How to Change a Fuel Filter on a Mazda Pickup
by Grace Mclain
The Mazda B-Series pickups come standard with a cannister type fuel filter. This fuel filter is responsible for keeping trash, debris and any other small particles out of the fuel injectors and the engine. Change your fuel filter every 30,000 miles, as part of routine maintenance.
Step 1
Park the Mazda pickup in a well ventilated area so that the gas fumes can escape.
Step 2
Unscrew the gas cap completely off of the fill neck on the gas tank. Locate the fuel pump fuse in the fuse box and remove it. Start the engine and let it idle until it stalls. This will depressurize the fuel system. Turn the ignition key off. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable.
Step 3
Jack up the rear of the Mazda pickup from a safe jacking point. Once that the truck is jacked up high enough, place a jack stand under the proper jacking points on both sides of the truck. The rear jacking points will be in front of the rear tires. Then, slowly lower the truck onto the top of the stands and leave the jack upright.
Step 4
Crawl under the rear passenger side of the truck and locate the fuel filter that is mounted inside of the frame rail, just ahead of the gas tank.
Step 5
Slide the gas catch pan directly under the area of the fuel filter. Remove the safety clips from the fuel filter and the fuel lines with the pliers. The safety clips are attached to the end of the fuel lines and the end of the fuel filter ports.
Step 6
Locate the small plastic clips at the end of the fuel lines. Slide the flat head screwdriver under the plastic clips and pry them out of the fuel lines. Be sure to be holding the fuel line with one hand while prying the clips out of the fuel lines. Then, pull the fuel lines off of the fuel filter tubes.
Step 7
Slide the fuel filter out of the round bracket and put it into the gas catch pan. Then, position the new fuel filter into the bracket with the flow arrow on the new filter pointing in the direction of the engine.
Step 8
Push the fuel lines straight onto the fuel filter tubes. Once that the fuel lines are pushed on to the tubes, make sure that the fuel lines are past the raised ridges on both fuel filter tubes. Then, slide the new plastic clips into the end of the fuel lines. These clips secure the fuel lines to the fuel filter tubes.
Step 9
Press the safety clips back over the fuel lines and the fuel filter ports with your hand. Then, carefully pull out on the fuel lines just to make sure that they are secure. Remove the catch pan from under the truck.
Step 10
Lower the truck to the ground. Reinstall the fuel pump fuse and reconnect the negative battery cable. Screw the gas cap completely back onto the fill neck of the gas tank. Get in the drivers seat and turn the ignition on and off four times to prime the new filter. Crank the engine on the fifth turn.
Step 11
Go back to the rear of the truck and inspect the new fuel filter for any type of leaks with the motor running. Turn the engine off.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual; Ford Ranger and Mazda Pick-ups Haynes Repair Manual covering all Ford Ranger models for 1993 thru 2010 and Mazda B2300/B2500/B3000/B4000 for 1994 thru 2009"; John Haynes; 2010
Tips
- The new fuel filter will come with new plastic clips. Save the old plastic clips just in case that the new fuel filter does not come with them.
- The arrow on the side of the fuel filter must face the direction of the engine.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Gas catch pan
- Pliers
- Flat head screwdriver
- New fuel filter
Warnings
- Keep any cigarettes or open flames away from gas.
- Wear safety goggles or glasses when working around gas.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
