My haynes manual and service schedule do not refer to ever changing the fuel filter. Is this true, has anyone had to change theirs?
96 Noen. 2.0 16v

 

Its in the gas tank and is a lifetime filter. Or its suposed to be, lol

 

What they don't tell you is it's the life of the module, not the life of the car...
I have had to replace it on both of my Neons in the last year.

 

well half way through the production year for 96 they changed tanks from a meatel to a plastic, if you have the meatel tank it's a 30k mile filter mounted beside the tank under a meatel cover on the right side(20 bucks at advanced auto), if plastic tank, lifetime in the tank but yes they are filters and may need changing lifetime or not. i have the meatel tank and have to change mine soon, dosn't look to hard, one bolt and 3 snap lines

 

I think some clarification is needed here... Yes there is a "in-tank" filter as well as any other car on the road, but your '96 also has a external filter mounted on the frame just to the right of fuel tank (passenger side). I change mine every 30k to 40k miles or so, only because I have not had any problems with it. For those who have a plastic tank, and a car made after mid- '98 then its a completely different filter. This other filter has the pressure regulator in it, and mounts to the pump module. And good luck getting one from the dealer. Most parts guys don't have a clue about what your asking for on the '98 and up models. FYI: I change my "in-tank" filter every 50k to 60k.... just for the hell of it.... besides, it keeps the tank straps free of rust, and that way I know I can get them off if I need to.

 

They changed the fuel tank during the '96 model year from metal to plastic. Plastic tanks don't have the big external filter, just the one attached to the fuel pressure regulator (OUTside the fuel tank...).

Best of luck!