FUEL SYSTEM

What is it?
You car’s fuel system works with the rest of the engine control system to deliver the best performance with the lowest emissions. Check your car’s fuel system regularly or immediately if you smell gas or suspect a problem.

What does it do?
The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel tank and passes it through a fuel filter for cleaning before it arrives at the injectors. A pressure regulator controls fuel pressure to ensure good engine performance under a variety of speed and load conditions. Fuel injectors, when activated, spray a metered amount of fuel into the engine. Some vehicles use a return line system to return unused fuel back to the tank.

Typical Wear and Tear
Intervals for fuel system maintenance may be influenced by:

• Fuel quality

• Vehicle age

• Mileage

• Operating conditions

• Maintenance history

Symptoms

• Clogged or worn fuel injectors

• Poor fuel economy

• Vehicle won’t start

• “Check Engine” light is illuminated

Maintenance Tips:

• Change fuel filter every 20,000 miles or 1 year

• Clean idle passage every 20,000 miles

• Clean throttle blades every 20,000 miles

• Clean back of fuel distributor plate (primarily on German manufactured vehicles) every 20,000 miles

• Check air temperature sensor at 10,000 miles

• Check throttle bolt torque (if applicable) at 20,000 miles

• Check fuel lines for signs of deterioration and cracking every 2 years or 20,000 miles

• Change oxygen sensor every 30,000 miles

• Clean fuel injectors every 30,000 miles

• Change gas cap every 30,000 miles

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