Narrative:

We were climbing to FL230. I was the pm. We had just confirmed a clearance when the master caution illuminated. This was caused by the number one fuel filter bypass light. I advised the first officer to continue to fly; and I started to use my QRH to run the checklist. However; I went to the QRH and found the engine oil filter bypass checklist. I didn't verify with the first officer the correct checklist; but instead started to run the checklist.as I completed the checklist; I was instructed to secure the engine as the light had not extinguished. I advised center we had to shut down an engine; and requested a lower altitude. We also asked to return to [departure airport] as we were only 75 miles away. We gave ATC our souls on board and fuel on board.I briefed the flight attendants and the passengers of our plans; and sent a message to dispatch via ACARS.during our descent; the first officer queried the checklist we had used; and it was then I discovered I had used the wrong checklist. I then read the fuel filter bypass checklist. We discussed whether we should restart the engine and continue to [departure airport]. I decided that due to the note about possible erratic engine operation and flameout due to fuel contamination; it was safer to continue with the number one engine secured; as the weather was good. We used the one engine inoperative landing checklist; and landed without incident.upon identifying the fuel filter bypass light; I should have asked to the first officer to confirm whether we were using the correct checklist to manage the malfunction. By having both of us in the loop on the QRH; I don't believe this would have happened.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737-700 flight crew reported running the wrong checklist in response to a fuel filter bypass light master caution; resulting in an unnecessary inflight engine shutdown.

Narrative: We were climbing to FL230. I was the PM. We had just confirmed a clearance when the master caution illuminated. This was caused by the number one fuel filter bypass light. I advised the FO to continue to fly; and I started to use my QRH to run the checklist. However; I went to the QRH and found the engine oil filter bypass checklist. I didn't verify with the FO the correct checklist; but instead started to run the checklist.As I completed the checklist; I was instructed to secure the engine as the light had not extinguished. I advised Center we had to shut down an engine; and requested a lower altitude. We also asked to return to [departure airport] as we were only 75 miles away. We gave ATC our souls on board and fuel on board.I briefed the flight attendants and the passengers of our plans; and sent a message to Dispatch via ACARS.During our descent; the FO queried the checklist we had used; and it was then I discovered I had used the wrong checklist. I then read the fuel filter bypass checklist. We discussed whether we should restart the engine and continue to [departure airport]. I decided that due to the note about possible erratic engine operation and flameout due to fuel contamination; it was safer to continue with the number one engine secured; as the weather was good. We used the one engine inoperative landing checklist; and landed without incident.Upon identifying the fuel filter bypass light; I should have asked to the FO to confirm whether we were using the correct checklist to manage the malfunction. By having both of us in the loop on the QRH; I don't believe this would have happened.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.