How To Replace An In-Tank Fuel Filter On A Subaru

Fuel Filter replacement performed on a 2010 Subaru Impreza. If you wish not to perform all of the steps shown in this video, the other option is purchasing a new fuel pump assembly. The plus side is you'll save time. The down side is a genuine Subaru fuel pump assembly is over $400. The filter and gasket shown in this video runs around $80. Fuel filter part number used - 42072AG140. Fuel filter gasket used - 42025AG000
► Subscribe! / carsntoys
►► Tools and Supplies: www.amazon.com/shop/carsntoys
►► Fuel Line Removal Tool: amzn.to/2x9pXY2
►►► Subaru Maintenance and Repair Playlist:
• Subaru Repair
►►► Our most helpful videos (One million + playlist): • 1 Million Views Playlist
Note:
This video is being performed by an experienced tech. Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, use safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. If you don't think you can perform the job then be smart and don't. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film is strictly prohibited.
Fuel Filter Replacement On A Late Model Subaru - In Tank Replacement:
• How To Replace An In-T...
Carsntoys
/ carsntoys

[@emgee6026]

I can imagine the design meeting when Subaru came to the fuel filter... "Hey, here's an idea, why don't we make changing the filter as hard and as impossibly complicated as possible? We made it easy to change on our other models and just put the filter under the bonnet and it's an easy 10 minute job but this time let's really make it a total bastard to change. All agreed? Excellent"

[@erichertsens]

Shame on Subaru

[@gabrieli334]

It’s how they make service centers money

[@dingpongchi632]

Now day most of the new Japanese cars using in tank filter, not just only Subaru.

[@songhong5482]

Agreed ,design to sliming our wallet,

[@VincentChan86]

@@gabrieli334 Funny thing is, their service centers don't even want to change these filters

[@matt_b...]

13+ minutes into this, and you've just convinced me to buy the assembly versus take my chances on this level of rocket surgery to perform a simple task. Many thanks for the video, though. I'm sure it took a lot of know how and skill to pull this off.

[@michaelmardini346]

So true..

[@JonathanVaucher]

I think with such a great video tutorial, I could do it myself. The tools aren't really complicated. The main rule of thumb I see here is 1) Take your time, 2) Don't force anything (plastic does become brittle with time) and 3) Use the right tool for the job.

[@alextallen8019]

Yeah dude, 100%. I KNOW I'll spend the 70 bucks on the filter and then break the pump and then end up breaking the pump anyway.

[@crxtodd16]

I did it myself and it really wasn't bad at all. Even so, nothing wrong with just going with a whole new assembly.

[@lainhensley9635]

bro it took me 30 min.......

[@jryanwill]

Trick to stop flow out of the pump assemsbly. Open your gas cap to relieve the pressure in there.

[@CarsNToys]

Good tip! Thank you

[@dannyslayer]

Just did this job, worked perfectly! Thank you!

[@USFZeus]

Also use vise grips or hose pliers to pinch off the fuel flow.

[@patonbike]

Great video. I found an new aftermarket assembly for < $200 . At some point your time and sanity factor in! The module swap out can be done low stress under 2 hours including test drive, tinkering and clean up. I changed it at 192k with no problems , just wanted to upgrade for upcoming engine modifications.

[@jackwylie7754]

I want to congratulate you on an excellent video. The detail is excellent! You explained the pitfalls and how to avoid them in a very methodical fashion. After reviewing the video several times, I was able to accomplish the job in about an hour. Thank you for the effort and excellent format.

[@cyrildupuy9453]

Very clear explanations, took around 1h to do the complete disassembly. Lets go to order the part 👌 Thanks !

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Great video and fantastic step by step instructions. Thanks!!

[@user-kk1yq4jw6p]

Thanks for your guidance. Did a Subaru forester 03/2010 EJ25 with 300K on clock. The Ryco Z931 filter was not as complicated as the job you did but with video help was able to put it back together. The Ryco at A$145 was exactly half the price of a subaru genuine unit.. Great work my friend

[@Schizo-_-Gamer]

Great how to video!!! Thank you so much!!! About to start this myself, Im thinking the filter is bad. Some good news, I already have a bigger aftermarket pump just waiting to be plugged in my '08 STI. I added this video to one of my playlists on my channel. Thanks again sir!! Have a great day to you all!!

[@Damuan]

Great vid it helped a lot. To simplify removing the fuel pump from the old filter I cut the two tabs with small wire cutters. It came out with a lot more ease.

[@CarsNToys]

Good stuff!

[@JesOj.]

Wow! I was an Aircraft Fuel Systems Specialist in U.S.A.F... You did a great Job.. Video was on point.

[@RoadTravelVlogs]

This would be my next project on my forester. Thank you.

[@nodirectionmedia749]

Thank you for this! Literally had One mechanic refuse to do this for me and Subaru say it doesnt need to be done... but i just his 130k on my 09 outback ... now I can do it myself!

[@CarsNToys]

Happy to help

[@beethovenopus2726]

Excellent vid pal. Thanks for this. Going to try it on my wifes Subaru outback ltd.

[@marauder7412]

Very helpful video. I just followed this video for a 2008 Outback 3.0r. Thanks

[@LodniKranazon]

Thanks for this! I have a 2008 Mazda 6 that has a similar set-up. I got less than 80K on mine right now and not really having any problems, so I think I'll wait till about 100K and just change the whole assembly.

[@freeindeed5393]

Nice video! My son and I replaced the fuel filter in his 07 Legacy in under an hour!

[@fredlao6655]

This is the best detailed video on the install I have seen . You make it look so easy . I am sure it's not .

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. It's certainly labor intensive.

[@TheBabbster]

Just did it - using this video - just as easy as the video. Thank you CarsNToys... helped tremendously. One thing I found is that I didn't need to fiddle with the motor tabs. I clipped my old filter tabs off and the motor dropped right out.

[@amulawarman]

thanks for the video. very helpful. i will definitely try this next time.

[@dewanehill1435]

Great demonstration!!! What a major PITA.

[@no12run2]

Thank you for the video! Good attention to detail and high quality video. Assembly seems to be the better choice if you have the dough. Goodluck with the filter itself.

[@ian2989]

Excellent video. Helped me massively!

[@TheBabbster]

CarsNToys - thank you so. This pushed me to finally do this! I think the throttle response is better. Not sure if this is the case, but running with it! Filter from Subaru for $80.

[@CarsNToys]

Yeah, pricey. Glad to help. Cheers

[@jpbui]

Hi I'd just like to thank you for your thoroughly detailed "How to video". I've watched it over and over as it was my first time attempting this "in tank"fuel filter change. Only you and another guy on KZbin show how to do the job properly on a Subaru Impreza of my generation. It took me longer trying to figure out how to remove the rear seats. It seems that the 2009 model didn't have the release buttons like yours. That was a pain in the ass!!! The other tough part was trying to separate the fuel pump from the assembly. After 5mins of struggling I thought heck why do I need to do this when I won't need to reuse this assembly. So I use pliers and cut those tabs to shreds like you did when separating the assembly. The best part is starting e car after and it worked! 😬

[@CarsNToys]

Good stuff! Glad it worked out. Cheers.

[@mnapier61]

That's insane! Great video. Well done.

[@bmwrules28]

Awesome awesome video! Goodness the job looks like a PIA and probably will take all day but for peace of mind knowing the fuel pump will last and at least the factory recommended maintenance is done, is smart. It’s bad that most people will never know (unless they check on their own) if this job is really done properly. As well, thanks for the details on how to remove the clips and then to replace the seal. I’m going to try to run the tank near empty to hopefully make it easier. Still have another 20k before this maintenance is due. I’ll need a mask after Whiffing the gasoline fumes/vapors haha. This video should also apply to the WRX, Forester, Outback, Legacy, etc. Great job and Thanks again! Follow up 3/9/23 I just changed the fuel filter definitely took some time but thanks again for sharing your video. Absolutely great advice working outdoors and to change at 72,000 miles. Happy Easter!

[@diriazi]

Wow you sure know what you're doing. GREAT vid.

[@myollinir]

yeah.... im just gonna buy the entire assembly for sure HAHA thanks for the super in depth video

[@benargee]

I had the same issue with gas coming out of the fuel connector until I just removed the gas cap. It seems it was from gas vapor pressure.

[@bendcyclist]

Great instructional video. Thanks!

[@rivothead1]

Did this on my 2011 liberty (Australia), heaps less fidly than your model. Your video helped helps though! Thanks dude, you’re a champ for posting this.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it worked out! Cheers.

[@reecespieces9630]

Great video mate exelent video views makes it so much easier to do because we can see what you are actually doing 11/10 thanks very much

[@TomCourtney]

What a pain in the ass. Thanks for the share, i'm just going to get the whole assembly.

[@CarsNToys]

Yes, you'll save a considerable amount of time.

[@rio9999]

Great video. Thanks for using a tripod and stand. Your attention to those details made all the other details that much easier to see and understand. Thanks again

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@richardpflieger2049]

Superb job on this vid!! It looks easy to this old Transmission rebuilder. I will surely do this when she hits around 60K.IN fact ,I look forward to it .Taking preventative measures pays big dividends. Thank you for the astute video.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback!

[@digits8490]

Grouse video mate, couldn’t of done it without your walkthrough

[@robblupo2032]

Really nice job, thank you

[@mrbeans2425]

Great video! Convinced me to just buy a new pump though! lol

[@serendepia6635]

Excellent video!!

[@restolad]

thank you thank you thank you would not be able to do this today with out your help

[@Murmeltje415]

The real estate Lady watching you with a stern look from the newspaper ad ^^

[@mcltpc15]

It is great to see someone do a proper, scheduled and educated review on a standard service item. Thank you! How many hours did you log on this job?

[@seanhoward8025]

Be sure to reinstall the fuse and battery and start the car to check for leaks PRIOR to installing the cover plate. This is imperative!!! It's very dangerous to put everything back together and assume you have no leaking gas.

[@mhammed11]

great job... i hope you have videos about B4 .... thanks so much

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@Jays22b]

great vid buddy. should remane title to how change pump also. I been looking for days for this vid. Get way more views

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Cheers.

[@advanced-electronic]

they don't recommend changing it so the fuel pump or the fuse blows, this way they get to tag you for additional labor to figure out your problem, then sell you the entire fuel pump assembly and your car runs like shit, you probably have to pay to have the car towed from 150 miles away and then you have to pay them to replace the pump in the ball park of $750 including the pump, filter assembly and labor. They also will try to tell you how labor intensive it is when they don't even have to drop the tank like most American cars do, as Subaru has been adding an access door under the seat so it is easy to pull out and replace, and the filter and pump are replaced in 30 to 45 minutes by any average Joe, without needing a class A mechanic to do so. You are correct for wanting to replace the filter every 30-40k because the filter gets plugged up with rust and other crap that the gas stations have in their tanks, water droplets, and other crud sticks to the moisture, dirt, etc, strains the pump and the car hesitates, while Subaru dealers just don't want to replace the filter because they make a ton of money replacing the entire pump and will charge you for the other parts while they all come as part of the kit. I've been stuck in this predicament before and have asked for the parts while they told me they just cleaned up the shop and their shop foremen threw the old parts away. The filter was plugged and the pump wasn't bad on my car, the fuse blew and they replaced only the filter because after they were done, I opened the access door and I removed the pump and showed them an old pump was reinstalled. I never paid them for the services, the labor or the parts because i threatened to go public with it. Plus, in Connecticut we have a law that states they can't charge us for parts or labor to replace anything unless they provide us with the old parts. Most folks don't know about this law, but we have a Subaru dealer that is notorious for doing shady things like this and I am not going to mention their name, but all of you guys and gals in CT that bring your car to the dealer to get your Subaru fixed, I will just tell you to go to Wallingford so you don't get robbed by others.

[@ghostrider2664]

wtf happened to Subaru? Its like somewhere between 2003 and 2007 they decided to start building cars with cheapo shit parts, and design the car so maintenance is as difficult as it can get for the DIYer, like you would swear they actually sat and thought up thid shit! And dont get me started on the seat gaps. FUCK THOSE LEGACY SEAT GAPS. Everything cheaped out on, moneypit repairs by design, working purposely against the DIY guy. Im sorry, but I predict the end of Subaru in 10 years time. This is a canary in a coalmine if Ive ever seen one

[@kartboarder22g17]

WTF, what a crazy job once you get the fuel pump out.

[@joshuameade2448]

That's the same sound my 2010 impreza non turbo makes during cold starts, when it finally starts it drives good. It will start fast when it warm but if I let it sit for a while it's a battle to get it started. I'm gonna test the pump and see if i need to replace it.

[@meez5804]

Hi! I decided to change mine,myself to save money.I went through hell though,trying to get my back seat up.The bolt was so tight.Then when I got to the bottom,I didn't know how to get everything off,but I just started pulling.I did remove the fuel plug fuse first though.I'm watching to figure how to get the filter off the plug though.T hanks so much for doing this in the day time.Most of the videos where people do this are too dark.Looks like this is a lot of work.I might just buy the whole thing,rather than rebuilding the filter.Thanks so much for making this video though.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help. Yea, it's certainly time consuming. Buying the unit as one piece would save a lot of time and you could save the used pump for a few bucks.

[@whiskeymojo1150]

Great video, but i would suggest NOT to use an electric drill motor when removing any kind of fuel component. Be safe.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you.

[@aflaz171]

Yeah was holding my breath.

[@Mojomo777]

Thank you for sharing

[@Elevatepage]

Thank you so much !!

[@robzinnoegger2321]

Good video. This job is not really for the faint hearted but I could not fault your instruction. However I did have an issue doing one of these so I'd like to add something that I feel is important. When replacing the O-ring on the fuel pump, fit the O-ring to the pump rather than inserting into the housing. Because of the design of the houing the O-ring can become distorted and not seal properly when the pump is inserted causing starting and driving issues. Wasn't alot of fun pulling it all apart again but that's how we learn.

[@thearchitect4726]

Awesome, thanks for the info. very helpful. I wonder why you opted for gasoline on the rubber seals and not a small amount of rubber grease, that's what I opted for when i did it for a client.

[@javiercastillo1155]

Muchas gracias saludos desde chile 🇨🇱

[@Bascurcito]

thank you so much.

[@edgarastorga582]

This is so helpful. The BRZ/FRS/86 also has an in-tank fuel filter like this and mine is overdue. The part is different but I am assuming the fuel assembly service procedure is similar to replace the fuel filter. I have not found any videos or guides specific to the the BRZ/FRS/86.

[@Clearanceman2]

I actually ended up buying the filter. Wish I got the whole chinese unit for $70 which is what I was going to do but then I thought about how long subaru fuel pumps last and I got the OEM filter. Couldn't have done it without the video. The only thing I might add is I don't think you need to take the fuel sending unit off. And I didn't watch the first part so I didn't remove the negative terminal or the fuse. I didn't have a pressure issue but mine is 2008 YMMV. Next time I'm going to get the whole unit.

[@thearchitect4726]

Thanks!

[@MD-173]

Why didn't you change the the actual Fuel strainer on the end of the pump motor?

[@parafitality2730]

Did this today and took around 4 hours total to remove, clean, replace filter, reinstall and fill up tank. Worst part was the o rings, wasted around 30 mins trying to fit them on the new filter

[@ianwilder244]

another suggestion about the fuel coming out, I've read that you can relieve fuel pressure by pulling out the fuel relay switch and then running the engine until it dies. Should make less mess. Otherwise, GREAT video. Thank you.

[@bmxhotsauce]

might as well change the fuel pump as well since your there. Anyone know the FP part number ? great video.

[@yhalabi1]

Excellent and informative video. Does Subaru Impreza 2015 have the same system?

[@ericr2zz]

Best to take pictures of the assembly during each step to make sure you put it back together ok

[@Mr-Universe82]

Always follow your intitution and manual when it your subaru and it's maintenance.

[@sgtnocasiousmc]

Hey man! Nice video, thanks a lot! Even though I don't owe a subaru, however, this seems to be very similar and almost identical to the same process as in a toyota echo...

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback. Cheers

[@wobblysauce]

Though one thing, some may want to leave off the final cover when testing the car, to see if it leaks. 1 Tech did not push the clip on 100% and had to remove and start again.

[@CarsNToys]

Bummer

[@wobblysauce]

Doing the test drive.. pouring fuel like anything..

[@JonathanVaucher]

Awesome video. Really enjoyed it being a DIYer myself. I have a 2008 Impreza 2.5i 5Dr MT with 98000km on the odometer. It got cold outside (around -18°C) the other day and took my battery off to charger it up (haven't driven the car ofter the last 3 months). Then I went to fill up on gas. Now I have a weird was smell when I stand outside around the front and rear right wheel. Any idea where this might be coming from ? Is there a hose or something that's likely to fail on these suby models in your experience ?

[@timgreening4305]

On older outbacks the filter on the fuel pump assembly is called a strainer. The filter is under the hood near the battery.

[@ypoora1]

Yet on my 2000 Legacy it's also in the tank in a little screw-off "cup" on the sending unit. Very odd because on other Legacy's of this generation it's under the bonnet!

[@wittohasago]

Completed the task and your video was very useful. I don't understand why you cut the lower tank holding tabs off as they are required again to clamp the lower tank on to the upper part both of which are reused. Seemed a bit odd... undoing one tab at a time and keeping a widish screwdriver blade in the slot keeps it from closing. The entire process took about an hour max... thanks again... the circlip was where I had stumbled. Also I found no real need to remove the tank level sensor from the lower outer tank either. A job made easier for me because you took the time. Thanks mate. If you seek "ET art by B Witten" on YT you'll find out why the Pyramids in Cairo are REALLY here. The Pyramids tell us how the Earths axis was tilted and what happens when it straightens.

[@lawrencecavens5760]

Therese one step you should also include is to remove or loosen the gas cap in case of pressure build up.

[@babykraig]

Hey, I find your channel very interesting. Pressure keeps building up in my 2008 impreza fuel tank. How can i resolve this issue. is there a pressure release value canister??? HELP!

[@davida7370]

thanks sir

[@CarsNToys]

Happy to help.

[@DavidStrchld]

I had the same answer from Subaru, wait till there is a problem. And that's what I did. No issues with that particular item after 310,000 miles and still going. There is a series of failures that is spelling the demise of my beloved 'roo, and I am currently shopping for my new ride, but a fuel filter problem has never been one of them.

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks for the heads up. I recently cut open the old filter and it looked perfectly fine. Cheers

[@sezwo5774]

just don't say detonation because of bad fuel/air ratio (clogged fuel filter) destroyed your cylinder rings and ruined the engine and you're happy you didn't have to replace the fuel filter :))) The turbo variants of these engines are very sensitive to bad fuel/air ratios!

[@dannymartinez8522]

@@sezwo5774 yup clogged up fuel lines leading to lean plus all the dirt and grime going inside your motor. It was strain your fuel pump as well leading to die out

[@214Paul]

Is there anything I need to do before putting it back in the tank ? Like do I need to have fuel in the fuel pump do I need to somehow drain the old fuel that was in the tank ?

[@DrRyan82994]

ah. i think the full assembly is the play for my 138k mile guy, and i also won't be in a rush to do it. safe to assume mine has the original, and it doesn't run a m a z i n g, the computer reads 18mpg lol, commute got a lot shorter recently but that's still pretty extreme. but i'm sure i have other issues too i should probably nail down first

[@eTriumph0719]

I followed this completely. Now the fuel pump isn’t pumping sufficiently.could i have over tightened the metal ring holding it in place?

[@openleft4214]

Curious to see if you can by pass this filter and just add your own outside of the gas tank

[@JoseSandoval-ic5xe]

Hi if any of those o rings are missing can you lose fuel pressure?

[@InstantAdviser]

Like good quality video

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you

[@r.b.l.5841]

not sure when they changed this but some models/years have a secondary filter in the engine compartment by the driver side strut tower - easy pasy to change filter there. could be added for others ?

[@CarsNToys]

Yeah those a incredibly simpler to replace.

[@jurmx8636]

to anyone doing this, and have decided to replace both the filter and pump, make sure you take out the original pump from filter and use the adapter attached, otherwise ur shit won’t start and you’ll have to take it all back apart again lol

[@ziadkhalaf198]

So to make this short: Either spend $70 and go through this long and tricky task OR get the Fuel Pump & Housing Assembly as one unit and just replace it with old one for $500 (I'm thinking SPECTRA PREMIUM SP4116M). Dealer says "The manual is old info and they stopped servicing the fuel tank since 2006. Subaru service will the replace the entire assembly for over $600 and that's in case there's a problem"

[@dadsvespa]

Pretty intricate there Bub...ha. Subaru is a good car, but man are those pumps difficult. Although it's better than having to drop the tank huh?...great job.(I was worried about your watch)...heheheh...

[@CarsNToys]

lol..yea, I often receive comments on my watch. It's actually pretty beat up. Thanks for the feedback! Cheers

[@emiliog.4432]

What’s the part number for the fuel filter that you replaced? Thanks

[@emiliog.4432]

Did I miss something? Where is the new filter? Does it come with the motor? Thanks

[@songhong5482]

Very detailed video, thank you for your guiding. Subaru is not as reliable as Toyota Camry. My first and last car. Lots of issues.

[@wyattoutlaw2370]

Does that mean it’s the cap on the right side under the rear seats? Mine has a cap on the right and a cap on the left?

[@hpsportsfanatic]

Is there an easy way to test the pressure to see if it is going back? Wife’s car is slow to turn over after sitting overnight.

[@matthewstewart8259]

I loved everything about Subaru until I saw this.

[@CarsNToys]

haha..ditto

[@ellogovernor12345]

So, I took everything apart on the passenger side and replaced the pump but car wouldn’t start once back together. Question is, that rubber disc part attached to the access panel is behind the drivers side. Did I change the wrong one or is it just one only in the passenger side?

[@nawarhanna2104]

hello sir i have nissan almera b10 i had replaced the intank fuel filter with aftermarket one the micron gage of the new filter is very small causing pressure drop in the injectors bar my question is can i inject a miture of oil and gasoline fuel a high viscosity mixture in the new filter to increase the porous pf the new filter the flushing it with gasoline fuel to remove any oil contaminants then reassembling it ?please help me

[@sunny820]

I used some seafoam in my gas causing low idle. General consensus is that my plugs are clogged from the carbon gunk, or that my fuel filter might need replacing. I'm hoping after this tank of gas with seafoam the issue goes away, otherwise I may replace both plugs and fuel filters. Only at ~90k miles on my 2011 and have used seafoam a few times before over the last couple years.

[@SteedDigital1]

Or do regular scheduled maintenance. the plugs aren't as hard as people make it out to be.

[@SteedDigital1]

basically this. I got as much footage as possible when I did mine so I'm uploading that next week cause I see toooo many people scaring newer owners off. the difference of $60 for the plugs or $300 for the dealership/shop to do it can be huge for struggling families. there is no way I could have got the plugs done on time with the maintenance schedule if I had to take it in for plugs and filters. too much money all totaled.

[@oldtimer6528]

If you buy the whole assembly, don't you have to take it apart to lubricate the o-rings with fuel?

[@C0R365]

Its strange because everyone is replacing the fuel pump assembly, yet few are replacing the filter screen. So can anyone clarify exactly what parts need to be replaced? I feel like the pump screen is the only thing that needs to be replaced. A $20 part. Versus the $80 assembly? Someone please clarify.

[@haywoodyoudome]

11:58 whole assembly is around $300 and the filter is $20.

[@mengtselai3818]

Hello I wanna say this is awesome video that I ever search for replacing fuel filter. Just One question, my car is nassin, how do I search for what kind of fuel filter my car use? Ths

[@CarsNToys]

Happy to help. What kind of Nissan?

[@mengtselai3818]

Nissan pulsar 2001 ST.

[@marcorancourt8238]

Does this fuel filter fits on my wrx 09? (Part n°42072AG140)

[@socksonfeet8125]

Damn I wish every company listed all their cars and recommended service online.

[@yosefyitz]

I'm confused. Subaru part for my 2016 Impreza is 42072AA120, appears to be some little object nothing like this video. There's no canister to replace according to Subaru parts site. Any input is appreciated.