How to Remove the Fuel Filter From a Mazda B3000 Pickup

When removing the fuel filter on your Mazda B3000 pickup, make sure you are away from appliances with open flames like water heaters and dryers to avoid a possible accident. Also, after depressurizing the fuel system, keep a few shop rags on hand as you disconnect the fuel lines from the filter to catch any fuel remaining on the lines. Then follow a few simple steps to replace the filter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench set
• Ratchet and socket set
• Shop rags
• Small standard screwdriver
• Floor jack and jack stand
• Motor oil
• New hairpin clips

To Remove

1. Park your car in a safe place and relieve the pressure from the fuel system. Open the hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable; loosen the fuel filler cap. Remove the cover from the fuel manifold on top of the engine using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

2. Locate the Schrader valve on the inlet fuel line right before the first fuel injector on the fuel rail; the valve is similar to an air valve on a bicycle tire. Wrap a shop rag around the valve to catch the squirt of fuel as you depress the small stem inside the valve using a small standard screwdriver.

3. Raise the rear, right-side of the vehicle (passenger side) using a floor jack, and safely support it on a jack stand; locate the fuel filter on the frame rail--close to the fuel tank on the rear of the car--and clean the filter connections from dirt and debris to prevent fuel system contamination as you replace the filter.

4. Remove the retaining clips from both ends of the filter connections by hand or with a standard screwdriver, then remove the hairpin clips from the fittings on both ends of the fuel filter. Spread the clip's legs apart, about 1/8 inch, with your fingers; pull the back of the clip off the fitting with your fingers or a small screwdriver and remove it from the fitting, then remove the other clip.

5. Remove the filter from the mounting bracket; if necessary, remove the mounting nut from the bracket using a wrench or ratchet and socket to remove the filter.

To Install

6. Clean the male fittings on both ends of the new filter using a shop rag, and apply a light coat of new motor oil to the fittings. Install the filter in the bracket, making sure the arrow on the filter case points to the engine; set the bracket in place and install the mounting nut.

7. Connect the inlet and outlet fuel lines on the filter by pushing the line connectors against the filter fittings. Secure the fuel lines with new hairpin clips on both ends of the filter fittings and install the retaining clips; then lower the vehicle.

8. Connect the black, negative battery cable, install the fuel manifold cover and tighten the fuel filler cap; start the engine and check for leaks.

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