When the fuel filter message illuminates your vehicle’s dashboard, you must take the next step and drain the water from the fuel filter. But do you know how to reset the fuel filter on a Duramax? We researched to provide you with the steps to follow and much more.
Follow the steps below to reset the fuel filter on your Duramax engine:
- Turn on the ignition.
- The ‘fuel filter’ message will show up on the dashboard.
- Press the brake and gas pedal at the same time for 10 seconds.
- A ‘fuel filter life reset’ message will appear.
- Turn on the ignition again.
- Again, hold down the gas and brake pedal at the same for 10 seconds to reset.
- There will be no fuel filter message illuminating.
Keep reading to find out what the fuel filter message means, what you need to do, and how to reset it—included is how to drain water from the filter fuel and how to replace and prime it. Also, find out if it is possible to clean and reuse your fuel filter, the reasons for replacing it, and the related costs.
Can You Drive Without Resetting The Fuel Filter?
You should not be alarmed when the fuel filter light illuminates. It is just a warning that you must drain the fuel filter’s water. However, don’t ignore this task for too long because the filter can fill up with too much water, which might damage your engine.
Changing your fuel filter regularly is recommended to prevent debris and particles caught by the filter from entering the fuel system. This improves the performance of your engine.
Check out the video below that shows you how to reset your Duramax fuel filter:
Reasons To Change Your Fuel Filter
The most common reason for changing the fuel filter is that it is damaged or worn. Other reasons for changing your fuel filter include the following:
Warning Message
As mentioned earlier, the fuel filter message on your dashboard means you must drain the water from the filter. In many cases, replacing the filter after draining out the water is necessary.
Normal Fuel Repairs
If some parts of the fuel system have been repaired, such as the gas tank, the fuel pump, or the fuel injectors, it is imperative that you also replace the fuel filter. In essence, it is best to install a new fuel filter after every major engine repair.
Fuel Leak
There should be no leakage in your fuel system. If there is any fuel leaking from the fuel filter, it has to be replaced. To be double sure that there will be no further leaks, you may also have to replace the seals.
How To Replace The Fuel Filter
Check out this fuel filter housing cap on Amazon.
If the fuel filter message does not go away even after draining water, take it to your mechanic. In some cases, they may suggest you change the filter. Changing it may differ slightly between vehicle models, but in a 2017 to 2021 GMC Duramax, the steps include:
- Place a bucket under the fuel filter.
- With a 36mm socket, loosen the fuel filter housing.
- Allow the fuel to drain out as much as possible.
- Remove the housing and pour out more fuel.
- Remove the fuel filter and the old seal.
- Take the new seal and fix it around the housing.
- Put the new filter into the housing.
- Screw back the housing with the new filter in it to your vehicle.
Before starting your car, you need to prime the fuel into the filter. This is discussed in the next paragraph.
The video below is a visual representation of the steps above:
How To Prime Fuel After Replacing The Fuel Filter
Check out this fuel filter on Amazon.
Air bubbles enter your fuel system when changing the filter, so you must remove them by priming. If you neglect this process, your car may not start, or the fuel may fail to circulate properly in the fuel system.
You can use the ignition to prime your fuel. For this process, check your vehicle’s manual. But, generally, you can prime your fuel filter by turning the ignition to run for a few seconds and then turning it off. Do this four times. On the fifth turn, start your engine, allow it to run for 30 seconds, and then turn it off.
Alternatively, you could prime manually by pumping the primer handle as you loosen the air-bleed screw. You’ll know the air is coming out when you hear a hissing sound. When the sound stops, it means all the air is out. You can then tighten the screw.
Before driving your vehicle, check under your vehicle to ensure your new fuel filter is not leaking.
How To Drain Water From The Fuel Filter
You may wonder how water enters your fuel. First, diesel fuel has properties that enable it to attract and absorb moisture. If the storage tanks at fuel retailers are not well-maintained, moisture can find its way in. Subsequently, fuel plus moisture will enter your vehicle when you fuel it.
Water is a detriment to your vehicle as it can cause corrosion, growth of microbes, and icing during the winter. The fuel filter separates the water from the fuel to prevent these problems. But, even though the fuel filter does this, it can still fill up with water.
When water is about to reach the maximum level in the fuel filter, a ‘fuel filter’ warning message will appear on your dashboard. This means you need to drain out the water.
If the draining system in your vehicle is manual, open a valve at the bottom of the filter to let out the water. But, if the system in your vehicle is automatic, the water will drain out automatically.
However, if you continue seeing this message on your dashboard, there is a possibility your fuel filter has malfunctioned and cannot drain out water. Thus, you will need to check your fuel filter, which may have to be replaced.
Routine Maintenance
When you take your car for routine maintenance, your mechanic may suggest replacing the fuel filter.
Can You Clean A Fuel Filter Then Reuse It?
You are not recommended to clean your fuel filter and reuse it. Even if you’ve toyed with this idea, you should not attempt to do so.
These filters cannot be cleaned and reused because they may not withstand air pressure and will quickly get damaged. In addition, they have already deteriorated, making it easier for dust and debris to lodge further inside the filter.
Fuel filters are an integral part of your fuel system. That is why you should replace them with new ones to prevent unwanted damage to the fuel system.
In a nutshell, if your vehicle is older, then you will need to change the fuel filter more often. Or, if you drive a lot, change it when it is due. Most manufacturers recommend you change it every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Cost Of Repairing A Fuel Filter
Fuel filters are inexpensive, ranging between $10 to $40. However, if you have to replace the entire fuel pump assembly, you may have to pay between $200 and $500.
If you prefer to pay for labor, it may cost you between $60 and $120 per hour. Be prepared to pay more for complex repairs like repairing or replacing the pump assembly.
In Closing
It is easy to reset the fuel filter life on your Duramax vehicle, which you can do by following the guide provided in this post. Replacing the fuel filter after draining the water out is usually necessary.
A guide on how to replace it has been provided, and when you are done, don’t forget to prime your fuel filter. Remember that professionals caution against cleaning and reusing your fuel filter for the reasons mentioned in this post. Replacing a fuel filter is relatively cheap. However, be prepared to pay a little more if you prefer to hire a professional.
Below are more of our previous posts related to this topic:
What Is A Duramax
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Duramax Hold