Fuel filter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ANSWER : Hi there – the metal component you describe is a fuel check valve on the fuel return line. Its function is to maintain a small amount of pressure in the fuel system so that starting does not require the fuel pump to run very long before the engine will start. Having replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter, I would check fuel pressure while the car is running. This is to check the fuel pump relay for burned contacts that won’t support full electrical current to the pump, and for proper fuel pressure – a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator could also restrict power and higher speeds if pressure is too low. I would recommend an inspection of the fuel system 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.

ANSWER : Hi there. Are the gaskets missing, or one of them missing? A missing line gasket for the fuel line at the top of the filter can allow fuel to leak past the fitting bolt and spray dangerously on hot components. Is the leak coming from the line itself or around the bolt that attaches the line to the filter? If the line is leaking it has to be replaced, if the filter is leaking it has to be replaced, and if the leak is coming from around where the line and bolt meet then the gasket is probably missing. If the gaskets are missing or deformed from overtightening they need to be replaced. You may need to contact the dealer to get these gaskets. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to safely and accurately determine what is needed and avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a fuel leak inspection.