Montero Fuel Filter: Diy Guide To Changing It

If you're looking to change the fuel filter on your Gen 2 Montero, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important to determine the year and model of your vehicle, as the process can vary. For example, the full-sized 2001 Montero does not have a replaceable fuel filter, while the 2001 Montero Sport Limited has a fuel filter that can be accessed and replaced. Additionally, the frequency with which you should change your fuel filter depends on your vehicle's usage. For daily driven vehicles, it is recommended to change the fuel filter every 60,000 miles, while for vehicles that sit more than being driven, a change every 20,000 miles is sufficient.

Frequency of changing the fuel filter

The frequency with which you should change the fuel filter in your Gen 2 Montero depends on several factors, including the type of fuel your car uses, the age of your car, and the mileage.

If your Gen 2 Montero runs on diesel, you will likely need to change the fuel filter more frequently than if it ran on petrol. This is because diesel is a dirtier fuel, and it is more likely that you will end up with a clogged filter. Modern diesel engines may be able to endure longer without a fuel filter change, but it is recommended that you change the filter every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. For petrol engines, you can typically change the fuel filter between 40,000 and 100,000 miles.

It is also worth noting that some diesel cars have two fuel filters. The first is mounted between the gas tank and the fuel pump, and it is crucial to change this filter first as contaminated fuel can cause significant issues with the fuel pump. The second filter is found in the engine area and serves to additionally clean the fuel before it reaches the combustion chamber.

In addition to the type of fuel, the age of your car can also impact how frequently you need to change the fuel filter. It is generally recommended that you replace the fuel filter every two years, regardless of your mileage. However, this may vary depending on the make and model of your car. For example, BMW models with a 2.5-liter diesel engine should have their fuel filters replaced every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, while modern BMW models with a 2.0-liter turbocharged B47 engine only require fuel filter changes every 30,000 miles on average.

Therefore, it is important to consult your owner's manual to determine the recommended frequency of fuel filter changes for your specific vehicle. Additionally, it is a good idea to inspect your fuel filter regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and to catch any potential issues early on.

Faults causing the check engine light to come on

The check engine light is a warning light that alerts the driver about any type of engine problems. Depending on the type of failure, the light may either blink or remain constantly lit. If the problem is serious, your Montero will be in an "emergency" state that will prevent you from accelerating the engine above a certain speed limit, forcing you to drive at a low speed to avoid further damage.

• A loose gas cap can cause the onboard diagnostic system to turn on the engine light. The gas cap is part of a sealed evaporative emissions system that prevents gas vapors from escaping into the air. If you accidentally leave the gas cap loose, you can lose fuel through evaporation, and your exhaust gas recirculation system will not function smoothly.
• A failed oxygen sensor can trigger the check engine light. An oxygen sensor measures the unburnt oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system, which helps the ECU create an ideal air-fuel mixture for optimum fuel economy under different driving conditions. However, these sensors are prone to failure when your vehicle crosses 80,000 miles. A faulty oxygen sensor can also damage your spark plugs and catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs.
• A weak or undercharged car battery will fail to send enough power to the ECU, resulting in an illuminated check engine light. You may also notice an illuminated battery light on your dashboard, indicating an issue with your battery or alternator.
• Faulty spark plugs can lead to ignition problems, reduced fuel economy, and damage to other vehicle components. Bad spark plug wires or a defective ignition coil can also cause a flashing check engine light. Spark plugs help ignite the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, and if the timing of the spark is off or the fuel mixture and its compression isn't right, your vehicle can misfire.
• A faulty mass airflow sensor can trigger the check engine light. This sensor measures how much air enters the engine, and the ECU uses this data to determine the amount of fuel to inject into the combustion chamber. If the sensor goes bad or there are leaks in the air intake tract, the check engine light will illuminate. The mass airflow sensor is also sensitive to dirt, water, and oil, so contamination in the air tract can trigger the signal too.

Tools required for the job

To replace the fuel filter on a Gen 2 Montero, you will need a variety of tools, depending on the specific model year of your vehicle.

For a 2001 Montero Limited, the fuel filter is located inside the fuel pump module, which is inside the tank. Therefore, this model does not have a replaceable fuel filter. However, there is a recall for the fuel system that involves dropping the tank, which will make accessing the fuel pump assembly much easier.

If you have a 2001 Montero Sport Limited, the fuel filter is located at the driver's side frame rail at the rear, just beneath the rear passenger door. To replace the fuel filter on this model, you will need the following tools:

• A 19mm wrench to hold the filter
• A 14mm flare nut wrench to loosen the fitting on the fuel filter inlet
• A quick-release fitting on the outlet side that can be pinched with your fingers
• Two 12mm bolts to hold the filter in place

For other model years of the Gen 2 Montero, the specific tools required to replace the fuel filter may vary slightly. However, some common tools that may be needed include:

• Metric line wrench
• Hose clamp
• Vice grips
• Catch pan to collect any drips or fuel spillage

Step-by-step guide to replacing the fuel filter

Tools Required:

• Metric line wrench
• Hose clamp
• Catch pan
• 19mm wrench
• 14mm flair nut wrench
• 12mm bolts

Step 1: Locate the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter on a Gen 2 Montero is located at the driver's side frame rail at the rear, just beneath the rear passenger door.

Step 2: Relieve Pressure (if required)

Some sources suggest relieving pressure before removing the fuel filter. Check your vehicle's specific requirements.

Step 3: Disconnect the Fuel Lines

Using the 19mm wrench to hold the filter, loosen the fitting on the fuel filter inlet using the 14mm flair nut wrench. For the outlet side, simply pinch the hose with your fingers and push the filter into the hose to release it.

Step 4: Remove the Fuel Filter

Remove the 2 12mm bolts holding the filter in place and take out the old fuel filter.

Step 5: Install the New Fuel Filter

Insert the new fuel filter and secure it with the 12mm bolts. Reattach the fuel lines, tightening the inlet fitting with the 14mm flair nut wrench.

Step 6: Dispose of the Old Fuel Filter Properly

Fuel filters should be disposed of responsibly. Take the old filter to a designated disposal location or recycling centre. Do not leave old fuel filters lying around as they contain flammable liquids and pose a fire hazard.

Where to buy a replacement fuel filter

To replace the fuel filter on a Gen 2 Montero, you can purchase a new one from a variety of retailers.

One option is to buy a fuel filter directly from Mitsubishi, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This option may be more expensive, but you can be sure that the part will fit your vehicle. You can also try other online retailers such as eBay or AutoZone, which offer a wide range of fuel filters for Mitsubishi Montero models. When buying from these retailers, be sure to check the compatibility of the fuel filter with your specific Gen 2 Montero model and year.

Additionally, there are other aftermarket brands that offer fuel filters compatible with the Mitsubishi Montero, such as Purolator, Pentius, Wix, and Baldwin. These can be found at various auto parts stores or online retailers.

When purchasing a replacement fuel filter, it is important to consider the quality and micron rating of the filter element. A lower micron rating indicates a finer filter that can capture smaller particles, providing better protection for your engine. However, finer filters may also need to be replaced more frequently as they can get clogged faster.

Frequently asked questions