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DIY: Signs That It Is Time To Change Your Fuel Filter

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The trajectory that gasoline uses to get to your engine is a long one, and includes your fuel filter. You may not think about it often, but the fuel filter must be changed from time to time. The following is a simple guide to change your fuel filter and symptoms to watch out for. 

Signs of a Fuel Filter Issue

The following are a few signs that may reveal it is time to change your fuel filter:

  1. Pay attention to your drive on the highway because you might see signs of a bad fuel filter as you drive. All you have to do is drive normally and see if your engine misses. This will feel as if your car is simply not getting to the speed it needs to get to. You might even feel a little stutter for a few miles before your car returns to a normal drive. 
  2. You should also see how your vehicle accelerates. Fuel filter issues will make it harder for your car to accelerate. You might feel your car accelerate, but it may lose power quickly. This may feel like your car is going to turn off, but it should regain power in a moment.
  3. You might find another sign when you start-up your vehicle. Your engine needs fuel to get going, but your engine won't receive enough fuel if your fuel filter is clogged up. At this point, you should pay attention to the lights, your power windows and radio. If they turn on but your car is having problems starting up, then you may need to change your fuel filter.

Remember that these symptoms could also be related to other issues, like a bad fuel pump. You can't take care of a fuel pump on your own, as it is hard to get to so talk to your auto repair specialist if the problem continues. 

Changing Your Fuel Filter

To change your in-line fuel filter, you will need the following:

  • In-line fuel filter that fits your vehicle. You can talk to your auto repair specialist to tell you what you need. 
  • Fuel-filter tool to remove the filter

Now, to change your fuel filter, just follow the steps below:

  1. The first thing you need to do is turn off your car. Leave your car in park, and put your parking brake on. 
  2. Do this in an open area since you are going to be under your car. 
  3. Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box. You can find this in your owner's manual, or ask your auto repair specialist. 
  4. Turn your car on after the fuel pump fuse is removed. The vehicle will turn off after a while as it depressurizes your fuel lines. 
  5. Go under your car, and remove the fuel filter. The fuel filter is usually under your car on the driver's side. You can find the location in your owner's manual, or you can ask your mechanic. 
  6. Replace your fuel filter, and plug your fuel pump fuse back on. 

As you can see, you can fix your fuel filter easily. You can also just have your automotive repair specialist change the filter, should you not feel comfortable doing this on your own.


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