Mazda 3 P0455 Leaking Fuel Repair Major Evap Leak

Here is the repair for the dreaded P0455 engine light on a Mazda 3. Symptoms were, strong smell of gas and an engine light, that's it, no other issues.
2004 Mazda 3 OEM part #'s
Lock ring: BN8F-42-167
O-ring: BN8F-42-166

[@grape00jellly]

Thanks so much for this video, quick and to the point! Not like the other blog style tutorials that take 5 minutes to show you how to drop a tank while talking about their weekend. Its reassuring that this fix is doable with some jack stands and no lift

[@baxrok2.]

Beautiful example of a split locking ring. Heard of it happening but this is the first one I've seen. Nice job and thanks for sharing!

[@Jivermo]

Great instruction! No b/s...he gets right down to the nitty gritty without a slew of unnecessary verbiage, music or distraction. Thank you.

[@w.v.1833]

It must be true. If you are experiencing a problem, it is likely someone else has experienced it too. I have the code, I initially replaced the gas cap as the can become defective over time and because I had no gas smell or evidence of leak. Today however, after filling up the tank, smell was very strong so I got on my knees to take a look and there is was: fuel drops. I am not sure whether in my case is a cracked locking ring, but I am going to have to figure it out. Thanks for the video. Thumbs up!.

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Yep most likely a cracked fuel pump locking ring.

[@w.v.1833]

@@TepcoCycleRepair it was. I dropped the tank and replaced it. Thanks.

[@raygromer]

Thanks for the great video. My plastic ring looked perfect from access hole on top, and I couldn't feel any cracks with my fingers. But once I dropped the tank, I could see the plastic ring was cracked on the side I couldn't reach. Thanks again.

[@stuartowens3506]

I would have lost my mind trying to figure this out on my daughter’s car! Thanks for doing this video!!

[@educatedredneck7001]

those fuel pump rings can be expensive. try Seal-All glue. it is gasoline resistant. clean it well and allow to fully cure before putting it back on. also, i just cut a bigger access hole under the seat and use that removable lid as a holder. much easier than dropping the tank.

[@liamrhine1436]

Had this happen to me just 2 days ago. Had to drop the tank twice (2nd time was my fault as the o ring around the fuel pump wasnt placed properly the first time around) but the cracked fuel pump locking ring was exactly the issue. This video was perfect! Would be for any other issue involving removing the fuel tank as well. So glad this video exists 👍

[@indioisudagagaming5549]

I was driving my 06' Mazda 3 to O'Reilly's to pick a power steering reservoir hose for my 08' CX-9, when the check engine light turned on. P0455! I am hoping that my issue is this same one. Great video, btw..

[@christianz4716]

THANKS BRO been looking for my problem for months on this and finally found out it was this!!

[@flyryde]

such a good helpful video bro, thank you

[@JoBar12006]

Great video thanks for being so thorough brother!!

[@FinancePro203]

Thank you! I found that my ring was cracked the same way. I was able to do the repair with keeping all of the EVAP lines intact as well as the fuel fill. I lowered the tank way down, but not out... and changed the seal and the ring and I’m good to go. Only problem is that I cracked the fuel pump lines plastic lock on the rubber hose so I just had about 3 gallons of fuel under the car :)

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Lou Nistico yeah, I felt it could have been done by just lowering the tank. Thanks for sharing.

[@mr24k78]

Got one right now , u are a gentleman for putting tbe part #cs for me not easy to find at all lol

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

mr24k78 I believe if you drop the tank a little and not all the way, you can do it through the access hole under the seat. Just be careful not to break the tabs that hold it in place.

[@jefffontenot4551]

Thank you for the video, It seems my 2005 is having this problem fortunatly I am off work this week and will get started on it in a couple of days.

[@hectormiguel05]

I had this issue. This fixed the problem.

[@flatbedladyv2191]

Samething happening to my mazda. I am heading to the mechanic tomorrow

[@travismitchell2630]

My wife’s was exactly the same crack thank you

[@johnhenry6515]

when I lift the back seat to see if I could just do it without dropping the tank, there appears to be a metal ring that holds down the plastic ring. It would be good if you had included that.

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

This year make and model doesn't have that, this one is exactly as I show it on the ground when I show the split lock ring. This job can't be done from under the seat. I think they put that access plate there just to tease us. It would have been nice if they made it big enough to pull the pump through it.

[@johnhenry6515]

@@TepcoCycleRepair gotcha, they all seem to be so different for the same model. Yes the pump and ring are offset and do not line up directly under the access cover, gotta love engineers. Without the metal ring I might have had a shot at getting the plastic ring off, but the screws to the metal ring are totally inaccessible and no way the pump is coming out thru there

[@brianlee677]

I thought I had the same problem but mine is leaking from the fuel line going to the pump that's why the fuel odor was so strong.

[@Pinkielover]

change the fuel filter too.... That P0 code could also be a bad gas cap...

[@michaelsanchez8519]

Dude! That's exactly what I'm going through! The damn ring is split just like yours was!! I've been chasing this damn evap leak forever. I've replaced all emission parts except the egr valve and the charcoal canister. For those of you needing the ring number, I'll post the part number in this thread tomorrow. I've had mine for at least 5 months now and I never found the time to drop my tank. If you pick one up at a Mazda dealership, expect to pay around 50 dollars for it. By the way, did replacing the ring clear your evap codes? Did it correct any issues with the vehicle? They say it doesn't hinder performance but I've noticed a decline in gas mileage. It wasn't a big change at first, but now it's garbage. Please let me know any information. Sending a like your way bud. Thanks for the video!

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Mike Last name Great, if you just pull the straps and drop the tank a little, you should be able to do it from under the seat.

[@michaelsanchez8519]

Tepco Cycle Repair, So I just finished replacing the ring and it was a complete failure. Soon after I replaced it I went to the gas station and filled up. I am still leaking gas 😠 maybe the rubber seal is worn? Or maybe I didn't install the ring correctly. Also, when I filled up the tank I popped off the fuel pump access panel and the fuel pump was covered in gas. What did I do wrong?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Mike Last name Couple things come to mind, maybe the ring is not on straight, or in is bad, or over tightened and cracked. I replaced the o-ring in this one, it's still doing fine.

[@michaelsanchez8519]

Tepco Cycle Repair I think it's not sitting correctly. There is almost a quarter inch of space from the bottom the the ring from the top of the tank.

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Mike Last name good possibility, it should engage the locking tabs as well.

[@ericksoler1221]

This is exactly what is happening to my car so I guess you saved me a lot of fiddling around. Since the tank will be removed anything else I might as well change since I'm done there?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Maybe a new fuel pump if you want to spend the money.

[@joemunley5735]

I will check under the back seat. I smell gas, and the tank looks somewhat wet underneath, but no codes yet.

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Yeah sounds like yours is broken as well.

[@patrickontario7841]

theres no gas odor i just have the 2 codes p2177 and p0441 is that anything to do with the issues u had

[@SirZacharias]

I have these exact same issues, plus something additional. If the car has been sitting and i go to start it, there is no gas in the engine and i have to start it and pump the gas for a while. Think i might also replace the PCV just in case as well

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Could be a fuel pump.

[@SirZacharias]

@@TepcoCycleRepair thanks to your video, i was able to identify that the locking ring is cracked just like in this video!

[@griverao]

Hi @@SirZacharias, after the locking ring replace, do you still have problems with the start ?

[@SirZacharias]

@@griverao hello, yes i did at the time, i also had to get my fuel pump replaced. essentially, replacing the ring got rid of the gas smell in my car. but whatever got in the tank resulting from the ring break fucked up my fuel pump so that had to go as well.

[@jmb-bj9gs]

Thanks for video! How often does that locking ring end up splitting?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Not often, sometimes never in the lifetime of the vehicle. You can pull the back seat out and look through the access plate to observe it.

[@Solidux2]

Sos groso sabelo. Gracias por compatir

[@bda7dd30]

Is any of these codes what you had or a evap leak I scanned my car and got theses codes P0441 or P2177

[@Juanpablo-s9w4b]

How can I tell if the lid is broken

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Pull the back seat and remove the cover then you can look at the lid.

[@vaguekaos]

Can you access that plastic piece that you had to replace without dropping the tank?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Yes, under the rear seat on the passenger side there is an access plate. You can look and check it from there..If the ring needs replacement I don't think you can fit it through the access plate.

[@johnathandavis7056]

I'm getting codes P0455 and P0442 on a 08 MS3. After a fill up I noticed a puddle of fuel dripping around the right rear door area. I looked at the housing through the inspection plate but couldn't see any cracks. Is it possible that it's still cracked? It's driving me nuts trying to locate the problem!

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Yes, most likely this is your problem. Reach in and grab the lines and see if you can move the pump housing at all up down or twist. If any it's cracked.

[@sergeleduc3755]

hi any idea how to remove/access to the Canister vent valve solenoid ?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

It's a PITA to get to, it's behind the right rear wheel behind the tank. You can see it from under the car but getting it out appears to be a pain.

[@bda7dd30]

Should I be worried about the fuel tank strap one of the straps on my 08 Mazda 3 is rusting and I m just worried the gas tank will fall down

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

If its surface rust I wouldn't worry if it's rusting to the point where it's making holes then I would, it's not hard to replace.

[@RVLPHIEBOI]

Hey man so I just pulled the fuel tank out of my 06 Mazda 3 because when I filled it up the fuel would come pouring out of the top of the tank. When I had it off there was a crazy about of sealant around the fuel pump retaining ring. After removing the ring and noticed it wasn’t cracked, or the oring. Could the tank itself be cracked

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Sounds like someone fudged it up. I would clean it all up, get a new oring and retaining ring, grease up the ring and threads so it all twists on good and see how it does.

[@xincarceratedx]

I have an '06 Mazda 3 s 2.3L and I'm getting p0442, small leak. Do you think this could still be the issue? I tried replacing the valve in the engine bay and it didn't help. How can I verify it is the lock ring without pulling the tank?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

You can pull the back seat out and remove the access panel to inspect the locking ring.

[@akswun]

Wondering if it’s the same part for a 2010 Mazda Tribute. Gas tank O ring?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Not sure on that one but if you have the same light, this could be the problem. Thanks for watching.

[@bda7dd30]

How many kilometres were on it when it happened also I have a 2008 Mazda 3 and one of the gas tank straps is rusting and I’m just worried the gas tank will come down this is my first time having a Mazda 3

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

130,000 miles which is like 209,000km

[@ericdennis5626]

thanks man

[@scottskinner577]

Mine is exact same issue, same symptoms, only with an 06 Mazda 6. And ironically the problems started after some shade tree mechanics replaced the fuel pump lol Ive accessed it through the seat several times in hopes to see something they screwed up but i never thought to check that ring. I thought it was a flooded canister or leaking line. So why did you pull the whole tank? Or was that all just part of the diagnosis?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

I was able to access it under the seat. But was planing to pull the pump so I dropped the tank. You should be able to do it through the seat. On the 3 it's tight and even just doing the ring I feel I would have to lower the tank a little to get to it. Thanks for watching!

[@scottskinner577]

@@TepcoCycleRepair Ok thanks for clarifying. I think the hole on a 6 is bigger. Hope that helps someone at some point. Great video. If id known this during my auto parts days i could have helped many people 🤘🤘

[@kittykittysoftpaws]

@@TepcoCycleRepair the hole underneath the seat on the Mazda 3 is smaller than the diameter of the ring so there is no way you can get in or out the ring through that hole. I have the same issue and was able to see the crack through the hole under seat and a dental mirror. I ordered the part off eBay it was $45 w/ free shipping. I'm going to try to lower the tank to have enough space for my hand to remove the ring.

[@uhmeizuhngralphf0549]

Did you have bad gas mileage before that

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Not sure, we weren't checking it. But they do say it could cause bad fuel mileage. Just pull the back seat and pump cover and take a look.

[@patrickontario7841]

hey Tepco Cycle Repair if i had the same issue would it be any of these codes p2177 or p0441 also was the smell of gas in the car or outside

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

The P0441 could be this, the P2177 maybe your MAF sensor.

[@patrickontario7841]

I'm not getting any gas smells and I'm not getting any P455 code

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

@@patrickontario7841 Sorry read your comment quick, on this one the gas smell was outside the car. The P0441 your getting is an evap code. If I were you I would find a vent line for a smoke test and see where/if you have a vacuum leak.

[@RVLPHIEBOI]

Might as well replace the fuel pump while youre at it?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

You could, but I didn't and this car is still running strong, 160k

[@RVLPHIEBOI]

@@TepcoCycleRepair Yeah my car is currently at 160k, bought it used from a private owner, but my tank is overflowing once I put gas in it. Do you think I will need the lower retaining ring also?

[@rrmorris67]

SO this is kind of interesting for all you poor souls who have had to deal with that split plastic retainer ring on your fuel pumps. I happened upon this video because I am researching an engine code my 2010 Mazda 3i is throwing. The number escapes me at the moment but it is one where it says the engine is running too lean and from time to time it has a really choppy idle and some loss of power that is annoying. There's several possible reasons, one being that the engine isn't getting enough gas so it burns leaner than it should. This could be a weak fuel pump or a partially clogged filter element which sits inside the fuel pump module. Anyhoo...I am making a determination about how hard it will be and how much it will cost for me to replace the fuel pump if thats what it ends up being. So I watched this video, And then I popped my back seat and removed the access cover only top find that my fuel pump is a totally different design than this Mazda 3 in this video. Firstly, the access opening is WAY too small to even consider removing the fuel pump from inside the car, so I will have to drop my tank. But also, guess what...there is NO PLASTIC SPIN OFF RETAINING RING. Mine simply screws down into place. So my point here is that Mazda/Ford clearly recognized that the spin off plastic ring design was garbage so they changed it. But why they decided to make it much harder for me to replace the fuel pump is a mystery and is kind of annoying. It shouldnt be the hardest thing ever. The worst of it involves cutting the exhaust and getting it and a heat shield out of the way so I can drop the tank. I will simply use a cheap coupler and some permatex sealer to put the exhaust back into place.

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

You shouldn't have to cut the exhaust, I didn't. Also even on this car there is no way to do it under the seat, maybe if you drop the tank some, but if you leave the tank in place, no way. The hole is to small.

[@rrmorris67]

@@TepcoCycleRepair Good to know. Can you just sort of shove the exhaust out of the way? My Haynes manual has a picture that shows a heat shield covering part of the tank so I will have to remove that heat shield, for sure

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

@@rrmorris67 Yes, I think we removed the heat shield only, it's been a while but I know we didn't remove the exhaust.

[@rrmorris67]

@@TepcoCycleRepair awesome. Thanks. Im gonna just pay somebody to test my fuel pressure or do other diagnostics so I know for sure before I go through all of this. Its still possible that it is something simple like a vacuum leak

[@bda7dd30]

How do you know if you have a evap leak

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

It will throw a P0455 code. Or you can do a smoke test if you have access to one. In this case we filled the car with gas and it was overflowing out of the top of the tank. We also had a P0455 code but no running issues.

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

@@williamperri3437 no running it low wouldn't cause it. If it's the fuel pump ring, it just goes bad from age

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

@@williamperri3437 and I should clarify, when I say it overflowed, I'm talking about overflowing out of the top of the tank where the pump is, not the fill hole. It should never come out where the pump is, in this video.

[@franciscohuerta5119]

How do you jump it?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

With a wire, I explain it at 0:56 in the video.

[@franciscohuerta5119]

Thanks I was able to do the job and I too have the same problem the lock ring it’s cracked, now let me ask you this question, do I have to buy the rubber ring or just the plastic lock ring will fix the problem?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

@@franciscohuerta5119 you can probably get away with just the ring if the oring is good, but after the trouble of dropping the tank I would replace both to be sure.

[@franciscohuerta5119]

Thank you 🙏 so much that was very helpful. Great job

[@Axxic3]

What part # was that ring?

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

axxic3 a. Thanks for watching all the part numbers are in the description.

[@Axxic3]

Arrows hid it, thanks!

[@DavidValley1981]

Awesome video - quick but informative! Thanks for sharing

[@DennisGentry]

I hope that's not the leak I have!

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Pull out the back seat, remove the access cover and take a look.

[@MarketingCoachKen]

was it?

[@DennisGentry]

@@MarketingCoachKen No, mine turned out to be a hose that had cracked at its clamped connection.

[@edgarsalinas6408]

you mean jump the relay creating sparks while FUEL and FUMES close to it. very bad idea

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Edgar Salinas yes exactly, it is the common way to do it. No Sparks and your not near fumes anyway. Or you can drop the tank full of gas, enjoy that!