Fuel Filter

Hey guys,

How often do you guys replace the fuel filter? I read that some cars have ones that are "lifetime" filters. Is this something you only change when there is a problem? My intrigue gets pretty bad gas milage maybe around 20mpg when driving mostly on freeway. I changed the spark plugs and was thinking of doing the fuel filter next. Anything else I should look at?

Thanks

There are NO lifetime fuel filters ! They don't necessarily have to be changed often but they definitely have to be changed ! Look in your owners manual , there should be a listing of suggested maintenance schedule intervals ( such as replacing the fuel filter , oil changes , etc. ) . These are recommended intervals meaning you can do it more often but shouldn't go beyond the listed mileage . There are many things that contribute to bad gas mileage ! A clogged fuel filter would hurt your MPG and performance but it's just one of many contributing factors . Improper tire pressure , wheel alignment , overloading the vehicle with too much weight , etc. can hurt your MPG ! Hope this helps answer your question , good luck !

I doubt the fuel filter is the cause of your bad gas mileage since most have a bypass. I'm not sure the maintenance of the filter is covered in the manual. But even if your car is a 2002 (last model year), it's not a bad idea to change the fuel filter after all these years. It's easy to do and very cheap maintenance.

The first question is are there any "check engine" lights on? If so, get it scanned to see the codes. If not, read through this post: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1010810. It ended up being a sticking caliper.

good Luck

Your oxygen sensor has a pretty large effect on gas mileage, thats definitely something to look in to. Im talking about the sensor mounted in the exhaust manifold, not the one behind the catalytic converter.

Definitely change it. A clogged fuel filter is a great way to cause premature death to your fuel pump.

I changed mine last year at 100K and it was plugged shut. I think it was the original. I don't even know how my Intrigue was running...

cleong -
I've not found any "official" change schedule, but I replace mine every 30K miles.

Definitely not a lifetime filter. I've actually done mine twice. Once around 50k and a second time around 100k. The second time i could tell right away that it was changed.

I posted a list of Fuel Filter options a few months back just out of curiosity sake....hth

Fuel Filter for Intrigue (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=979534)