2004 Mazda 3 Fuel Filter Location?

[jasminder2]

Where is the fuel filter located on a 2004 Mazda 3. My car is having startup problems. When you turn the key to start it, it turns for a while, then starts to sound like it's going to start, then sometimes it does start but dies, eventually just barley gets started, if it doesn't finally need a jump 1st. when it gets a jump it starts right up. I'm hesitant to say it's the battery, because although it doesn't start right up, the starter sounds like it has good power going to it. The problem doesn't always happen, but it is unexpected, and inconvenient when it does. I am open for an opinion, because I heard from a fairly reliable source that the fuel filter is in the gas tank.

[midnightfxgt]

Doesn't sound like a Fuel Filter issue at all. If it was, a jump would have no impact on how it starts.

The filter is in the tank. Its a part of the pump housing, and if I remember right, its not sold separately.

[Flagrum_3]

I agree with Midnight, not much chance its the fuel filter! Try checking that your battery and starter connections are tight and run a battery load test, also check for any loose connectors under the hood, if all's good, then its a possibilty one of your sensors are gone.


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[FLIPDADY]

Sounds like a fuel pump issue. I had the same problem when I first picked up my car and had the fuel pump replaced and it fixed the problem.

FYI, there is no fuel filter in our cars. The fuel pump strainer acts as a filter and it's located in the gas tank.

[midnightfxgt]

Sounds like a fuel pump issue. I had the same problem when I first picked up my car and had the fuel pump replaced and it fixed the problem.

FYI, there is no fuel filter in our cars. The fuel pump strainer acts as a filter and it's located in the gas tank.

Yup.... the strainer is in the housing. It gets pretty gummy.

The pump could have an issue. There was a TSB I think on it,.

[Skarbro]

FYI, there is no fuel filter in our cars.
Wh-at? That's cool. I hate changing those suckers on other cars.

[Flagrum_3]

Wh-at? That's cool. I hate changing those suckers on other cars.

Yeah but atleast you could change them! With our 3s, yes its a strainer/filter basically the same thing, but if it gets 'gummed-up' or clogged its a pretty messy job, not to mention somewhat expensive fix! (unless under warranty).That's why I think its a good case not to allow your gas tank to run low too long or too often.

I don't recall seeing any TSB on it, but Flippy may be right in that its a possible cause, any idea Joe on the cost to re&re the pump? Just hope Jasminder2 is still under warranty!


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[midnightfxgt]

2004 had some VIN numbers either in a TSB or Recall. I know that for sure, mine was just outside it lol.

I forget what the book is for re&re... I think 4 hours. Its really not a crazy hard job to do for a mechanic. Hard for a DIYer without a hoist. We have had my tank dropped almost a half dozen times now LOL. But the stock unit is great! Guys running 500HP on them etc. If I remember tomorrow, I will see if I can get the VINs impacted... time for bed! Been a loooooong week!

[jasminder2]

I put a new battery in the car, and it starts great, and runs great. Thank you everbody for your help.