Katerina Swanson
Replacing a fuel filter in a Mopar vehicle is a relatively simple task that can help maintain the health of your engine and fuel injection system. Mopar vehicles, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM, typically have two types of fuel filters: a strainer in the fuel tank and another in the main fuel line. Over time, these filters can become clogged, leading to issues such as engine lagging, stalling, and even complete engine failure. Replacing the fuel filter is a recommended maintenance task, with some manuals suggesting it be done every oil change or at specific mileage intervals. The process of replacing the fuel filter involves draining the old fuel, removing the old filter, installing a new one, and refilling the fuel. This can be done at home with relative ease or by a mechanic, with costs varying depending on the service provider.
How to Replace Mopar Fuel Filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms of a bad fuel filter | Check Engine light on, lagging or stalling engine, shuddering during idling, unable to start the vehicle, complete engine failure |
| Fuel filter replacement interval | Every oil change or every 10,000 miles |
| Fuel filter replacement cost | $160-$222 at the dealer, $112.58 online |
| Fuel filter replacement difficulty | Easy to change, can be done in a few hours |
What You'll Learn
Symptoms of a bad fuel filter
A fuel filter is an important component of a car's fuel system, screening debris and preventing it from entering and damaging the fuel system. Here are some symptoms of a bad fuel filter:
- Difficulty Starting the Car: A clogged fuel filter restricts the flow of fuel to the engine, making it difficult for the engine to start. You may notice that the engine takes longer to crank before turning on. If left unchanged, the vehicle may eventually fail to start at all.
- Sluggish Acceleration and Poor Performance: A dirty fuel filter can cause the engine to struggle to accelerate, particularly when going uphill or carrying heavy loads. The restricted fuel flow can lead to engine hesitation or stumbling as it demands more fuel for increased power and speed.
- Rough Idling: A clogged fuel filter can result in rough idling, with more intense vibrations or lurching when accelerating. This is due to the limited amount of fuel reaching the engine.
- Engine Stalling: In severe cases, a severely clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to stall, especially at idle. Frequent stalling is a sign that the fuel filter needs attention.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: A clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to burn more fuel than usual, leading to lower gas mileage.
- Unusual Fuel Odors: A clogged fuel filter can cause unburnt fuel to escape through the exhaust, resulting in a strong gas odor inside the car.
- Strange Noises from the Fuel Pump: As the fuel pump works harder to push fuel through the clogged filter, it may produce strange noises that can be heard inside the vehicle.
- Check Engine Light: Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged fuel filter can trigger the check engine light to come on.
It is important to note that the maintenance interval for fuel filters varies depending on the vehicle's make, model, and year. Some vehicles may need a replacement every 20,000 miles, while others can go up to 150,000 miles. Regularly maintaining and replacing the fuel filter can help prevent engine problems and costly repairs.
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OEM Mopar fuel filters
The Mopar eStore and My Mopar Parts websites offer OEM Mopar fuel filters for purchase. These filters are designed to fit specific vehicle models, ensuring optimal performance and a proper fit.
Mopar fuel filters are engineered to meet the strict fuel filtration standards required for modern diesel engines. By effectively removing suspended contaminants and water, these filters ensure trouble-free engine operation.
Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Filter
It is important to be aware of the signs of a failing fuel filter, as a clogged or degraded filter can lead to engine issues. Some symptoms of a bad fuel filter include:
- Check Engine light illuminated on the dashboard
- Lagging or stalling engine
- Shuddering during idling
- Difficulty starting the vehicle
- Complete engine failure
If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to use a code reader and perform a careful inspection to diagnose fuel filter problems.
Compatible Vehicles
- Dodge Ram trucks with 5.9L or 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engines
- Dodge Ram 1500 with 3.0L EcoDiesel engine
- Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles
Where to Purchase
You can purchase OEM Mopar fuel filters online from the Mopar eStore or My Mopar Parts website. Simply browse their auto parts catalog by brand, model, and model year to find the correct fuel filter for your vehicle.
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Fuel filter replacement intervals
The fuel filter replacement interval for your Mopar vehicle will depend on several factors, including the age and mileage of your vehicle, the quality of fuel used, and the driving conditions.
The vehicle manufacturer usually determines the fuel filter replacement interval, and this can be found in your owner's manual. For instance, the 2019+ Ram 1500s manual previously stated that the fuel filter needed to be replaced every other oil change or every 20,000 miles unless you lived in certain states with dirty fuel. However, the manual was updated to state that the filter must be changed at every oil change, not exceeding 10,000 miles.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel filter replacement intervals, as these are designed to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. Failing to comply with these requirements may result in premature engine wear, which is typically not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
In general, it is recommended to replace fuel filters every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or every 2 to 3 years, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in dusty or polluted environments, you may need to replace your fuel filter more often, as your filter may become clogged more quickly.
Additionally, older vehicles or those with higher mileage may require more frequent fuel filter replacements as the filter can accumulate more debris and contaminants over time.
To summarise, by staying proactive with fuel filter maintenance and considering the specific factors that affect your vehicle, you can help prolong the lifespan of your engine and ensure a smoother driving experience.
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Where to buy Mopar fuel filters
Mopar fuel filters can be purchased from a variety of online retailers. Some of the most popular options include:
- GenosGarage.com: This website offers a wide range of Mopar and Fleetguard fuel filters for different models of Dodge Cummins Diesel vehicles. They provide detailed descriptions of each product, including the vehicle compatibility and specific model number. Free shipping is also available on select products.
- KLM Performance: KLM Performance is another trusted source for OEM Mopar diesel fuel filters. They offer free shipping on selected products and provide detailed information about the importance of using Mopar fuel filters to maintain the performance of your diesel engine.
- MoparFilters.com: This website specializes in Mopar filters and offers a range of fuel filters for Dodge Ram trucks with 6.7L Cummins engines. They provide packs of filters, as well as filter and oil kits. MoparFilters.com also offers free shipping and hassle-free returns on all orders.
In addition to these online retailers, Mopar fuel filters can also be purchased from local dealerships and auto parts stores. It is always recommended to consult your vehicle's manual to ensure you are purchasing the correct fuel filter for your specific model.
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Mopar fuel filter sets
Mopar fuel filters are designed to capture pollutants in your fuel before they reach your engine. If these contaminants make it through, they can cause engine trouble. Mopar fuel filters are especially important for diesel engines, as diesel fuel is more susceptible to contaminants and water.
Mopar offers a range of fuel filter sets for specific engine types. For example, the Mopar 68157291AA fuel filter set is designed for the 6.7L engine in the 2010+ Dodge Ram. This fuel filter is also available as part of a fuel and oil filter kit for the same vehicle.
Another option is the Mopar 04726067AA 3.0L Ecodiesel Fuel Filter Set, which is suitable for the 2014+ Ecodiesel 3.0L engine.
Mopar also offers a fuel and water separator filter, such as the Mopar 68197867AB, which is designed for the 2013-2018 Cummins 6.7L engine.
Using OEM Mopar fuel filters can help ensure the long life of your engine's fuel injection system and maintain the increasingly strict diesel fuel filtration standards required for modern diesel engines.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the owner's manual, the fuel filter needs to be replaced at every oil change, or at most, every 10,000 miles.
Some signs that your fuel filter may be failing include:
- The Check Engine light is on
- A lagging or stalling engine
- Shuddering during idling
- Difficulty starting your vehicle
- Complete engine failure
If you don't replace your fuel filter when needed, contaminants will build up in your fuel pump, fuel injectors, and engine, leading to engine trouble and potentially premature engine wear.
Yes, replacing a fuel filter is a relatively simple task that can be done at home. However, if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can take it to a dealer or mechanic to have it replaced.
You can buy Mopar fuel filters online from various retailers, or you can purchase them from your local auto parts store or dealership.
