If you’re having fuel filter issues on your 2002 Saturn L200, it shouldn’t be too difficult to locate and change the filter yourself—but it won’t be too expensive to pay a mechanic to do it, either.
If you’re still driving a 2002 Saturn L200, your car is living proof that this model is reliable. That doesn’t mean Ol' Reliable won’t have its fair share of maintenance and repair needs, and a fuel filter replacement may be one of them.
Not sure where the oil filter is or how to go about fixing it? Jerry
is here to help. As the trusted car insurance
app saving drivers on their Saturn L200 car insurance cost
, we’ll provide you with the details you need to get your fuel filter squared away. Where is the fuel filter on a 2002 Saturn L200?
No matter how old your car is, you can always find the fuel filter between the gas tank and the engine—because that’s where it does its job! For the 2002 Saturn L200, you can find the fuel filter near the corner of the fuel tank by the passenger’s side rear tire.
The fuel filter functions to remove contaminants or debris that may be in your gasoline as it goes from your tank to the engine’s fuel injectors, and it’s only one part of your fuel system. This system also includes a fuel level-sending unit and a fuel pressure regulator. Just like your air filter and oil filter, your fuel filter performs an essential task to keep your car running smoothly.
If your Saturn needs a new fuel filter, you won’t need advanced training to do it yourself. All you need is a Phillips-head screwdriver, a standard clamp, a towel, and a small amount of engine oil. Before you tackle this project, though, make sure the issue isn’t due to any larger fuel pump malfunctions.
Signs of a clogged fuel filter
Fuel system issues usually happen in tandem, but sometimes all it takes is a new fuel filter to get your car up to snuff. To determine whether your fuel filter is the culprit, keep an eye out for these common signs:
Difficulty starting your car
Noises emitting from the fuel pump
Idling, sputtering, and engine misfires
Pungent odors from the exhaust
If your fuel filter has gone bad, your fuel economy will suffer and your vehicle emissions will increase, so make sure you get your fuel filter replaced as soon as you can.
2002 Saturn L200 fuel filter replacement
One perk of driving an older vehicle is you can get your fuel filter replaced without a huge amount of hassle. That’s because the fuel filter of a 2002 Saturn L200 is an in-line filter, so unlike modern cars, the filter can be changed without having to change the entire fuel pump.
If you’re taking your Saturn to a mechanic, you can expect to pay somewhere between $89 and $155 for a fuel filter replacement
—but this depends on your specific auto shop and the quality of the fuel filter. If you’re confident in your mechanical skills, you can save a few bucks and change the fuel filter yourself. You can find an affordable fuel filter at an auto parts store like Autozone
or O’Reilly Auto Parts
. MORE: Are Saturns expensive to maintain?
How to save on L200 insurance costs
Another perk of rocking an older model? Cheaper car insurance
! That being said, more seasoned vehicles are prone to needing more frequent (and expensive!) repairs, so it may be worth looking for a new Saturn car insurance
policy to save some cash. Luckily, Jerry
makes that easy. Just download Jerry’s top-rated insurance comparison app
and plug in your vehicle’s information. In just 45 seconds, Jerry collects the best quotes from over 55 insurance providers to bring you customized policy options straight to your phone. Say goodbye to long forms and phone calls. When you’re ready to sign up for a new policy, Jerry’s agents will handle the grunt work of switching you over so you can start saving ASAP.
Average Jerry users save more than $800 a year on car insurance! That can go a long way in covering your Saturn maintenance and repair costs!