Replacing The Fuel Filter In Your Glk250: When And Why

The Mercedes-Benz GLK250 is a luxury compact SUV that was produced between 2008 and 2014. The fuel filter in a GLK250 should be replaced every 40,000 to 80,000 miles, or as part of a scheduled maintenance service. The cost of a fuel filter replacement for a GLK250 ranges from $260 to $292, with the filter itself priced at around $55.99 to $140. The replacement procedure involves removing the engine cover, disconnecting the electrical connector to the fuel heater, and detaching the fuel hoses and heating element for transfer to the new filter.

Fuel filter replacement cost

The fuel filter in your car plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal engine performance. It is a relatively affordable part to replace, with costs typically ranging from $70 to $150, depending on the type of filter and labour costs. However, prices can vary depending on the car model and other factors.

For instance, the fuel filter replacement cost for a 2012 Honda Civic was quoted at $450 AUD, which included nearly two hours of labour. In contrast, a 2013 GLK250 owner was quoted $240 for the replacement, which included $140 for the filter and $100 for an hour of labour. Another GLK250 owner was quoted $600 for the replacement at a dealer but found a German specialty shop that charged only $150 for the entire service.

If you're handy and have the necessary tools, you can save on labour costs by replacing the fuel filter yourself. The process typically involves relieving the pressure in the fuel system, removing the old filter, using a pan to catch any residual fuel, and installing the new filter. It's important to note that the location and process of replacement may vary depending on the car model.

To maintain optimal engine performance and avoid more significant issues, it is recommended to replace the fuel filter periodically. Many car companies suggest changing the fuel filter every 5 years/50,000 miles, but this may vary depending on your driving conditions and habits.

Some signs that your fuel filter needs replacement include:

• Poor engine performance: A clogged fuel filter may cause the engine to surge, sputter, or hesitate when accelerating.
• Hard starting: A dirty fuel filter may cause the engine to crank longer than usual before starting.
• Vehicle stalling: A clogged filter can lead to sporadic fuel delivery, causing the vehicle to stall, especially during acceleration.
• Fuel system component failure: If the clogged filter ruptures, contaminants can enter the rest of the fuel system, leading to the need for additional repairs.

Symptoms of a bad fuel filter

The fuel filter in your GLK250 should be replaced around every 40,000 miles. Here are some symptoms of a bad fuel filter to look out for:

• Difficulty Starting Your Car: A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow to your engine, making it difficult for the engine to start. You may need to crank the ignition longer than usual before the engine turns over.
• Sluggish Acceleration: A dirty fuel filter restricts fuel flow to the engine, causing the engine to hesitate or stumble as it struggles to get the fuel needed for increased power and speed.
• Rough Idling: More intense vibrations or lurching when accelerating can indicate a clogged fuel filter.
• Stalling: A severely clogged fuel filter may cause the engine to stall frequently, especially at idle.
• Poor Fuel Economy: An engine with a clogged fuel filter may burn more fuel than usual, causing lower gas mileage.
• Unusual Smells: In some cases, a clogged fuel filter can cause unburnt fuel to escape through the exhaust, leaving your car's cabin smelling like gas.
• Loud Noises from the Fuel Pump: A clogged fuel filter can cause the fuel pump to work harder, resulting in strange noises that may be heard inside the vehicle.
• Check Engine Light Comes On: Low fuel pressure due to a clogged fuel filter may trigger the check engine light.

Fuel filter replacement safety

Overview

The fuel filter is a critical component of a vehicle's fuel supply system, trapping dirt, rust, and other impurities to prevent them from entering the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and engine. While replacing a fuel filter is generally a straightforward process, certain safety precautions must be followed to ensure a safe and successful procedure. This guide will outline the steps and safety measures involved in replacing the fuel filter on a GLK250, a model produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2008 to 2014.

Safety Precautions

Before beginning the replacement process, it is essential to prioritize safety. Here are some key safety measures to follow:

• Ensure the engine is cool before starting work. A hot engine can pose a safety hazard.
• Wear proper safety gear, including safety glasses and protective gloves.
• Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable or the fuse for the fuel pump's circuit. This step is crucial for safety and to avoid any electrical issues.
• Depressurize the fuel system. This is important to prevent fuel from spraying out during the replacement process.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby as an extra safety precaution.

Replacement Process

Now, let's go through the steps to replace the fuel filter:

• Locate the fuel filter. On some vehicles, it may be inside the fuel tank, while on others, it could be outside the tank, along the fuel line.
• Remove the engine cover to access the fuel filter.
• Disconnect the electrical connector to the fuel heater.
• Remove the fuel hoses and transfer the heating element to the new filter.
• Install the new fuel filter and reconnect the hoses and electrical connections.
• Check for leaks after the installation.
• Start the car and let it run for a while to ensure proper functioning and leak-free connections.

Additional Tips

• Consult the owner's manual for specific recommendations and procedures for your vehicle.
• Consider the maintenance interval for fuel filter replacement, which can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
• Be cautious when working around fuel to avoid any spills or leaks.
• Ensure all retaining clips and mounting brackets are correctly reinstalled.
• If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the process, consider seeking professional assistance.

By following these steps and safety precautions, you can safely and effectively replace the fuel filter on your GLK250, ensuring a smooth-running engine and preventing potential engine damage.

Fuel filter replacement schedule

When to replace your fuel filter

Fuel filters are a maintenance item and should be replaced according to the service schedule in your owner's manual. Typically, fuel filters are replaced every 40,000 to 80,000 miles.

Signs that your fuel filter needs replacing

When the fuel filter begins to clog, the engine suffers from fuel starvation, which causes a significant reduction in power and may also cause a misfire. As the issue progresses, the engine may stall immediately after starting, fail to start, hesitate under throttle, or stall at particular angles on hills.

If your vehicle is experiencing a driveability problem, such as a clogged fuel filter, driving is not advised. A vehicle that accelerates unpredictably or stalls frequently is a hazard to you and other drivers. The vehicle may also be impossible to drive as the fuel cannot reach the engine.

DIY fuel filter replacement

Depending on the location of the filter, fuel filter replacement can be done at home by an intermediate DIYer. Most replacements require lifting and safely supporting the vehicle to access the filter, and some will require the removal of under-body panelling.

Fuel filter replacement cost

The average cost for a Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Fuel Filter Replacement is between $260 and $292, with labour costs estimated between $123 and $155, and parts typically priced around $137.

Where to buy a fuel filter

You can buy a fuel filter for your Mercedes-Benz GLK250 from a number of online retailers, including Advance Auto Parts, FCP Euro, and Diesel Filters.com.

Fuel filter replacement process

The fuel filter replacement process for a GLK250 is relatively straightforward and can be done by an intermediate DIYer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace the fuel filter:

• Purchase a new fuel filter. The exact MANN filter can be ordered through Diesel Filters.com for around $58.00, or it can be purchased from a dealer for $90-$140.
• Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Remove the engine cover to access the fuel filter, which is located on top of the engine, slightly towards the driver's side.
• Disconnect the electrical connector to the fuel heater.
• Remove the two metal clips holding the fuel filter canister inside the plastic holder using a screwdriver.
• Remove the small tube exiting the top of the filter by releasing the clip retaining the small drain plug.
• Relieve any pressure by popping out the drain plug (only a small amount of fluid should come out).
• Remove the two metal hose clamps holding the inlet and outlet hoses in place using wire cutters to pinch the clamps.
• Take out the hoses and then remove the fuel filter.
• Transfer the heating element from the old filter to the new one.
• Install the new fuel filter by following the previous steps in reverse order. Ensure that the sealing washers are replaced to prevent leaks.
• Prime the new fuel filter if desired, although this is not necessary.
• Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes.

The whole process should take less than 20 minutes, and you will save a significant amount of money by doing it yourself instead of taking it to a dealer, who may charge up to $600 for the service. It is recommended to replace the fuel filter every 40,000 miles, or according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

Frequently asked questions