Remove the plastic clips holding the fuel lines to the front and back of the filter, then unscrew the bracket holding it in place. Install the new filter by connecting the fuel lines and inserting it into the bracket. Be sure to place a container below the fuel filter to catch any leaking fuel and be extremely careful when working with gasoline.

Be extremely cautious when dealing with a leaking fuel line. Never drive a vehicle with a leaking fuel line. If the rupture line is rubber, simply remove the hose clamps on either end and replace that stretch of rubber line. If it’s a steel line, you may need a professional mechanic to repair the leak.

If the reading does not match your vehicle’s specifications, the fuel pump will need to be replaced. If the reading looks great, both the fuel pump and filter are working properly.

If the car has sat for a while, condensation could have caused water to form inside the gas tank. Water in the gas can also result in inconsistent performance from the engine (causing sudden lurches or making it occasionally feel underpowered). [5] X Research source

Most issues pertaining to fuel, air flow, or electricity will prompt a specific error code that will be a letter followed by numbers. If the scanner doesn’t give you the english description, you can find a list of codes and their corresponding descriptions in a vehicle specific repair manual. You can purchase a code scanner at many auto parts stores, though they may be able to scan your vehicle for free.

Most vehicles have an air box around the air filter with an accordion-like plastic tube leading up to it. The Mass air flow sensor is usually a plug secured to the airbox with two bolts with wires leading into it.

Use the vehicle’s vin number, year, make and model information to purchase a replacement sensor if it is damaged.

Locate the oxygen sensor on the exhaust of the vehicle, (it will be the only component on the exhaust with wiring), unscrew and unplug it, then install the replacement. In some circumstances you may be able to simply clean the O2 sensor instead of replacing it.

In some vehicles, you can just remove the bolts on the flanges of the catalytic converter and drop it out to replace it. In others, you may need to cut it out using a hacksaw. Install the new catalytic converter using exhaust clamps to prevent leaks.

You may also consider replacing the spark plug wires. Be sure to reconnect the same spark plug wires to the same cylinders when done.

Be sure the connections to the battery are tight and free from grime and dirt. Clean the terminals if need be. You may want to test the battery to be sure it’s not an issue.

Because many car alarms will render a car immobile if they’re disconnected, you may want to enlist the help of a professional to test and repair your car alarm. Car alarms can be extremely complicated to work on

If it idles at the same rate after you disconnected the idle control motor, that means it was never working at all. If it wasn’t working, it will need to be replaced.