Fuel Filter

Fuel travels quite a distance before you pump it into your tank. Over time, exposure to and movement between various containers can contaminate fuel with dirt, paint, rust, water, and other contaminants. Keep your fuel system clean with a new fuel filter.

Fuel filters generally last at least 30,000 miles, but some can last over 100,000 miles. Situated between the fuel tank and fuel injection system, the filter absorbs contaminant particles to clean gas before it reaches your engine. If these particles are not removed, they can clog small openings in a vehicle’s carburetor and fuel injectors. These clogs prevent sufficient fuel from reaching the engine, causing symptoms like a loss of engine power, low fuel economy, engine misfires, and stalling. That’s why clogged fuel filters often prompt OBD-II codes that indicate fuel injection system errors.

Depending on your vehicle, the exact location of the fuel filter can vary. Some vehicles have inline filters, which are in the middle of the fuel line. Other filters are generally mounted on the gas tank, or on the carburetor or fuel injector assembly. What’s important is that the filter is located between these components so that it can remove contaminants from fuel before they reach the fuel delivery system.

Where the filter is mounted determines its shape. Inline filters are shaped like a canister with connectors on each end to attach to the fuel line. Filters that are mounted elsewhere are either made as cartridges or spin-on canisters.

While fuel filters are often overlooked and changed less frequently than other filters, they are still a relatively easy job for dedicated DIYers on most vehicles. The trick is to prevent fuel leaks during your work to change the filter. To do this, you should remove the fuel pump relay fuse, and idle the engine until it stalls to relieve fuel pressure. Once this is done, you can use a drain pan to catch any leftover drops of gas. Some fuel filters require specialty tools for removal. If you don’t have the right tool, our tool rental service can likely help.

If you need a new filter, AutoZone makes finding the right parts easy. If you need a Ford F-150 fuel filter, give us your F-150’s information, and we’ll find parts to meet or exceed your truck’s OE fit, form, and function. It works the same way no matter what you drive. Just enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine up above, and we’ll find the right part for you. Get to work on changing your parts fast with free shipping or buy your filter online and pick it up in-store today.