Where is the fuel filter located?

Hi,

The fuel filter on a 2012 Dodge Caravan is located inside the fuel tank and is part of the fuel pump assembly. This filter type is commonly referred to as an "in-tank" fuel filter.

To replace it, the fuel tank needs to be removed, and then the fuel pump module. I attached the directions below for tank removal.

Let me know if that is something you are comfortable performing. Also, let me know what has led you to believe the filter needs to be replaced.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

I’m having trouble with the van starting. I thought it was just a fuel filter because my wife ran it out of gas. I changed the fuel pump/filter and now it will start but not always. Sometimes it does not want to start. I changed the start stop relay. All the fuses look good. Any ideas? Thank you.

Hi,

When it does start, does it run properly? Also, you would be surprised how many fuel pumps are replaced after running the fuel tank empty.

As far as the issue, when it gives you a problem starting, does the starter engage normally, turning the engine, but the engine refuses to run? Also, when it is running, does the check engine light stay on or flash?

Let me know as much as you can.

Take care,

joe

Almost every time I go to start it, it will crank then almost immediately die. I do this sometimes 4 or 5 times before it will crank and stays running. Once it starts it drives fine with no issues. The check engine light has been on in the past but currently is not on and hasn’t been for a while. I never checked the fuel pressure, but I did change the fuel pump after it ran out of gas. Also, never had any trouble with it before it ran out of gas.

Hi,

Do me a favor. Try this and let me know if it starts normally. I'm wondering if dirt got into one of the fuel injectors. When you turn the key off, the fuel pressure will slowly drop to a point and then stop. When you turn the key back on, it primes to rebuild pressure. If there is a leak due to a stuck injector, it could take a few primes to get the pressure back to where it needs to be. Try this and let me know.

1) Turn the key from the off to run position (engine off) and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off and repeat step 1 a total of 4 times.

3) On the 5th time, see if it starts normally.

___________________________________________

Also, here is a link that explains how to test fuel pressure. I suspect this would be a good thing to do. If pressure is within the manufacturer's specifications, then we need to watch fuel pressure drop off when the key is turned off.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I attached the pressure specifications below. Also, when you replaced the pump, did you replace the entire module or just the pump motor?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Thank you for all that info. I will check fuel pressure. Also, I changed the entire fuel pump module.

Hi,

Thanks for the update. If you did replace the entire module, you got everything. So, that leads me to think it may be related to an injector.

Let me know what you find as far as fuel pressure.

Take care,

Joe