You may have heard that the fuel filter on a 2005 KIA Sorento is a permanent filter, and that you don't have to worry about it unless you have a problem. This is not true; replacing your fuel filter is a very important part of the routine maintenance of your car, and extends the life of your Sorento. It's recommended to replace the fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles.

Park your car in the shade, turn it off, lift the bonnet and let it cool off for at least 15 minutes. Extinguish cigarettes or other lit objects because these may start a fire.

Use a flathead screwdriver to take off the plastic covering on top of the engine and look for the fuel line. It is a thin, long tube that runs to the fuel tank and connects to the fuel filter with a little clamp.

  • You may have heard that the fuel filter on a 2005 KIA Sorento is a permanent filter, and that you don't have to worry about it unless you have a problem.
  • Use a flathead screwdriver to take off the plastic covering on top of the engine and look for the fuel line.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to pry the clamp off, and then immediately stick a pencil into the end of the fuel line to stop it up and prevent gas from dripping out.

Locate the bolts that hold the fuel filter in place. Find a socket that fits the bolts, loosen them and take off the filter. Remove the hose coming out of the other end of the filter just like you removed the fuel line in Step 2. Plug it up with another pencil.

Position the replacement filter the same way the old filter was positioned, so the fuel will flow in the correct direction through the filter.

Locate the two plastic shafts coming out of each end of the filter where you attach the hoses. When you reattach the hoses, push the hoses as far as possible into the plastic shafts. Reattach the hoses in reverse order you took them off in Steps 2 and 4.

  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to pry the clamp off, and then immediately stick a pencil into the end of the fuel line to stop it up and prevent gas from dripping out.
  • When you reattach the hoses, push the hoses as far as possible into the plastic shafts.

Check that all reassembled hoses and clips are tight and secure. Turn on your car and run the engine for 2 to 3 minutes. Look at the connections and hoses around the fuel filter and check that no fuel leaks out.

TIP

If you notice that the hoses running into and out from your fuel filter are getting frayed or brittle, buy new hoses and replace them next time you change your fuel filter.