Subaru Service Seattle:Subaru Fuel Filters Explained
From 1985 to 2004 any fuel injected Subaru had a fuel filter mounted neer the drivers side strut tower in the engine compartment.
Subaru Fuel Filters
Starting in 2004 Subaru decided it would be better to make the fuel filter part of the fuel pump and fuel level sending unit. The problem with this is that in order to service the fuel filter the electronic fuel pump and sending unit must now be removed from the gas tank. There is an acces panel, but the passenger compartment is in fact exposed to the fuel vapors.
Its difficult to capture in an image but this fuel filter pictured below, having never been serviced and the vehicle having over 150k caused the fuel pressure to drop, but as a result the fuel pump suffered some damage and had to be replaced. You can see the dark spot in the filter element, the filter was doing its job, but needed to be replaced.
Subaru Fuel Pump & Filter 2004 & Newer
2004 & Newer Subaru Fuel Filter
So if you have a 2004 and newer Subaru, and since the filter rarely is serviced as part of a 30/60/90k service do to the new complexity in replacing the filter you should inquire about having it replaced. We usually suggest it should be done around 90k but thee is no reason not to do it sooner if you like the idea of preventative maintenance.
Thanks for reading
Justin
Do you normally replace the strainer bag on the pickup tube when you replace the filter?
Hello Bob,
We do when we have a customer receptive to the idea.
Justin
Hello, This is a great blog. I was wondering if you can help with what seems to be a common subaru problem. Whenever the temperature drops below lets say 30degrees, I can smell gas when I turn on the heater. I was leaking antifreeze before and I had mechanic check it out they said it was the water pump, They replaced that and did the timing belt. The dripping freeze has stopped but this cold weather thing is still going on. I checked the fuel lines on top of the engine I do not see any wet areas. I can’t tell where it’s coming from. Sometimes when sitting at idle the smell is unbearable and you have to roll down the window. It seems once the weather warms or you start driving the smell goes away. I’ve read on some forums it could be fuel rails? I was wondering what your opinion is. The car is a 2001 Subaru Outback, 2.5liter 4cylinder.
Hi Kevin,
I would start with reading this.
http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-fuel-smell-a-quick-tip/
If you cant get to the bottom of your fuel smell after reading this, I would suggest you take it to A Subaru Shop.
Justin
Do you know where I can get the cover to the in-tank fuel filter shown in the picture, or at least the part number of the cover?
thanks, phil
At the Subaru Parts counter.
Justin
Justin, do you know if the 2004+ cap fits the pre-2004 fuel pumps? Some 00-04 H4 and a number of 00-04 H6 owners have had the metal cap crack, and for those years it does not seem to be a line-item part.
Thanks, Dave
Oops, that should read 00-03 above, not 00-04
Dave
Results are in, the cap from a 2004 filter will fit the earlier fuel pumps.
My 2005 OBXT with 115,000 cranked, but has hesitant firing. Took to dealer, injector in cylinder 2 diagnosed as bad. All 4 injectors replaced. $800.
After 200 miles, cylinder 2 was misfiring again. Thought it was bad injector, but not. Then, they thought it was bad coil, but coil tested OK. Found brown gunk in gas return line. Dealer stymied. Called Subaru headquarters.
They diagnosed rust in fuel system. Suggested replacing all steel fuel lines, fuel rail, fuel pump fuel filter. Tank looks OK, filler tube Looks OK. $2300 fix.
Always used premium fuel, added Drygas seasonally on occasion. We live in a snowbelt with salt on roads, but lines look OK outside.
So, where did the rust come from? What can I do to prevent a re-occurrence? I’m aiming for 200,000. I figure the repair is still less expensive than a new car. Been in shop 2 weeks now. HELP.
Rust is from moisture in the fuel over time. Need to evaluate where your fuel is being purchased from. If this is something prevalent to your area you should consider using a bottle of dryer every 6 months or maybe more often.
Justin