Fuel Filter Replacement

Difficulty: 2/5

Time to install: 90 mins

Tools Required: Phillips Head and small Flathead screwdriver, goggles, rag, container to catch gasoline, 10mm socket, Rhino Ramps or Jackstands and a white, BIC pen.

Fuel Filter took me about an hour. The longest part is just trying to disconnect the fuel line gently without breaking the clips. Below are the Mazda part numbers you'll need:

    • 99-00 Fuel Filter: BP4W-13-4809U

    • Fuel Filter Retainer Clips (x2): T032-42-694

I raised the rear of the car up on ramps. I then removed the gas cap to relieve pressure. Looking under the car from the rear, you can see the plastic fuel filter cover, circled in yellow.

Here's a closer shot. There are 5 plastic fasteners that keep the shield on. Take the Phillips head screwdriver and unscrew the center portion of the fastener. This will allow you to remove the whole fastener once the center portion is removed.

Here's a shot of shield then removed, it should just slide right out. Notice the fasteners consist of the two parts, the center screw and actual fastener.

Here's a shot of the fuel filter, with the 10mm socket, remove the bolt at the bottom.

This part takes a little guesswork. Get the jar located to where you can slide it right under the fuel filter. Get your BIC pen ready too! Notice the white clip. You need to press these in to remove the fuel lines. Do this on the lower side first, as it's the one that will spill the most. Once you disconnect the fuel line, stick the BIC pen in to stop it. Allow the fuel filter to drain any of its contents. Take care with the clips, they need to be reused on the new filter! Disconnect the other fuel line.

Here's a shot of my progress. Not too much spilled, luckily! The jar is pretty full, because I thought the tank was empty enough where I could drain the tank completely, but I was wrong, so I stopped midway. I'll repour this in later.

This shot basically shows you where the other two 10mm bolts are located. If you can't remove the fuel filter, you may want to try loosening these a bit, they're a pain to access, though! This shot is out of order, just to show you where I'm headed.

Just a shot of the pen, fits perfectly. Anyway, let's move on.

The fuel lines are disconnected, rotate the filter so you can remove the fuel filter from its clamp and get the bent fuel line out of the clamp.

Using a small flathead screwdriver or blade, carefully pry the existing clips off of the original fuel filter.

Place the clips on the new fuel filter, and replace the new fuel filter. Make sure to connect the fuel lines securely!