Changing fuel filter on my Accord

How do I change the fuel filter on a 2007 Accord?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The fuel filter on your car is located inside the fuel tank, and is not an easily serviceable item. In order to replace it, parts of the interior need to be removed, the fuel tank needs to be drained and the entire fuel pump assembly needs to be removed. Afterwards, the tank must be properly resealed and checked for leaks. It is a much larger job than it was on older cars. If the fuel filter needs to be changed I strongly suggest that you have a professional, such as one available from YourMechanic, perform a fuel filter replacement.

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Where is the fuel filter located on my Honda? The fuel filter is always going to be found between the fuel tank and the engine.
The fuel filter in your Honda Accord is a simple, but important part of the engine that helps to keep the car running smoothly. Changing the fuel filter is easy and can be done by yourself with just a few bolts and screws.
First, park your car in a well-ventilated area and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Next, remove the gas cap to relieve any pressure from the fuel system. Now, you`ll need to find the fuel filter. Since your Accord is from 2001, the filter will be on the rear of the engine, near the brake master cylinder.
There are two judicious air filters in your Honda Accord.
Generally, you can expect your car`s manufacturer to recommend you to change the fuel filters once every 20,000 to 150,000 miles. Since this is a wide range, you`ll have to look at your owner`s manual for the most accurate fuel filter replacement intervals for your vehicle`s make and model.
There are two basic air filters in your Honda Accord.
About Fuel Filter Replacement

Older cars may need their filters replaced as often as every two years and 30,000 miles; newer vehicles could go as long as 50,000 miles before needing the filter changed.

Unfortunately, even the highest grade of gasoline still has contaminants in it that can limit efficiency and potentially damage your fuel injectors and fuel pump. That`s why your Honda vehicle has a factory-installed fuel filter.
If you remove the fuel filter you can check it for blockages by blowing air through it. To do this carefully attach a hose to one end of the air filter and then slowly blow through it. If there is anything more than a slight restriction it should be replaced.
If your vehicle`s fuel filter is dirty or clogged, this will prevent your engine from getting enough fuel. This can cause your vehicle to experience problems while trying to accelerate. A dirty air filter can also be the culprit. A dirty air filter cannot give the right air-fuel mixture resulting in slow acceleration.
Faulty Fuel Filter

If the fuel filter gets clogged and the fuel does not reach the engine chamber in the right quantity then the engine will not be able to perform at its optimum level. You will feel a loss in power while accelerating and at times intermittent jerks.

How often should you replace car air filter? Your Honda Accord service manual states you should replace your engine air filter & cabin air filter every 10,000 miles in extreme conditions and every 15,000-30,000 miles in legal driving conditions.
If you learn the steps of fuel filter replacement, you can do this fast, economical DIY job next time your vehicle needs a new fuel filter. Although details vary from one vehicle to another, the basic procedure is the same as I have described here. Cost for parts = $15 to $125.
If the filter is installed inside the tank, you will need to drain the tank before you can remove the filter for inspection or replacement.
The DPF on the Honda Accord is large in size and quite rightly sits directly after the turbocharger at the front of the engine and housed in a tin heat shield.
The rule of thumb is that most fuel filters should be replaced between every 30,000 – 40,000 Kms as per scheduled servicing.
Damage To The Fuel Pump

If you continue to drive with a clogged fuel filter, ignoring the low fuel pressures in the system, you could possibly end up damaging the fuel pump. The back pressure created from clogging up the fuel lines can put excessive strain on the fuel pump`s motor and force it to push harder.

Honda recommends a 5W-20 viscosity. A 0W-20 viscosity can also be used.
Every car has four main filters: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. The function of all these filters is to enable flows and catch impurities: the dust and contaminants in the air, the impurities in the fuel or the dirt in the motor oil.
As fuel prices are so high, many drivers are finding ways to improve fuel efficiency. Replacing a clogged fuel filter is a great place to start. Changing your fuel filter avoids unnecessary strain on the fuel system, improving fuel efficiency.
With modern common-rail diesel engines having such fine tolerances, a secondary fuel filter is a must to ensure a batch of dodgy fuel doesn`t stuff your engine. All four-wheel drives have a fuel filter in them.
The oil filter on your Honda will typically last over 3,000 miles or 3 months, however, frequent oil filters can survive average wear and tear for up to 7,500 miles.
It`s a good idea to replace the fuel filter within regular intervals, but there`s always the question of when. That comes down to how old your vehicle is, and what does the manufacturer recommend. An excellent place to start is your vehicle`s owner`s manual. The intervals vary according to the car.
How long does it take to replace a fuel filter? Depending on the location of the filter in your car, it may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to replace a fuel filter.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

To replace a fuel filter or not ? Vehicle had no fuel when bought; added fuel & it started, but should the filter be changed…
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Your head is in the right place. While gas these days is held to some better standards, its very possible to collect debris in the tank over time. Considering the mileage on the vehicle, replacing the fuel filter is a great idea anyway, and you should definitely do so. They are quick and easy to do, but you need to be careful with the fuel lines. Also make sure you install the filter in the correct direction. If your fuel pump is original, then you may want to consider replacing it as well. Running a vehicle to empty can hurt the pump. It is also a great time to inspect the tank for debris. For more help replacing either fuel component, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

Installed new delphi fuel pump and fram fuel filter. still no pressure on fuel rail valve and wont start. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
ANSWER : Hi there – I suspect you have weak power getting to the fuel pump. I would first check the voltage coming out of the fuel pump relay. If the contacts in the relay are burned, you will not get reliable current flow to the pump. Check the fuel pump ground as well (voltage drop across the ground, not just continuity). I recommend a fuel system inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

the car is acting like its getting to much fuel. changed the fuel pump, fuel filter, and the fuel pump relay.
ANSWER : There could be a few things contributing to your problem. You are correct that clogged or sticking fuel injectors and possibly the fuel pressure regulator could be faulty. A plugged catalytic converter can also cause the vehicle to bog down. A failing throttle position sensor can cause the symptoms you describe as well. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic.com, do a few tests to determine the exact cause of your starting concern.

Car won’t start after sitting for 14 months
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the fuel pump to see if it is energizing, and check the fuel pump relay to see if it is clicking when you turn on the key. If the relay is not clicking, then remove the relay and check to see if there is any power with using a test light. If there is power, then swap the relay out with the horn relay and see if the relay clicks.

If the relay clicks, then the relay went out and needs to be replaced. If the relay still does not click, then check the ground circuit for continuity, which is the feed circuit to the fuel pump. If there is no continuity, then the fuel pump needs to be replaced.

If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, who can come to your location to determine why the car is not starting and suggest the necessary repairs.

Car starts sometimes for a few seconds. Car ran completely out of gas. I changed the fuel filter, and change battery in the remote.
ANSWER : Hi there. The fuel pressure needs to be checked on the fuel rail. There should be at least 30 psi on the fuel rail. If the fuel pressure is good, then there could be air in the fuel rail causing the fuel system to lock up. Try turning on the ignition to the ’ON’ position 3 times with 30 seconds each time. This will help with the air in the system. When starting, hold the pedal on the floor, but just above the floor and crank the engine until the engine starts. If you need further assistance with your no start condition, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I have a truck that won’t run and is not getting gas to the engine. Fuel pump is running, have a new filter and new fuel pressure
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a clogged fuel injector or potentially a faulty injector that is fried internally. I would suggest testing them if you have access to a multi meter. Disconnect the injector from the electrical connector and set your multi meter to Ohms mode and measure the resistance of the injector. After testing all injectors, compare the resistance. They should be the same or very close. If they are not, they will likely need to be replaced.

I have a 1981 e-350 with dual fuel tanks the p.o. added a third tank and 3 electric fuel pumps along with sepparate gauges and swi
ANSWER : The switch you are referring to is vended with the required electrical and fuel schematic (I just looked in the box) that answers your installation question. If you want an advance view, here is a link as well. Yes, you need a return line and just refer to the aforementioned link. If you are retrofitting back to OEM, I strongly encourage you to buy the original Factory Service Manual (FSM). There are lots of details attending this system and obviously it is difficult to recount it all here. The FSM will make your life much easier and you can then make sure your installation is perfect. Alternatively, YourMechanic can dispatch a certified mechanic and perform the whole retrofit and check out if you desire. Just request and schedule a generic service such as fuel pump service and the mechanic will come to your location and estimate the parts and labor required. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Fuel pressure
ANSWER : Hello,
You may want to try checking the fuel pump relay. The relay wires should have ground on two wires, power on one wire and switched power on another wire. To activate the fuel pump your ECU actually connects one of the ground wires to complete the circuit and send power to the fuel pump. If the wires all have power running through them, then it is likely you have a faulty relay. The wire coming from the fuel pump is the other ground wire. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your wiring as this can be very difficult and time consuming without the proper wiring diagram.