Automotive Fuel Filter Replacement at Mobile Mechanics of Lincoln

Automotive Fuel Filter Replacement Service near Lincoln NE: Changing the filter on a fuel-injected vehicle can be tricky. On fuel-injected vehicles, you need to disable the fuel pump to relieve the pressure on the fuel lines, which may be secured to the filter with clamps, threaded fittings, or special quick-connect fittings. Lines with threaded fittings require a special flare-nut line wrench. Lines with special quick-connect fittings may require special tools to disconnect them. Ask the clerk at an auto parts store or the service department at your dealership which type of filter your vehicle has.

If doing this infrequent job requires purchasing special tools, it’s probably cheaper to have it done by a technician. If not, the first thing you need to do is find the filter. Your owner’s manual should show you where your fuel filter is and whether there’s more than one on your vehicle. If it doesn’t, ask someone in the service department at your dealership or consult a service manual for your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

Benefits of replacing your vehicle’s fuel filter

The fuel delivery system is an integral part of your vehicle. The fuel filter is a very important component of that fuel delivery system. It makes your vehicle’s fuel delivery system efficient. It also plays an important role in achieving optimal performance of the engine. However, with time, this filter gathers dirt and fails to work well, which can eventually lead to failure of the vehicle. Thus, it’s vital to replace the filter to ensure optimal efficiency of the engine.

• Boosts Engine Power

The fuel filter makes sure that clean fuel enters the engine and it enables the fuel delivery system to source the ideal quantity of fuel as required. This is made possible as the fuel filter is capable of preventing clogging of fuel injectors, as a result, boosting the power of the engine.

• Increases Engine’s Life

The fuel filter prevents dust which could otherwise get into the engine and damage the cylinders, pistons and other components that will result in the need of costly repairs. Replacing these filters prevents such issues and ensures a longer engine life.

• Improves Engine Performance

Clean fuel filters are essential for the fine engine performance. The fuel filter prevents dirt and remains from entering the important components of the fuel delivery system. This results in higher performance of the engine. Proper maintenance and replacement of the fuel filter as recommended by the manufacturer can help boost the performance of your vehicle by 2% to 4%.

• Better fuel efficiency

It is essential to change the fuel filter periodically as advised in the owner’s manual. Replacing the fuel filter with a new replacement makes sure of removing the contaminants from the fuel and also ensures the right amount of flow of fuel going to the engine. This will guarantee optimal efficiency. A blocked fuel filter will lead the engine to get insufficient amount of fuel provided, and leads to reduced optimal performance.

• Reduced emissions

Vehicle emissions are harmful. As a clogged fuel filter will lead to insufficient supply of fuel through the fuel injectors, it leads to improper ratio of air-fuel mixture, causing inadequate fuel burning and resulting in harmful emissions. Replacing the fuel filter will lead to an appropriate flow of fuel and air to the engine. This economizes fuel consumption and decreases emissions.

• Protects fuel injectors and fuel pumps from contaminants

Clean fuel is essential for optimal performance of the engine of your vehicle. The fuel filter removes dirt, rust, solids and other contaminants from the fuel. When the fuel filter does not function properly, it could lead to harmful effects on fuel pump and the injectors because of the contaminants in the fuel.

Replacing the fuel filter in your vehicle is important because it ensures engine efficiency. When replacing the filter, take professional help if needed. Make sure to replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Fuel Filter Replacement Tips

• Only replace your fuel filter when the engine is cold.
• Wear eye protection and disposable gloves.
• Work in a well-ventilated area. Changing a fuel filter releases flammable fumes and a small amount of fuel.
• Depending on the location of your vehicle’s fuel filter, you may need to use jack stands for easy access. Use your vehicle handbook to identify the most suitable position for your jack.

Simple Steps to Replace Your Fuel Filter

Automotive Fuel Filter Replacement Service near Lincoln NE: Ensure that the engine is switched off, the handbrake is applied and the vehicle is not in gear.

• Locate the fuse box. Check your vehicle handbook to identify the location of yours. This information is also usually available on the manufacturer’s website.
• Use pliers to disconnect the fuse that powers the fuel pump. This will allow you to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning and relieve the pressure in the fuel system. If you don’t relieve the pressure in the fuel system, unscrewing the fuel lines will be an explosive process.
• Start the engine. The engine should use the fuel remaining in the fuel system. If the engine sputters, there may not be enough pressure in the fuel lines to force fuel into the engine. Allow the engine to run for a minute before turning it off.
• Reconnect the fuel pump fuse once the pressure has been relieved from the fuel system.
• Reattach the fuse box cover and any other parts that you had to remove to access the fuse box.
• It’s vital that the engine is switched off during this step. Do not restart the engine once you have reconnected the fuse.
• Disconnect the battery. You may need a hand/socket wrench to loosen the nut that connects the cable and negative terminal.
• Tuck the negative cable to one side of the battery to ensure it doesn’t come into contact with the negative terminal.
• Locate the fuel filter using your vehicle handbook. Fuel filters usually connect to the fuel line at the intake side or the outtake side. The entire assembly is secured with a mounting bracket. The fuel filter may be located at any point along the fuel line, meaning that it could be near the fuel tank or closer to the engine. You may need to jack the car up to access the fuel filter. Alternatively, the filter may be accessible from inside the cabin, especially in older models.
• Compare your new and old filters to ensure you have the correct replacement and know the fuel flow direction. This will be essential when you replace your fuel filter. Fuel flow direction is usually indicated by an arrow on the filter.
• Place a bucket or bowl underneath the fuel filter and wrap a towel around the filter. This will catch any excess fuel that spills out when you disconnect the filter from the mounting bracket.
• Disconnect the mechanism holding your old fuel filter in place. Most filters are connected with two plastic clips. Other fuel filters are secured with a clamp that can be removed using a flat-head screwdriver. With fuel lines disconnected, you can slide the fuel filter out of its bracket.
• Slide the fuel lines away from the filter, tipping them towards the bucket/bowl to catch any excess fuel. Check the condition of the fuel lines. They will need to be replaced if they are cracked or damaged. Fasten the fuel lines onto the front and back of the new fuel filter.
• Secure the new fuel filter, attaching it with the mounting bracket. You also need to service the fuel filter washers. Check the condition of the washers – most differ from one side of the filter to the other.
• Reconnect the battery and check for leaks before starting the engine. Your vehicle may not start immediately, you may need a few attempts for the pressure to rebuild.