How to Change the Fuel Filter on a Mazda3 2013../ on

Mazda3s built from 2013 onwards feature a fuel filter integrated into the pump assembly. This makes the service procedure a fair bit different to the fuel filter service on a vehicle that utilises a more traditional setup. In this Ryco Technical Article, we outline the steps involved in servicing your Mazda3’s fuel filter using the Ryco Z987 In-Tank Fuel Filter Kit. To complete the service, you’ll also need the Ryco RST100 Fuel Locking Ring Tool.

First, take note of the position of the vehicle’s fuel gauge before the service. From there, you’ll need to remove the rear seat to access the Mazda3 fuel pump assembly. Once the rear seat has been removed, you be greeted with the access panel to the fuel tank. You’ll then be able to undo the screws for the panel, giving you access to the Fuel Pump Sender, and disconnect the pump wiring and the high-pressure fuel line.

Next, you’ll need to remove the lock ring that holds together the sender assembly. To do this, you’ll need the Ryco RST100 Fuel Locking Ring Tool. First, give the area a quick clean to make sure that no debris falls into the tank while the pump is out of the tank. Then, using the removal tool, turn the locking ring counter clockwise. You’ll then be able to lift the pump out of the tank, placing it into a drain pan to avoid making a mess.

Be sure to cover the fuel tank location with a clean rag to keep debris out of the tank while you complete the service.

Now, you can set the assembly on a bench to disassemble the pump and change the filter. First, undo the electrical connectors from the sender unit and remove the fuel gauge float from the swirl pot. Then, remove the retaining clip from the sender unit connecting rod and remove the sender unit from the swirl pot, discarding the old spring and clip.

Next, remove the fuel line from the swirl pot and unclip the three clips holding the fuel filter pump bracket to the swirl pot. With the part now separated, clean the bowl of the swirl pot and set it aside as it will be reused later on.

To remove the pump from the fuel filter housing, there are five clips holding the pump into the assembly at the bottom. Undo the clips, setting the filter bracket and sock aside as they will be reused as well, and slide the fuel pump out of the fuel filter housing.

At this point, you will need to replace the plastic collar and the O-ring on the pump outlet (making sure to use lubricant) as well as fit the new wire connector supplied with the Ryco kit.

Next, remove the fuel pressure regulator from the filter housing using a flat-blade screwdriver. The old fuel filter housing and sender unit can be then discarded.

To service the fuel pressure regulator, replace the plastic collar and two O-rings with the replacements supplied in the Ryco kit, making sure to use lubricant here as well.

Moving on to reassembly, take the new Ryco Fuel Filter housing and fit the fuel pressure regulator. Then, feed the fuel pump wiring harness up through the filter housing and locate the fuel pump into position. From there, you can take the fuel sock bracket and reclip it to the bottom of the new Ryco Filter housing.

Then, fit the new mounting bracket to the filter housing and place it back into the swirl pot, making sure that you hear the clips click into place to indicate that the bracket has been installed correctly.

From there, you can reconnect the fuel pump wiring to the sender, making sure to locate the wires in the holding clips. You’ll then be able to fit the fuel level float to the swirl pot, feed the wiring to the sender, and plug the connector in.

Next, connect the fuel line to the swirl pot, check that all of the clips are fully engaged and all of the electrical connectors are clipped in, and from there you can refit the assembly to the fuel tank.

Check that all of the clips are fully engaged and all of the electrical connectors are clipped in before refitting the filter assembly into the fuel tank.

When refitting the fuel pump assembly back into the tank, be sure to orientate the sender to the high-pressure fuel line.

Orientate the sender to the high pressure fuel line when refitting the assembly to the tank.

Once the assembly is back in the tank, refit the locking ring using the Ryco RST100 tool and connect the fuel line and wiring connector.

The unit should look like this before testing.

To test your work, begin by priming the fuel system by turning to accessories on the key. Then, start the car and check that the fuel gauge is at the same level as when started the repair. Lastly, check for any fuel leaks and once you’ve confirmed that the system is working, refit the fuel sender cover and rear seat, and test drive the vehicle.