Fuel filter is an important component of a car as its job is to prevent dust and dirt particles from entering the engine’s combustion chamber. Fuel filter problems may start to occur after it gets clogged. It will directly impact the function and performance of the engine. Here’s all you need to know about bad fuel filter symptoms so that you know when it’s time for repair or replacement.
SIGNS YOU NEED A FUEL FILTER CHANGE
There are different types of filters in a car including oil, fuel, cabin and air filters. All these filters prevent dirt particles from getting inside important components and causing problems in the engine.
Car needs a certain amount of fuel to maintain air-fuel ratio and run properly. However if the fuel filter is filled with dirt and debris, it will not supply the sufficient fuel to the fuel injectors and the engine will malfunction. Let’s take a look at some common signs of a bad fuel filter:
REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND ENGINE MISFIRE
Vehicle needs added power when going up a hill or carrying heavy loads. It needs extra fuel to generate power and work against gravity. A clogged fuel filter will not allow proper fuel flow to the engine and result in less power in response to the load and can also possibly result in engine misfire.
ENGINE STALLING
Vehicle may start normally and continue running. When you accelerate, more fuel needs to pass through the filter to the engine. However, if the fuel filter is filled with dirt and debris, the fuel will not pass properly. This will cause the engine to stall and the vehicle will not accelerate.
TROUBLE STARTING THE ENGINE
There are many reasons why an engine won’t start. There may be an issue with car self-starter, battery, or spark plug. A bad fuel filter might also be a reason why a car starts for a second then dies. The complete clogging of the fuel filter will not allow the fuel to pass through and thus the engine won’t start.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING
One of the bad fuel filter symptoms is check engine light is on as a warning light on the car dashboard. Although there is no specific code for a bad fuel filter. However following codes may occur due to a bad fuel filter:
- P0171 indicates that the car is running on a lean fuel mixture.
- P0174 indicates a problem with the air-fuel mixture sensor.
The above two car diagnostic codes may be due to a bad fuel filter as it won’t allow the fuel to pass through, causing problems in air-fuel mixture and ratio.
VIBRATION AT SLOWER SPEED
You may notice that your car runs smoothly at cruise speed on a highway. However, the car vibrates when idle or at a slow speed. This may be a sign of a bad fuel filter that enough fuel doesn’t reach the engine at slower speed.
BAD FUEL ECONOMY
While one thinks that a bad fuel filter will improve the fuel economy, it is not the case. Fuel filters when clogged can result in a poor fuel economy because the fuel pump will send more fuel as per the engine requirement.
Bad fuel filter symptoms will need a replacement for better engine performance. Moreover the fuel filter problems can also cause significant damage to the fuel pump. You may hear whining and unpleasant sounds coming from a fuel pump due to the clogged filter.
Automotive experts recommend change in fuel filter after 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles because the contaminated one can cause the above mentioned problems. Therefore when you buy a used car in the UAE, you must check the vehicle carefully and get the necessary maintenance for a better road performance of the car.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on vehicles and automotive parts.
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