Fitting a diesel filter
Q I’d be grateful if you could help me with renewing the fuel filter on my 2016 Honda CR-V 1.6 I-DTEC. The location of the fuel filter is way down in the engine bay and slightly ahead of the driveshafts. For this reason, it is very difficult to access either from above or below. Also, there does not appear to be a fuel hand primer as per the previous diesel models.
I have attached a photo of the fuel filter unit. Unlike the previous 2200cc model, it’s a complete unit and not just a refill cartridge. John Kilgallen
A As you observe, the fuel filter is difficult to access and the book time I have for the job is 0.9 hours. As your vehicle is still in the warranty period, it would be advisable to have the servicing carried out by a recognised garage. Honda states that you must “ensure the vehicle is serviced in accordance with the service schedule, as detailed in the service book by a dealer to maintain the validity of this agreement.” Because your vehicle is so new, manufacturer data is difficult to find, and although I have details of tolerances and many other specifications, the Honda workshop manual for 2016 vehicles is not yet available. By the time your vehicle is out of warranty, the manual may be available.
From the details I have, the filter should be located under the vehicle, on the offside and around the area of the front driveshaft. You will have to remove the engine covers, after which it appears the exhaust downpipe may need to be unbolted and moved to the side. Once you have access, the pipes can be disconnected and the unit released and removed.
I can find no evidence that the vehicle has an electric in-tank pump. As such, I would recommend the new filter is filled by syphoning the fuel through before reattaching the output hose.