll have to think about it.

Miketup

I am wondering where the filter is located on a RX 450h?
Mine has 124k miles