Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Filter Replacement

According to the technical standards of most car manufacturers, the fuel fine filter must be replaced at least every 80 - 000 km of run. Unfortunately, the quality of fuel at home gas stations leaves much to be desired. That is why dividing this indicator in half will become a completely logical and justified decision. This will protect the engine from malfunctions and extend the period of its perfect operation.

Reliability and high quality

Traditionally, Japanese SUVs are characterized by impeccable reliability. However, this does not mean that its maintenance can be neglected. In fact, even a faulty car will not immediately “turn into a stake”, but it’s better not to wait for this sad moment.

How can you tell if the fuel filter is clogged?

Experienced motorists and car repair shop employees identify a number of signs indicating the need to replace the Mitsubishi Outlander fuel filter:

• when you sharply press the accelerator, the car “dulls”, acceleration is slow, there is no dynamics;
• fuel consumption increases significantly. In addition, driving performance remains at the same level at best;
• when driving on a slope, the car compresses. Riding often becomes impossible even on a small hill;
• engine stalls for no reason during warm-up or idling. In addition, this circumstance does not depend on the ambient temperature;
• when the accelerator pedal is released, intensive engine braking occurs;
• the motor starts for a long time and is unstable. Often the battery capacity is not enough to start the power unit;
• the speed increases in steps, the smoothness of work disappears;
• in third and fourth gear, the SUV suddenly starts to “peck” with its nose.

In principle, similar symptoms can be caused by other malfunctions, but it will not be possible to identify them without exception of a clogged fuel filter. This is the procedure to start.

Which filter should be preferred

Most car service employees are unanimous in their opinion that it is better to put the original. However, modern manufacturers offer car owners high-quality analogues. Given the price of these consumables, many motorists prefer to save money. If you buy an original filter, be sure to ask the seller for a certificate of conformity. Otherwise, it can be the same analogue, but at an inflated price.

Step-by-step algorithm for replacing the fine fuel filter

There is nothing complicated in this event, and all the actions can be performed independently by the owner of the car, who has basic skills in working with the tool. A standard set of wrenches and screwdrivers is sufficient.

• Remove the back seat. The front part is fastened with special latches, the hooks are located on the side of the back.

• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the gas tank door. It is located behind the driver, next to the steering wheel.

Remove all foreign materials. As a rule, the hatch is covered with a thick layer of dirt, since this gap is completely open from the outside. If there is even a little powder left, it will inevitably fall into the tank.

• All nuts must be treated with WD-40 or similar. After unscrewing them, be careful not to break the studs.

• Disconnect the hoses and wires, then unscrew the nuts with your head. Never attempt to do this with a ring or open-end wrench!

• Remove the fuel pump. Special care must be taken not to drop anything into the gas tank.

• The fuel pump and filter are made in a single unit. As a rule, authorized dealers replace the entire assembly, but this measure is not mandatory. An elementary filter change, if everything else is normal, is enough.

• Compare old and new part. It is better to do this in advance than to unmount everything again later.

• Installation of the unit is carried out in the reverse order. Before installing the seat, make sure that all hoses and cables are connected correctly. You can also test the engine.
• Check for fuel leaks at the connections.

Professional recommendations

When buying a new filter, whether it is an original or a more profitable analogue, you need to visually inspect it externally. If gaps or crooked places that do not fit with each other are noticeable, it is better to refuse the purchase immediately. It is clear that such a filter will not work properly.

If the car owner is not confident in his own abilities, or the necessary set of tools is not available, the best option would be to contact a car repair shop. Professionals will perform the work quickly and efficiently, relieving the owner of the Mitsubishi Outlander from a headache.