HQ Autosport recommends that you have the fuel filter changed in your German automobile every 30,000 miles. If you rarely drive the vehicle, you should have the filter changed every two years. We can do that here at our shop and also inspect the fuel system for other problems such as clogged fuel hoses. Getting back to the fuel filter, here are signs that your fuel filter is clogged.
Hard Starts/No Starts
It will be difficult to get your German automobile started if the fuel filter is clogged because the engine will be fuel-starved. Unfortunately, the fuel will have a difficult time passing through the filter so it can make its way to the fuel injectors. Consequently, you may end up with little or no fuel in the cylinders. This makes starting the German automobile nearly impossible.
Misfiring/Rough Idling
If you do get your German vehicle started, the engine is going to misfire unless there is a steady supply of fuel to the cylinders. As discussed above, the fuel has a hard time making its way to the fuel injectors because the fuel filter is clogged. Consequently, the engine will misfire and idle roughly while you are sitting at a stop. It will also misfire while you are in motion.
Frequent Stalling
If the problem is severe enough, the engine will start to stall frequently. This can make driving your German automobile hazardous. The engine may stall when you are sitting in traffic and you may be unable to get it started again if the fuel filter is preventing the fuel from making its way into the engine. This is why it is so important to change the fuel filter when it needs it.
Dying Fuel Pump
In addition to the engine performance issues discussed above, the fuel filter can also create problems for the fuel pump. Your German automobile is most likely equipped with an electric fuel pump. This fuel pump uses the motor to push the fuel into the engine. When the fuel meets the clogged filter, it slows down and forces the fuel pump motor to work harder. This can kill it.
Whining Noises
One sign that your fuel pump is dying is a whining noise coming from the fuel tank. The motor will make this noise if it is struggling to get the fuel into the engine to be burned in the combustion chamber.
HQ Autosport in Escondido, CA, is here to help, so call us today to set up a service visit for your German automobile.
