16 Mazda 3 - should I replace fuel filter at 84K?

[xsr]

Hey guys,

My 2016 Mazda 3 is now at 76K miles, and at the next service I should replace the fuel filter.
I’m a bit confused. Some people told me that those fuel pumps are really reliable and can last a ton of miles, so no need really. Manual says replacing at 84K miles.

Anyone here changed fuel filters on their BM/BN and can share experience?

 

[Lubener]

Provided the filter is outside the tank, I would replace it.

 

[97prizm]

Speaking of fuel filter. Is there any current testing between brands to see dirt filtering abilities and holding capacity? I'm looking at replacing the fuel filter on my cavalier with 156k miles

 

[Urshurak776]

The filter is under the back seat on top of the fuel pump. Not a huge job, but not fun either.

 

[zzyzzx]

16 Mazda 3 - should I replace fuel filter at 84K?​

YES.

 

[xsr]

How important is it to use an OEM part for something like a fuel filter gasket? Do you think an Ajusa one will do the job?

 

[xspeedy]

I think many of these fuel filters that are with the pump in the tank are lifetime. By that, outside of any inusual situations, they last an extremely long time. My 2009 Mazda 5 with 160K on it still runs the original pump and filter. I say let it be unless there is an issue. If I recall correctly, to get to mine, I would need to cut a hole in the carpet from inside the cabin.

 

[RedSpider]

Should you change it? Absolutely.

That being very hypocritically said, between my wifes CX-5, my son's 3, my daughters 3, and my son-in-law's 3, all of which I am the sole mechanic on duty, there is over a half million miles between them all and not one of them have ever had their fuel filters replaced. And the most virgin of all four has over 125k miles.

Now that I think about it, of all the fuel filters I've replaced in the last decade or two, I literally cant think of a single one that, after being cut open, actually looked like it even needed it. Which probably explains my less than lazy attitude about doing this on the four Mazda's I care for now.

 

[Hohn]

Personally, I'd probably approach it this way:

Change in once now and assess the condition. If you don't see that it's particularly dirty or don't notice any improvement or change in the car's MPG or response, then you know you won't need to change it again until at least 200k miles.

 

[PandaBear]

I'm not sure about your car, I replaced mine on my Integra at 180K and it was ok till then. I replaced mine on the Corolla at 240K and it was ok till then too. 84K seems to be a bit early. We would have seen a lot of failure at higher mileage for people having changed them if it is already clogged at 84K.

 

[IndyIan]

Watch a few videos on it, and if it looks simple enough, and yours isn't rusty, then sure why not.
I can't say I've every replaced one. When my Foci got up near 200k miles, I thought about it, had a look at the crusty rusty filter and fittings and lines, then just sprayed some rust proofing oil on it, and hoped it didn't rust through!
If you aren't filling up from a private rusty tank, or using dirty jerry cans, the fuel your car sees is pretty clean.
I think the tight evaporative emissions standard has pretty much eliminated any moisture getting in the the tanks so they shouldn't rust either.
I did notice that there is a tank recall for some 2016 Mazda3's so if you get a new tank, you could get them to put in a new filter.