Fuel filter replacement on Peugeot 406 (2.2 HDi)

Reminder: When the fitter is off, make sure the handbrake is properly applied (you can also leave a gear engaged)

Open the hood and remove the front part of the engine cover. (No tools required, first lift the cover forward, then pull it towards you)

Disconnect the pipes. To do this, press on the rings (white or green) and pull back. (Some fuel may leak out, so you can place some paper towels under the connections beforehand to avoid getting it everywhere)

Disconnect the connector. (Lift the connector locking tab then pull it back)

Using a spanner/fireman's wrench, loosen the ring that holds the decantation bowl cover closed. (If you don't have a suitable key, a standard filter key will do the trick, as in the photo. Be careful, it's not necessarily easy to unlock, give it a few small jolts if it resists too much)

Carefully lift the lid, the filter is attached underneath and should come with it. Let it drain or have a rag or paper towel ready so you don't get fuel everywhere as you walk away.

Remove the used filter from the cover (It's just snapped in, pull on it and it will come off by itself)

Wipe the cover thoroughly before fitting the new filter in place of the old one.

Make sure the dimensions of the new filter match those of the old one!

Be careful not to damage anything when unlocking the ring with your filter wrench.

It is possible to purge the fuel directly by turning the white wheel located under the bowl, but you risk getting it everywhere...

If you don't have a hand pump to empty the bowl, the easiest thing to do is to remove it from its support and empty it into a container provided for this purpose. (drain tray for example).

To remove the bowl from its support, use the 10 socket wrench to remove the two retaining screws (in "A" in the photo)

Make sure to hold the bowl when removing the screws or you don't want it to fall!

Once dismantled, empty the fuel into a collection container provided for this purpose.

Clean the bowl carefully with a clean, dry cloth

Replace the bowl on its support using the 2 screws using the 10 socket wrench.

Remove the old bowl gasket and put the new one in place (cf photo).

Replace the cover with the new filter.

Make sure the gasket is seated correctly before replacing the cover. (the gasket is supplied with the filter)

(Optional) You can fill the bowl halfway with clean fuel before closing to speed up restarting the vehicle.

Re-tighten the ring using your filter wrench

Reconnect the small green connector.

Reconnect the pipes.

The 406 is not equipped with a manual pump to re-prime the system.

Turn on the ignition (don't try to start), wait for the diesel pump to stop, then start again until you no longer hear the sound of air bubbles. If you went back up with the filter bowl empty, you will have to do this about ten times. If you had half filled the bowl, turning on the ignition once or twice should be enough.