The fuel filter on a 2016 EcoDiesel is located in the engine bay on the passenger side near the firewall, inside a cylindrical filter housing that also contains a water separator. Access is gained with the hood up.
Where to look in the engine bay
Both the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel share a similar layout. To locate the filter, start by focusing on the passenger side of the engine bay toward the firewall. The filter is housed in a vertical canister that receives and vents diesel through two hoses, and it often includes a small drain valve at the bottom for water drainage. Some trims may have protective shields or wiring that partially obscure the unit, so you may need to remove a cover or trim panel to see it clearly.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (2016)
In this model, the filter housing is typically found on the passenger side of the engine bay near the firewall. It is a vertical canister with two hose connections and a bottom drain for water separation. Access may be aided by removing nearby covers or shields.
Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (2016)
For the Grand Cherokee, look toward the passenger side of the engine bay near the firewall as well. The housing mirrors the Ram setup—a vertical canister with inlet/outlet lines and a water-separator feature—often tucked behind hoses or mounted to a bracket that may require slight shield removal for full visibility.
How to identify the filter by sight: a cylindrical canister in the engine bay with two diesel lines connected to it and a small bottom drain valve for water separation. The unit is distinctive and usually labeled as a fuel filter/water separator assembly.
Before attempting any work, consult the owner's manual or a service manual for your exact model to confirm the location and the correct filter part number.
Replacement and maintenance (high-level)
If you need to replace or service the filter, follow a general procedure designed to minimize air in the system and avoid fuel leaks. The steps below are high-level guidance; always follow the vehicle’s official service instructions or a professional mechanic.
- Prepare by ensuring the engine is off, the key is out, and the fuel system is depressurized as described in the service guide.
- Relieve pressure and disconnect the electrical or sensor connections as required.
- Remove the filter housing bolts and carefully extract the old filter with the water separator.
- Install a new filter assembly, ensuring proper orientation and O-rings, then reassemble the housing and tighten to spec.
- Prime the system if required by the filter kit; turn the ignition to ON for a few seconds to activate the fuel pump, and repeat as directed to purge air.
- Check for leaks around the housing and along fuel lines; start the engine and idle, checking again for drips.
Note: The EcoDiesel’s fuel system relies on the water separator built into the filter. Replace the filter according to the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual or service bulletin. If you’re unsure, have a qualified technician perform the replacement.
Summary
The fuel filter on a 2016 EcoDiesel is located in the engine bay on the passenger side near the firewall, inside a vertical cylindrical housing that includes a water separator. It is generally accessible with the hood open, though some trims may require removing a protective shield to gain full access. Always verify the exact location for your specific model in the owner's manual and follow the proper replacement steps to ensure a clean, leak-free installation.