Fuel Filter Maintenance: When To Change In Your Entourage

The fuel filter in your car is an essential component that helps keep your engine running smoothly. It acts as a barrier to clean the fuel of impurities, sediment, and contaminants before they reach the fuel injection system and engine. While fuel filters may not be top of mind when it comes to vehicle maintenance, keeping them clean and replacing them when necessary is crucial for optimal engine performance and longevity.

Now, when it comes to your Hyundai Entourage, there seems to be some confusion about the fuel filter. Some sources mention a fuel tank air filter, which is located in the left rear wheel well of the vehicle and should be replaced every 30,000 miles. On the other hand, there is also a mention of a fuel filter located inside the fuel tank, which some suggest doesn't need to be replaced until 70,000 to 100,000 miles.

To clarify whether or not you need to change your fuel filter, it's best to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a trusted mechanic. They can provide accurate information specific to your car's make, model, and year. Additionally, they can inspect your fuel filter and advise you on any necessary maintenance or replacement.

Fuel filter replacement cost

The cost of replacing a fuel filter varies depending on the vehicle and location. For example, the average cost of a fuel filter replacement in the US is between $186 and $221, while in the UK, it ranges from £75 to £153.

The cost of labour for this replacement also differs depending on location. In London, the average rate is £78 per hour, while in the rest of the UK, it is £72 per hour.

It is worth noting that some vehicles, such as the 2012 Honda Civic, may not require a fuel filter replacement as it is not a part of regular maintenance.

The Hyundai Entourage, a minivan produced from 2007 to 2009, does have a fuel tank air filter that should be replaced every 30,000 miles or 3 years. The cost of the fuel tank air filter for this vehicle is approximately $15.

It is recommended to replace fuel filters every two years or after 30,000 miles of driving. However, this may differ depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.

Fuel filter location

The fuel filter in the Hyundai Entourage is located inside the fuel tank. However, there is also a fuel tank air filter, which is located in the left rear wheel well of the car.

To access the fuel tank air filter, you will need to:

• Put your car up on jack stands and remove the left rear tire.
• Take off the inner wheel lining. Be careful with the metal and plastic screws, as they can be easily stripped.
• You should now see the old filter. Use a 10mm socket to remove it, and then clamp the new one in place.

It is recommended that you change the fuel tank air filter every 30,000 miles.

Fuel filter replacement frequency

The fuel filter in your car plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal engine performance. It is designed to filter out contaminants such as dirt, debris, and other particulates from the fuel before it enters the engine, allowing your engine to run on pure gasoline. However, over time, the fuel filter can become clogged, which may lead to decreased engine performance.

The replacement frequency of your fuel filter depends on various factors, including the age of your vehicle, the mileage, and the condition of the filter. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the fuel filter between every 20,000 and 150,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. For newer vehicles, the fuel filter may be located inside the gas tank and replaced when the fuel pump assembly is changed, with replacement intervals of up to 60,000 miles.

It is important to note that the older the vehicle, the more frequently the filter should be changed. This is because, after around seven years of driving, rust, dirt, and debris tend to build up faster, clogging the filter more rapidly. Additionally, if you purchased a used car with little to no service history, you may need to replace the fuel filter sooner rather than later.

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Fuel Filter

There are several signs that indicate it's time to replace your fuel filter or have your fuel system inspected by a professional:

• Decreased power when towing or driving uphill
• Rough starts or sluggish acceleration
• Shuddering idles or engine hesitation when pressing the gas pedal
• Check engine light illuminated (which could indicate a clogged fuel filter or another issue)

Fuel Filter Replacement Procedure for the Hyundai Entourage

For the Hyundai Entourage, the fuel tank air filter is located near the gas tank intake area, behind the left rear tire. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing it:

• Put your car up on jack stands and remove the left rear tire.
• Take off the inner wheel lining and carefully remove the metal and plastic screws and plastic screw housings.
• Remove the old filter from the wheel well.
• Install the new filter using a 10mm socket to secure it in place.
• Reassemble the wheel well and put the left rear tire back on.

It is recommended to replace the fuel tank air filter every 30,000 miles for the Hyundai Entourage, according to the owner's manual. Additionally, the cabin air filter should be replaced every 7,500 miles or once a year.

Symptoms of a bad fuel filter

The fuel filter is a small but critical component of a vehicle's fuel supply system. It is designed to trap dirt, rust, scale, and other impurities to prevent them from entering the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and engine. Here are some symptoms of a bad fuel filter:

• Poor Engine Performance: Under heavy loads, a clogged fuel filter may cause the engine to hesitate, surge, or sputter. This is especially prominent when accelerating, particularly up a steep incline.
• Hard Starting: A clogged fuel filter restricts and interrupts the fuel flow, making it difficult to start the engine. You may need to crank the engine multiple times before it fires up.
• Engine Hesitation: A malfunctioning fuel filter can cause the engine to hesitate or stumble under various conditions, such as starting from a stop, accelerating, or driving uphill. This can feel like a "bucking" sensation and may be dangerous when making quick driving decisions.
• Misfires and Decreased Power: Insufficient fuel due to a clogged filter can cause the engine to misfire and produce less power. This issue may come and go as the partially clogged filter allows varying amounts of fuel to pass through.
• Stalling: A clogged fuel filter may allow just enough fuel for the engine to start but not enough for acceleration and cruising, leading to stalling.
• Rough Engine Idle: A bad fuel filter can cause the engine to stutter or vibrate at idle as it is starved of fuel. The tachometer needle may also move erratically at the low end of the range.
• Check Engine Light: While not directly connected to the engine computer, a blocked fuel filter can trigger trouble codes related to lean-running conditions or mass airflow sensor faults.
• Fuel System Part Failures: A restricted fuel filter increases pressure on the fuel pump, leading to noise, damage, or even failure. Contaminants passing through a dirty fuel filter can also damage or clog fuel injectors.

Fuel filter replacement process

Preparation

Before starting, consult your vehicle's owner's manual to locate the fuel filter and understand the specific requirements for your car. You will also need to relieve the fuel pressure. To do this, remove the fuel pump fuse or relay and run the engine until it stalls. Then, turn off the ignition.

Accessing the Fuel Filter

Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. If needed, use a jack and jack stands to lift the car for easier access to the fuel filter. The fuel filter is typically located along the fuel line or near the fuel tank. Some options might also be under the hood in a self-contained canister.

Replacing the Fuel Filter

Place a plastic container or drip pan beneath the fuel filter to catch any spilled fuel. Using a wrench or pliers, loosen and disconnect the fuel lines connected to the fuel filter. Be prepared for some fuel to spill out.

Unclamp or unbolt the old fuel filter from its mounting bracket and carefully remove it from the vehicle. Place the new fuel filter in the mounting bracket, ensuring that the flow direction arrow aligns with the direction of fuel flow. Secure the filter using the original clamp or bolt.

Reattach the fuel lines to the new filter, ensuring they are tightly secured. Apply thread sealant if required for your specific vehicle.

Final Steps

Reinstall the fuel pump fuse or relay to restore fuel system pressure. Start the engine and check for any leaks around the new fuel filter. If you notice any leaks, turn off the engine and tighten the connections as needed.

Additional Tips

• Use high-quality fuel from reputable gas stations and the appropriate fuel grade recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to prevent contaminants from entering your fuel system.
• Keep the fuel tank full to avoid sediment accumulation, which can clog the fuel filter or damage the fuel pump.
• Clean your fuel injectors periodically using a fuel injector cleaner additive to prevent deposits from building up and affecting engine performance.
• Replacing a fuel filter typically costs around $40, and labour is extra if you take it to a mechanic.

Hyundai Entourage Fuel Tank Filter Replacement

If you own a 2007 Hyundai Entourage, the fuel filter is located by the gas tank intake area (left rear tire). To replace the fuel filter, follow these steps:

• Put your car up on jack stands and remove the left rear tire.
• Take off the inner wheel lining by removing the metal and plastic screws. Be careful not to strip the plastic screw housings.
• Remove the old filter from the wheel well and clamp in the new one.
• Put everything back together.

Note: The Hyundai part number for the fuel tank air filter is 31453-3E000.

Frequently asked questions