The fuel filter helps remove particles from your fuel. Over time, your gas tank might get rusty or accumulate dirt. The fuel filter stops these harmful impurities from reaching the engine; it’s essential for optimal engine performance.
Replacing a fuel filter costs between about $70 to $276. The wide variation comes down to where you get the filter replaced, because fuel filters don’t usually cost very much. Let’s look at the breakdown of parts and labor costs.
How much does a fuel filter cost?
Your car may not ever need a new fuel filter. For example, newer Toyotas have fuel filters that last the lifetime of the car. However, older Toyotas’ fuel filters need to be changed every 30,000 miles or every two years.
The price to replace a fuel filter varies depending on the brand and where you buy it, but they’re generally inexpensive. Here are sample prices for a fuel filter that fits a 2006 Ford Focus:
| Brand | Source | Price ($) |
Purolator Fuel Filter compatible | Walmart | $9.77 |
K&N High Performance Fuel Filter PF-2000 | AutoZone | $18.99 |
Carquest Premium 5/16″ Inlet-Outlet Metal In-Line Fuel Filter | Advance Auto Parts | $19.99 |
Motorcraft FG114 (Original Equipment Fuel Filter) | Advance Auto Parts | $21.99 |
Motorcraft FG114 | FordParts.com | $31.82 (MSRP) |
Motorcraft FG114 | AutoZone | $34.99 |
How long does it take to replace a fuel filter?
Some fuel filters are integrated into the fuel pump or gas tank, so changing the filter requires you to remove the gas tank or change the fuel pump. Those repairs are a lot more expensive than if your fuel filter isn’t integrated with those parts.
The 2006 Ford Focus uses a filter that isn’t integrated with the gas tank or fuel pump. Replacing it is fairly simple: A mechanic would raise the car, locate the fuel filter, remove it from the fuel lines and the bracket holding it in place, and swap in the new filter.
In cars like this, with easy access to the fuel filter, expect a replacement to take half an hour to one hour of labor. According to Statista, shop rates across the United States in 2020 ranged from about $83 per hour for independent mechanics, to $98 for network workshops, and $131 for dealerships. This means that labor costs could range from $41.50 to $131 – corresponding to half an hour’s labor at an independent mechanic and one hour at a dealership, respectively.
How do I know when my fuel filter is bad?
Imagine trying to drink through a straw that’s being squeezed. To get the same amount of liquid, you need increasing amounts of suction. A fuel filter that’s clogged by debris has a more difficult time getting fuel to the engine—and there’s only so much a fuel pump can do.
If your fuel filter needs to be replaced, you’ll notice a few symptoms, including poor engine performance: rough idling, misfires, and stalling. You may also have a hard time starting the car or hear unusual noises from the fuel pump. Driving with a bad fuel filter can increase wear on your fuel pump due to the greater workload.
Can I replace a fuel filter myself?
In general, you can change the fuel filter yourself using these steps:
- Loosen the fuel cap, and remove the fuel pump fuse or relay. Run the engine until it stalls, then crank it for a few seconds. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
- Locate the fuel filter. Disconnect the fuel lines and any mounting bolts. Place a drip pan beneath to catch spills. Carefully remove the old filter.
- Install the new fuel filter with the flow arrow pointing toward the engine. Reattach mounting bolts, fuel lines, the fuel pump fuse, and the negative battery terminal.
- Start the engine and check for leaks.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
