How can you tell if your car needs a new fuel filter?

Question

I have a 94 toyota corolla if that helps any

Answer 1

i always tell people to change their fuel filter if they can't remember the last time it's been done.

fuel filters need to be changed every couple of years or like every 50,000k

there's not really any way to diagnose a bad fuel filter. it's like your oil. it needs to be changed before something happens

if you don't and your filter gets too clogged to the point of failure, it will also kill your pump by forcing it to work harder and harder delivering fuel to your engine.

that's why you just change them every year or two. i did mine when i bought this car used. that's two years ago so when i get some time off i'm gonna have to do it again. if i don't, it'll end up costing me a fuel pump and those are expensive.


btw if you think you're having a fuel delivery problem in that old corolla, don't forget to check the catalytic converter. that thing is 12 years old now, and as it gets clogged, you lose power and it feels just as though you're not getting gas.

Answer 2

There are two ways to determine the fuel filter blockage. One is to tap the fuel line, or use the port if there, to check for pressure value, and check the amperage draw on the fuel pump, which would only tell you that something is wrong, could be the pump, could be the filter, could be the lines. You would also need to know what the proper values are to compare. The other is to remove the fuel filter from the car and bench test it for restriction. Again you would need to know what the proper value is. Obviously, both of those suck, so I would personally suggest once per year, or the mileage the manufacture suggests, whichever comes first.

Answer 3

Any fuel system problems could be a variety of things... it is useless to attempt to diagnose a fuel filter. Check your owner's manual or call a Toyota dealer to find out how often you are supposed to change it. Most cars recommend changing the fuel and air filter every 15k miles. If you are way past that, it could be your problem. It is usually a fairly cheap maintenance item that can save you $$ from other fuel system parts wearing out prematurely. Get it done if it needs it.

Answer 4

If your car has a lack of power on take off or an extended crank before starting, it could possibly be a fuel filter. A good rule of thumb is to replace the filter every 25000 to 30000 miles. If you think it's restricted, then replace it. It could save you the cost of a fuel pump in the long run. When in doubt, swap it out!

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,and usually as a rule of thumb a filter should be changed at least once a year,,you can tell if one is getting stopped up,,it will hesitate some,,and be hard to start sometimes,,and may set and idle bad also,,it might loose power on hills or stall out once in a while,,all of thesee are signs the filter may need changing on it,also it may start up once in a while and die out again,,but start and run fine after that,any of thes signs indicate the filter should be changed on it,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.,,have a good and safe x-mas.

Answer 6

You can inform in case your gas pump is operating should you positioned your key at the "on" role however do not crank. Listen for a whine within the again close the gas tank. If you listen it then the gas pump is getting energy and is operating. To determine the gas filter out take away the rubber gas line popping out of the gas filter out and if gas is popping out its operating. Have a few variety of bottle to seize the gas additionally. Thats how I have continuously determine my filter out/pump.

Answer 7

you should change it as soon as possible if you don't know the last time it was changed. It should be changed around every 10000 miles. fuel filters aren't expensive either. Check your local auto parts store for more information.

Answer 8

Fuel filters should be changed every other oil change. Thats every 6000 miles. My husband is an ASE certified master mechanic and I restore old cars as a hobby.

Answer 9

Get a Chilton car manual for this year and make and remove the filter and replace it if it looks really brown or black.

Answer 10

you should change your filter every year is good practice