Fuel Filter Replacement
What is a fuel filter?
Fuel filters are an important part of the fuel delivery system. They prevent contaminants from fuel, and the fuel tank, from entering the rest of the fuel system and causing damage.
How does the fuel filter work?
Fuel filters are typically mounted to the undercarriage, on the main fuel line after the fuel pump. The filter traps particulates as the fuel flows through it. This keeps contaminants away from sensitive fuel injectors, rails, and fuel pressure regulators, preventing more expensive damage.
A partially plugged fuel filter can result in a lean running condition and cause the Check Engine Light to come on.
Infrequent fuel filter changes can lead to potentially expensive problems with the fuel pump and/or injectors.
A dirty fuel filter can cause a "noisy" fuel pump and a loss of engine power.
What are the symptoms related to a bad fuel filter?
When the fuel filter begins to clog, the engine suffers from fuel starvation. This will cause a significant reduction in power and may also cause a misfire. These conditions may be intermittent, or constant and worsen over time. As the issue progresses, the engine may being to stall immediately after starting, fail to start, hesitate under throttle, or stall at particular angles on hills.
Can I drive with a fuel filter problem?
If a driveability problem such as a clogged fuel filter exists, driving is not advised. A vehicle that accelerates unpredictably, or stalls every few moments is a hazard to you and those around you, increasing the possibility of the engine shutting down on the highway. The vehicle may also be impossible to drive, since the fuel cannot reach the engine.
How often do fuel filters need to be replaced?
Fuel filters are a maintenance item, your owner's manual will have the manufacturer's recommended schedule for replacement. We typically see fuel filters replaced every 40,000 - 80,000 miles. Fuel filters should be replaced according to the service schedule, not just when a related problem occurs.
How are fuel filter issues diagnosed?
Changing the fuel filter normally does not require a diagnosis. They are most often replaced as scheduled maintenance, or as part of a repair necessitating early replacement of the fuel filter. If the fuel system is being diagnosed, the fuel filter may be replaced as a step in the diagnosis. If the fuel filter has been run past the replacement interval, or if it was noted that the fuel tank had contaminants in it, the filter will immediately be suspected of failure in the case of any fueling issue.
How is a fuel filter replaced?
For an in-line filter, there are two lines on either end of the filter that need to be released. Some GM vehicles require special tools to release the lines, while some European vehicles will require at least one line wrench to break the metal line fittings loose. The sealing washers will need to be replaced as well to prevent leaks from the new filter. If any debris or dirt are noted from the filter inlet line, the fuel tank will be inspected for corrosion and contaminants.