Regan Brown
The fuel filter in a Mazda Miata is located towards the middle, in front of the rear passenger-side wheel. It is plumbed into the high-pressure fuel supply line beneath the car. The fuel filter should be replaced if a car has been sitting with unused gas in the tank for over 3 to 6 months. The process of changing the fuel filter involves disconnecting the Circuit Opening Relay (1.6) or Fuel Pump Relay (1.8) under the dashboard, removing the fuel filter cover, loosening the hose clamps, and replacing the old filter with a new one. It is important to depressurize the fuel system and place a pan under the filter to catch any leaking fuel.
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What You'll Learn
Locate the fuel filter
To locate the fuel filter of a Miata, drive the rear of the car onto ramps and place chocks under the front wheels to prevent the car from moving. Next, remove the fuel cap to relieve pressure from the fuel tank. Then, with the engine idling, disconnect the yellow plug under the dashboard near the steering column. This is the Circuit Opening Relay (1.6) or the Fuel Pump Relay (1.8). Once the plug is disconnected, the engine will stall and the fuel line will be depressurized.
Now, crawl under the rear bumper and locate the fuel filter cover. The cover is held in place by 4 or 5 plastic screw clamps, which can be removed with a cross-tip screwdriver. The fuel filter is located toward the middle, in front of the rear passenger-side wheel, toward the center of the car. It is plumbed into the high-pressure fuel supply line beneath the car, right next to a sturdy frame rail.
Place a pan under the filter to catch any fuel that may leak out during the removal process. Use a 10 mm (13/32-inch) socket to remove the bolt that secures the clamp holding the fuel filter to the car. Be sure to have a rag or a bucket nearby to catch any fuel that may spill or leak during this process. Safety glasses are also recommended to protect your eyes from any fuel splashes. If you are having trouble disconnecting the tubes, you can use zip ties to press the tabs down and disconnect the tubes.
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Depressurise the fuel system
Depressurising the fuel system of a Miata is an important step before replacing the fuel filter. If you don't depressurise, you and your surroundings will be soaked in gasoline.
Firstly, it is recommended to disconnect the battery before disconnecting the fuel pump. One way to depressurise the fuel system is to open the fuel filler cap. This will equalise the pressure in the tank and relieve the pressure in the system. However, this method may not depressurise the lines all the way. To avoid getting fuel everywhere, wrap a rag around the fuel line you are disconnecting.
Another method is to hook up a fuel sample hose to relieve the pressure before unhooking the fuel lines to the pump. You can also put a disconnect tool on the line and wrap a shop rag around it to catch any escaping gas.
If you want to completely purge the system, you can disconnect the line at the fuel rail and turn the key to the run position until gasoline comes out. Make sure to have a catch can in place to collect the gasoline.
It is worth noting that some sources claim that depressurising the fuel system is not necessary, as Miata fuel systems do not have much pressure and tend to leak pressure back down fairly quickly. Additionally, letting the car sit for several hours or days will cause the fuel to naturally drain back to the fuel pump or tank, removing the need to start the car to depressurise the system.
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Remove the fuel filter cover
To remove the fuel filter cover of a Miata, start by driving the rear of the car onto ramps. Place chocks under the front wheels to prevent the car from moving. Remove the fuel cap to relieve pressure from the fuel tank and return fuel line.
With the engine idling, disconnect the yellow plug under the dash near the steering column. This is the Circuit Opening Relay (1.6) or the Fuel Pump Relay (1.8). Either way, disconnecting it will shut off power to the fuel pump, causing the engine to stall and depressurizing the fuel line. Replace the plug and switch the ignition key to the off position.
Crawl under the passenger side rear bumper to locate the fuel filter cover. The cover is held in place by 4 or 5 plastic screw clamps, which frequently become stripped. Use a knife to pry them out slightly, then use a cross-tip screwdriver to remove them. Place a pan under the filter to catch any fuel that may leak.
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Disconnect the fuel lines
To disconnect the fuel lines, start by removing the fuel cap to relieve pressure from the fuel tank and return fuel line. Next, with the engine idling, disconnect the yellow plug under the dashboard near the steering column. This is either the Circuit Opening Relay (1.6) or the Fuel Pump Relay (1.8), depending on your Miata model. Once the plug is disconnected, the engine will stall and the fuel system will be nearly depressurized. Wrap a rag around the filter line, then twist the first fuel line loose to release any remaining pressure.
Now, crawl under the passenger-side rear bumper and locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter cover is held in place by 4 or 5 plastic screw clamps, which can be removed with a cross-tip screwdriver. Place a pan under the filter to catch any leaking fuel. Use a 10 mm (13/32-inch) socket to remove the bolt securing the clamp that holds the fuel filter in place.
At this point, you can begin to disconnect the fuel lines. Use pliers to loosen the hose clamps attached to the fuel filter. Be careful not to damage the hoses. Pad the pliers' jaws with a rag to avoid damage. Once the hose clamps are loose, use a screwdriver to slide the fuel lines off the filter. If needed, you can clamp the rubber fuel lines with vise grips to prevent fuel from leaking before sliding them off. Alternatively, you can plug the lines with a pen or golf tee after removing the rubber hoses.
It is important to note that some Miata fuel lines may have quick-disconnect fittings that require a special tool to release. These fittings typically have white tabs or clips that need to be squeezed or pinched to release the lock and slide the line off. Auto parts stores sell quick-disconnect kits for a few dollars that can make this process easier.
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Check for leaks
To check for leaks in your Miata's fuel filter, begin by placing a pan under the filter to catch any fuel. This will allow you to know if there is a leak after replacing the fuel filter. Next, with the engine idling, disconnect the yellow plug under the dashboard near the steering column. This is the Circuit Opening Relay (1.6) or the Fuel Pump Relay (1.8), depending on your model. This action will shut off power to the fuel pump, causing the engine to stall. Once the engine stalls, replace the plug and switch the ignition key to the "OFF" position. At this point, fuel pressure to the filter is nearly depressurized.
Before proceeding, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be harmful. Now, locate the fuel filter cover, which is typically held in place by four or five plastic screw clamps. Use a knife to gently pry them out, then use a cross-tip screwdriver to remove them. Place a rag around the filter line to absorb any dribbling fuel. Next, loosen the hose clamps and slide up the lines a few inches without completely removing them. Pad the pliers' jaws with a rag to break them loose.
At this stage, the fuel system should be adequately depressurized. If you have not properly depressurized the system, you may experience a liberal dousing of pressurized fuel. Now, remove the old filter and install the new one, ensuring it is loosely held in place. You may need to use line clamps or golf tees to cap the filter and fuel line if you are not confident in your dexterity. Once the new filter is in place, tighten the bolt on the clamp holding the fuel filter. Reattach the plastic cover on the steering column and the battery terminal.
To check for leaks, re-establish pressure in the fuel system by bridging the fuel pump (F/P) terminal to the ground terminal in the diagnostic connector under the hood. Put the ignition key in the "ON" position without starting the car, allowing the fuel pump to operate and the fuel line to repressurize. Turn off the key after 15 seconds and disconnect the wire from the diagnostic connector. Finally, start the car and inspect the fuel filter for leaks. Look underneath the car for signs of fuel leakage. If you notice any gasoline, it indicates a leak, and you should review the installation process to ensure the filter is correctly installed.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel filter is located toward the middle, in front of the rear passenger-side wheel, under the rear bumper, toward the center of the car. It is plumbed into the high-pressure fuel supply line beneath the car, right next to a sturdy frame rail.
Before replacing the fuel filter, you should place a pan under the filter to catch any fuel that may leak. You should also ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes may be harmful to your health. It is also important to depressurize the fuel system. To do this, remove the fuel cap and disconnect the Circuit Opening Relay (1.6) or the Fuel Pump Relay (1.8) under the dash near the steering column. The engine will then stall, and you can replace the plug and switch the ignition key to the off position.
First, remove the fuel filter cover, which is attached with 4 or 5 plastic screw clamps. Use a knife to pry them out and then a cross-tip screwdriver to remove them. Next, loosen the hose clamps and slide up the lines a few inches. Use a rag to pad the pliers' jaws and break them loose. Place the new filter inside the bracket and swap over the lines. Finally, test for leaks by putting the ignition key in the "on" position without starting the car, allowing the fuel pump to work and the fuel line to repressurize.
