How To Diagnose A Bad Fuel Filter (Andy’s Garage: Episode - 301)

In this video Andy Phillips shows how to diagnose and test a bad fuel filter. These simple tests will help you diagnose properly so you don't waste money on wrong parts.
Below are links to some of my videos pertaining to the fuel system..
How To Diagnose A Bad Fuel Pump: • How To Diagnose A Bad ...
How To Diagnose A Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator: • How To Diagnose A Bad ...
OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner - Product Review: • OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner...
How To Check Fuel Pressure: • How To Check Fuel Pres...
How to Check Fuel Pressure Without A Schrader Valve: • How to Check Fuel Pres...
Releasing Fuel Pressure Without A Schrader Valve: • How To Release Fuel Pr...
How To Install An Inline Fuel Check Valve: • How To Install An Inli...
How To Diagnose Fuel Pressure Drop: • How To Diagnose Fuel P...
DISCLAIMER:
The individual featured on the Phillips Vision KZbin Channel identified as Andrew Phillips, also known as Andy Phillips is not a professional mechanic, contractor or certified repairman. He does not have any formal training in the automotive field, or any other trade. He is strictly a Do It Yourself handyman.
Phillips Vision, or the individuals featured on this channel, assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your vehicles, appliances, games or any other items featured in the videos before, or after watching one of the videos or utilizing the content from this channel.
All Do it Yourself (DIY) repairs or modifications you perform are at your own risk. In some cases, even if you perform everything properly, you can destroy or damage one or more things you are working on resulting is costly repairs.
In addition, if for some reason, the instructions on this channel are incorrect, resulting it something becoming damaged, Phillips Vision and those featured on this channel WILL NOT reimburse or pay in any way the costs that may be incurred due to following wrong instructions.
PLEASE DO NOT PERFORM ANYTHING SHOWN ON THIS CHANNEL (PHILLIPS VISION) UNLESS YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT TO DO SO.

[@d-vision2426]

You could do an interview with Scotty Kilmer. Keep on truckin'!

[@bonganikhumalo221]

Thank you so much brother I will try and test it because my car is also loosing power

[@hammerhead19able]

Learned something new today with the straw test. Thank you.

[@jdowens3519]

me to

[@vijaysundar5250]

Clear explanation.good. 👍

[@myballsitchsomethingfierce6319]

Service engine light was on when my fuel filter was bad, replaced filter and now the car gets better fuel mileage and no more stuttering or hard starts.

[@bluej333]

An Engine light won’t come on for a Fuel Filter being bad.

[@user-xg7ib8xv3e]

@@bluej333 maybe not for a bad fuel filter but that might cause symptoms that will trigger a check engine light

[@john2ndname]

Thanks so much Andy I had no start on cold starts. and been frustrating trying to fix this issue.when you said to check the fuel filter and do the test you was right my fuel filter was clogged up!...cheers.

[@PhillipsVision]

Glad it helped. Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@SamRoxxJDM]

Discovered this channel 2 days ago incredible information thank you for these

[@PhillipsVision]

Thanks for the support 👍

[@negus7984]

Thanks man, Big up from Jamaica !!

[@spicythai2000]

Good informations. Thank you.

[@hieupham3950]

Thank you so much

[@sergioreynoso-ql8vy]

very well thanks!!!

[@trucummings4759]

Thank you

[@chrisbass5667]

A lot of help! Thanks man!

[@PhillipsVision]

You’re welcome

[@nathanrice1796]

I'm glad he showed us a cheap way to test a fuel filter. I had thought about funneling gasoline down into it, and watching how easily it comes out the other pipe, but that might be cumbersome.

[@BruceBruce321]

I've never used a straw I just drained a filter and then blew thru it. Not like I was trying to drink any gasoline anyway. One thing he did mention that I never knew u were suppose to do b4 removing a filter was to pull the relay while running to release the pressure. I've changed several over the years and not once did I ever do that or was told that I needed to. Glad I learned something new today.

[@asrielandcharadoesstuff4789]

Don't do this it's cheap easy maintenance it needs replaced every 50,000 miles they all get debris in them imagine how much better it is to change it before you can see all of that crap falling out of the filter

[@arethawoodly9545]

Very well explained - unfortunately the mechanic that has my vehicle doesn't seem to think fuel filter nor fuel pressure regulator has anything to do with my fuel pump only reaching 40 psi. Now I just replaced my fuel pump 2 months ago - but not my fuel filter since replacing pump and never changed the fuel regulator AT All- I can handle if the pump is bad - but only after these two issues have been checked. He just wants to replace the fuel pump without going through all of the steps.

[@Namedeeznuts]

Usually with those kind of people you just tell them that you want new ones regardless so you can do a mile count and have new parts. Then end up doing most of it yourself or taking it to one them expensive shops

[@AHEUTUBE]

Wow! Awesome Explanation! -new subscriber here.

[@PhillipsVision]

Thanks, I appreciate your support 👍

[@dreblue5684]

Thanks💯

[@petermendes5581]

Very useful information as my automatic vehicle would refuse to budge an inch on a steep slope

[@thedeerhunter4407]

good stuff here bro

[@PhillipsVision]

👍

[@shaluhame4060]

Does Diesal addictive have clean fuel filter ???

[@warbyothermeans6732]

Looks like the fuel pump or rockauto has the pics backwards for the fuel filter and pumps...the fuel pumps have that dual nozzle, the fuel filter are just single threaded ends

[@richardhodges7228]

I have a 2003 Chevy trailblazer, 4.2 vortex. I have fuel in the airbox where the vacuum line connects to it, from the fuel regulator. When I'm ideling at a stop it starts resembling a miss fire, but does not register on my OBD reader. I have lost my gas mileage per gallon ( 11) cleaned throttle body, new plugs air filter, engine oil, please can you help me?

[@oscaroliver2244]

Ive has a sputter on start ups just briefly but this morning that became permanent and no power . Thoughts? The fuel that came out of the inlet side of the filter was kind of black

[@PhillipsVision]

Did you check the fuel pressure to make sure the pressure was to spec?

[@tattooart420]

OK I've changed fuelpump ,spark plugs, hoses ,injectors,fuel pressure regulator and vaccum hose boots,also cleaned throttle body which helped keep my 2003 tahoe from complete sta but still has rough idle once on the highway it runs smooth but from a complete stop it drags to pick up speed do you think this would help I've changed fuel filter 2years ago you think this would help.thanks again For video.

[@PhillipsVision]

Are you getting any engine codes? A rough idle could be your O2 sensors or a dirty throttle body.

[@tattooart420]

@@PhillipsVision yea I'm getting p0300 random misfire so you think the o2 sensors would cause it to rough idle,makes sense or how bout a bd catalytic conver because at one point it was smelling of gasoline I m try that thanks for the info.

[@jesusmendoza964]

I know it’s a old question but might help someone else.. check your pcv valve if stuck open your getting too much unmetered air, there for causing a random cylinder misfire cel.

[@LIGHTOFTHEWORLD256]

Good method but I found as long as a filter is wet with fuel will restrict air whether new or old.

[@chuckychuck]

👀👀👀

[@brojoe787]

Mr P. Vision, I have a 07 pzev 2.0 liter Duratec focus 130k miles which had pump, spark plugs, cleaned MAF, replaced valve cover gasket, and fuel filter all a couple months ago, car is barely used, less than a 20 mile run every couple months.. All good but this week it gave me p0191, I bought a new Bosch Fuel Pressure Sensor thinking it would fix it, swapped and I reset the ecu but problem persists. Idles with a once and a while slight hesitation, bogs down if I hit WOT., slow pedal press seems it creeps up RPMs fine, but eventually stutters and turns off. Any suggestions? Im thinking about testing the fuel filter and underseat Fuel Pressure Module to see if I find something. :\ Thanks for your time.

[@PhillipsVision]

Normally that code pertains to the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor. If you changed the sensor, make sure it is not faulty and that the connection at the harness is good. Also check the pressure regulator

[@brojoe787]

Will do, thanks man.

[@matsobanemashapa7457]

Hi. How did you solve your P0191 code. I'm experiencing the same problem

[@brojoe787]

​​@@matsobanemashapa7457 Hi, I tested the fuel pressure and found that the car always registered 20 (+/-) psi and went to 10 psi instead of the required 40psi. *I ended up replacing the whole in tank fuel pump module* (the whole plastic thing and pump unit). I had an aftermarket carter pump inside the tank, but since everything else I tested was fine, I suspected this pump (along with debris and some rust in tank) was the culprit. I took down the tank, cleaned it as best I could on the inside, I flushed the main fuel line a bunch of times (the long one that goes to the motor), re-used the same fuel filter (because it had less than 30 miles on it and could blow through easily), removed the fuel rail, cleaned it, and cleaned each of the injectors + changed the little filters they have inside, along with its O rings. I also took out the throttlebody and cleaned it too with CRC Throttle Body & Air-Intake Cleaner. Car is running fine. I do always monitor it with a cheap OBD bluetooth adapter which I connect to an old cellphone to keep an eye out on the old battery it has along with some temps and now fuel pressure PSI, but thats just me. Hope this helps!

[@LyleBrown-tw3mb]

My Jeep did not perform like it suppose to dont want to start and if I spray quick start in the in tac then it give s a big back fire can it be the faulfitter s that the problem

[@user-xt5cx5nr4c]

my filter is threaded on both ends. Do I need speashul tools to get it of off frame 2003 chev 5.3 truck 1500.

[@PhillipsVision]

Shouldn’t, here’s a link to my video on replacing the 5.3 fuel filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enjWmYNonLKmn5osi=NYLBnDTovho0sbvn

[@marleyboy7732]

I don't have access to a computer to diagnose my truck. But as I start my truck. It won't idle.The only way it stays running. Is that I have to keep pressure on the gas pedal.Would that be characteristics for bad fuel filter? I've already changed my fuel pump out.

[@PhillipsVision]

Could be, but can also be many other things…Idle Air Control valve, MAF sensor, Fuel Pressure Regulator, MAP sensor, electrical system etc. You should really get the engine scanned for codes before you start changing things, so you don’t waste money on parts that may not be the problem. You can buy a cheap scan tool at Harbor Freight or Walmart for around $15.

[@marleyboy7732]

@@PhillipsVision will do. I appreciate the help.

[@BruceBruce321]

I recently replaced my fuel filter ,(2006 F150) due to a Lil bit of a hesitation when kicking in my passing gear. It's ran fine for a few days and today it started sputtering and jerking real bad around 45 mph. Do u think I got a bad filter or is my regulator or pump going out? Any ideas ?

[@PhillipsVision]

Are you getting any engine codes?

[@bobbydee1187]

My 2019 Chevy Trax after it warms up shows a p0301 code. I have replaced the spark plugs .it jumps after it warms up. Any advice??

[@PhillipsVision]

Could also be the spark plug wire or ignition coil pack on cylinder 1

[@J.P745]

My car has rough idle on cold start strong smell of gasoline on cold start some smoke. When driving around 40km/h the car hesitates. When parked or at the lights theres a vibration and still rough idle (not as bad as cold start) no check engine light. When i go to fill up gas, the pump stops wayy too quick. Any ideas on what this could be ?

[@spencerhansen8374]

The pump turning off too soon\frequently for me was a fuel canister(whatever it's called with charcoal in it). Located back by the fuel tank filler tube area .

[@senatoraguolu4773]

Please my Toyota Camry is having problems going up the hill it keeps dragging up a hill road as if there's isn't power enough to the engine with a bit of rocking back & forth slowly going up the hilly road. And after getting to the top and turn off the engine the vehicle refuses to start unless i step on the gas pedal several times to pump fuel into the fuel injector. Please do you think it's a dirty fuel filter?

[@tommysena594]

it could be your transmission is failing

[@CLOWEN2010]

My blazer won’t start, it’s not the battery, alternator or starter, i cleaned the throttle body and today i just took off the filter , when i took it off a bunch of black gas came out, but then i blew threw it and it seems to have good flow…does that mean my filter isn’t bad? Could the clog have came out with the black gas? Parts store is closed, so won’t get the filter till tomorrow morning

[@YourSoulFriend253]

Any update?

[@brucemaher7621]

I can NOT find my fuel filter on my 1999 Toyota prado... Every time I look up were it is it’s not there.... So is there one or not... Please help me to find if you can... Thanks

[@SkiiMaskWay223]

It may be in the gas tank

[@brucemaher7621]

@@SkiiMaskWay223 turns out it’s behind the intake manifold and boy is it hard to get off ...even my machinist told me to replace it myself...

[@brian242101]

your the fucking man 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@brian242101]

appreciate your information brotha 🤞🏽

[@vastwrld]

My car is getting hot eating more fuel and sometimes gives me poor acceleration takes time to start

[@netovillegas8002]

Might have a bad catalytic converter too if it getting hot

[@laminjarju697]

Change your injection if it’s gas oil

[@user-cx1mg7td7n]

How do I fix the gas idle and why does my rpm idle go down sometimes when I start the car and the car don't want to go

[@PhillipsVision]

Could be your Idle Air Control Valve, but also check your fuel pressure to make sure it’s to spec

[@hazelpieterse853]

Our car misfire sometimes it stalling wht can be the problem.when w drive it staling and sometimes start back up sometimes not .then it will start the nex day

[@PhillipsVision]

Is it giving an engine code? Check the fuel pressure and make sure the fuel pump is not failing. Could also be a vacuum leak.

[@hazelpieterse853]

@@PhillipsVision ok wil try was thinking the same about the fuelpump

[@TokenEdits]

I got a 98 c1500 4.3 6 cyl, I got a crank but not start and have ran a reader without getting any engine codes back, checked my spark plugs, checked fuel pump symptoms and relays and they seem to be fine. It shut off while driving, anyone know what else it could be besides the filter or crankshaft position sensor?

[@ivoryuniq]

Did u figure out what the issue was?

[@TokenEdits]

no and I ran a shitty reader (Not scanner) and it didn't throw any codes out either.@@ivoryuniq

[@YourSoulFriend253]

👀

[@TokenEdits]

yea itwas the pump lmao@@ivoryuniq

[@TokenEdits]

im not mechanically inclined in case I sounded retarded xD@@YourSoulFriend253

[@J68browneyez]

My car starts with no problem but when I put it in drive it won't move but the rpms rev high when I press the gas pedal. Then the car jumps and move and starts to drive sluggish going up a hill and I heard the belt screech when pressing the gas pedal and the rpms and motor had rev high it wouldn't go pass 25. when I stop at a light it dose it again when try to pull off, It starts slow and riding sluggish with the rpms and motor revving high. I pull over put it in park, press the gas pedal, put it in drive and it takes off a little sluggish. It's like the more I try to drive it the problem all of a sudden goes away and the car drives fine and went up to 60mph with no problem. Till I got home to park and when I put it in reverse I feel the shift but it moves sluggish after pressing the pedal and it revs first before it jumps and move. I don't have any codes or check engine light😳 I hope it's just the fuel filter but I'm going to let it sit until I'm able to find out what the problem is and getting it fixed. I just posted a vid of a drunk driver smacking rite into my car ...Smh

[@tattooart420]

Do a seafoam hot soak on your engine so it can remove carbon deposits on your injectors and pour a can also before filling up the tank you will need an extra hand doing the hot soak to keep the rpms at 2 get the seafoam with bendable straw and regular one for gas hope this helps.

[@miguelsoria1989]

I have the same problem . Where you able to find the problem?

[@tattooart420]

@@miguelsoria1989 I had same problem I started from cheapest to expensive changed fuel filter and air filter replaced fuel pressure regulator and line that connects to rails cleaned maf sensor cleaned throttle body,replaced spark plugs and hoses and ignition coils, and finally fuel pump ,sound like alot but it's not to bad also look up videos about laquer thinner in gas tank it helps clean catalytic converter... hope this helps I know the headaches are real.

[@miguelsoria1989]

@@tattooart420 I’ll look into it appreciate it bro

[@miguelsoria1989]

@@tattooart420 the struggle is real lol

[@ThomasHallman-ew9sc]

I have a 96 dodge ram 1500. Starting about a month ago it would randomly die. As if it was was out of gas. It would start back up and that was it. About 2 weeks ago I broke my outer tie rod on the highway. It was a very bumpy ride until I was able to make to the shoulder. Since then it starts right up but once I accelerate if I stop accelerating it dies. If I’m not manipulating it in some way to keep the rpm’s up above 1000 she wants to die. I understand the most intelligent thing to do is to take it to a shop but that’s not an option. If anyone has any suggestions on how I can figure out exactly what’s wrong or how to fix it please let me know.

[@PhillipsVision]

I would start by checking your fuel pressure. If it is less than required for your vehicle it could be the pressure regulator or the fuel pump. Also check your throttle body for carbon build up. If the butterfly valve gets dirt blockage it can cause your vehicle to stall out when it’s slightly open at low RPMs

[@archangelmichael2001]

Only thing is my fuel line is rusted

[@user-pu6kw5em2m]

What if your truck turns off when you're driving

[@PhillipsVision]

Might be the fuel pump. Check the pressure with a gauge

[@chuckychuck]

@@PhillipsVision or your IAC valve

[@kidsavage86]

Car drives like it want to cut off

[@PhillipsVision]

Are you getting any engine codes?

[@kidsavage86]

@@PhillipsVision no but it sat for 6 months i think its low on gas idk if that could be it and the battery is like charge for a hour dead can that be it

[@marcosrubalcaba9891]

Thank you