If you take a look at your Mazda’s owner’s manual, you will likely see that the fuel filter needs to be changed every 30,000 miles. This part of a fuel system cleaning service that removes dirt and sediment from the fuel system, including the injectors and hoses. If you ignore this service, the fuel filter will be the part that clogs first because it removes dirt and sediment found in the fuel.
Hard Starts/No Starts
If your Mazda’s fuel filter is clogged, you will have a difficult time getting the Japanese vehicle started. You need plenty of fuel in each cylinder for combustion, and a clogged fuel filter will restrict the fuel flow into the engine. If the filter is completely packed with dirt and grime, you won’t be able to fire up your Mazda’s engine. If there is some space for the fuel to make its way through the filter, you will have difficulties getting the engine started, but it will start.
Misfiring/Stalling Engine
Once it starts, however, it may stall quickly because there isn’t enough fuel to sustain combustion. In addition, the engine will misfire while you are operating the Mazda. If it misfires bad enough, it will stall. This is a sign that the engine does not have enough fuel in each cylinder to fire each cylinder. Consequently, your Mazda isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Rough Engine Idle
Aside from stalling the engine, the misfiring will also cause the Mazda to idle roughly. This may be when you realize that the engine is misfiring. It’s easy to hear the engine cut out when the vehicle is not in motion. It’s also easy to feel the Mazda jerk when the engine cuts out while you are sitting still. You may need to press down on the accelerator to prevent an engine stall.
Fuel Tank Noises
Finally, the Mazda’s fuel pump is going to suffer if the fuel filter is clogged. If you think about the resistance water gives your legs when you walk through it, the same is true with the fuel pump. As the fuel pump pushes the fuel into the Mazda’s engine, it meets resistance once the fuel reaches the clogged filter. Unfortunately, it will have to push harder to get the fuel into the engine.
This will make the fuel pump motor whine and burn out. Consequently, you may end up with a dead fuel pump in the Mazda’s fuel tank. Avoid this by setting up a fuel system service appointment today.