Kia Spectra fuel filter replacement

Is a filter really necessary?

No matter how advanced an oil refinery is, the resulting fuel always contains a small percentage of impurities. Additionally, sand or other debris may get into gasoline or diesel during transfusion. It is far from certain that the fuel reaches refueling with a minimum amount of impurities. The problem is that all these compounds go directly through the fuel system into the engine and combustion chamber. The consequences of “dirty” fuel are varied, ranging from the formation of carbon deposits in the cylinders and ending with a noticeable loss of power.

Do not forget that the performance of this component is directly influenced by the service life of spark plugs, accelerators and lambda probes. Due to the fact that the fuel-air mixture burns fragmentarily, the unburned mass enters the exhaust system and adversely affects its components. It’s quite simple to prevent everything at the initial stage. You only need to filter gasoline, which is what the Kia Spectra fuel filter does.

Many drivers mistakenly believe that this is an “eternal” part, the resource of which is sufficient for the entire service life of the car. Tens of thousands of liters of gasoline pass through the filter. Considering the rather poor quality of fuel at some gas stations, it is not difficult to imagine how much various debris and dirt the filter element retains. It is necessary to change it, and the most important confirmation of this is the presence of a clear deadline in the technical regulations for the car.

How to select and replace a Kia Spectra fuel filter

30.12.2017

One of the important car maintenance activities is replacing the Kia Spectra fuel filter. This part, present on almost all modern cars, serves to remove small contaminants from the fuel and prevent them from entering the engine working space. During transportation, storage of gasoline and operation of the machine, pieces of the coating of tanks and gas tanks, sand and dust can get into the liquid and penetrate the fuel system.

Over time, this can cause clogging of engine injectors, mixture delivery systems, and corrosion of some elements. This is especially true when using low-quality fuel. Such situations can lead to serious problems with the car and the need for repairs. Moreover, the failure of various systems develops quite slowly, which is difficult for a non-professional to notice.

But all this can be prevented by promptly changing the filter element and using only high-quality substitutes or original parts for replacement.

New original fuel filter for Kia Spectra

The following conditions may indicate the need to replace the Spectra fuel filter:

1. Reduced engine power (pulls poorly under load, acceleration dynamics are reduced)
2. Noticeable increase in fuel consumption
3. The check engine light came on on the instrument panel (Check Engine light)
4. The engine “troits”, runs unevenly, the idle speed fluctuates
5. The engine will not start

Of course, all these symptoms can also indicate some other, sometimes more serious, problems with the car; a complete engine diagnostic performed by a professional will help you find out. Therefore, it is better not to lead to such situations and change the fuel filter in a timely manner.

Experts recommend a replacement interval of 30 - 50 thousand kilometers, depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The more severe the conditions (warm dry climate, dust, city, country roads, regions with traditionally low fuel quality, etc.) the shorter the interval should be.

It’s also a good idea to carry out a replacement after purchasing a car on the secondary market in order to protect yourself from possible troubles.

• Selecting a fuel filter on the Spectra
• Replacing the fuel filter

How often to replace

If this is a consumable item, then motorists should know the timing of replacement. The Kia Spectra manual states that the fuel filter should be replaced every 30 thousand kilometers. But this rule should not be taken strictly, since much depends on operating conditions and the quality of gasoline. In fact, the filter can wear out already at 20 thousand if the quality of gasoline is poor. Other drivers drive more than 50 thousand with one filter.

In such situations, it is recommended to change the part only if symptoms are detected that indicate critical blockage. If the dynamics of the car have not changed, and no other problems arise, then, most likely, everything is in order with the filter; accordingly, there is no need to meddle with the car’s structure. If you do not have experience in independently servicing a vehicle, then it is better not to test your skills again.

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Why does the filter clog quickly?

You can extend the life of this part only if you find out what causes accelerated wear. The first and most important thing is low-quality fuel. In the hope of saving money, drivers buy gasoline or diesel at unknown gas stations or completely secondhand. Naturally, the fuel filter is responsible for your decisions.

The second problem is storing fuel in metal containers with rust. Almost every driver has an “emergency reserve” for an emergency. But over time, this fuel becomes contaminated, so it is recommended to make sure that there are no impurities or pieces of loose rust before use. Also, always keep an eye on the gas filler door. Most of the contaminants enter the fuel tank through it.

Determining whether the filter is clogged

You can diagnose problems with the filter component even without specialized equipment. There are a number of symptoms that will help determine the presence of a malfunction:

• increased fuel consumption;
• the car does not idle and stalls regularly;
• dips appear at high speeds;
• the engine starts with difficulty or does not start at all, even in warm weather;
• a “triple” effect appears, power and dynamics decrease;
• the engine responds poorly to pressing the gas pedal;
• When moving up an inclined plane, the car jerks.

Of course, all of this could indicate other problems, such as with the fuel pump or specific sensors. In the most exceptional cases, the electronic control unit is responsible for the incorrect operation of the motor, but do not panic and contact service centers for expensive diagnostics. The most affordable and simplest repair you can do on your part is to change the fuel filter.

A more accurate diagnostic method is to check the fuel system pressure. You will need to find a pressure gauge with a limit of 5 kgf/cm. Before checking, remove the pressure in the system by disconnecting the power supply from the fuel pump, and drain all the fuel from the line. Next we will describe in detail where the fuel filter is located on the Kia Spectra.

Then install a measuring device in the gap between the fuel pump and the line. Connect the wiring harness that you disconnected when the pressure dropped to the pump and start the engine. The pressure gauge at idle should read 2.65 kgс/cm2 or more. If the pressure is lower than required, look for a problem in the fuel system.

When the symptoms do not disappear even after replacing the filter, contact a diagnostician so that they can test the operation of the fuel pump and make sure that the lines are intact. It is quite possible that there is a leak somewhere. A full check of the Kia Spectra fuel pump is possible only by experienced specialists.

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Choosing a fuel filter

Maximum service life, as well as absolute compatibility with Kia Spectra, are guaranteed only by original models. The catalog number of the original filter is 0K2AA20490. This part is compatible with first generation models, and is mounted on 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 liter engines. In stores you can often find a similar number, but only with the English letter S in front. These models are intended for post-warranty use. According to drivers, their quality is slightly worse.

To make sure of compatibility, we recommend comparing the dimensions. The original model has a diameter of 7.1 centimeters, a height of 16.2 and an inlet and outlet tube diameter of 0.8 centimeters. Additionally, when replacing, we recommend installing a new coarse mesh. The problem is that the manufacturer does not assign a catalog number to it. As an option, you can order a mesh for Lada 2110 or 2112 cars. The parts have the article number 2112-1139200. Other car owners claim that the mesh from the Daewoo Matiz also fits perfectly under the Spectra.

The average price for a filter is 200-400 rubles, but the price tag largely depends on the region and point of sale. If you were unable to find a branded part or you are not satisfied with its quality/price, you can try one of the compatible analogues:

• BIG Filter 3 – catalog designation GB-3154;
• Pmc (Parts Mall) 5, article PCB-015;
• Mando EFF00018T.

These analogues cost up to 300 rubles. The driver will have to determine the level of quality and efficiency on his own, since there are no clear reviews regarding these models.

Always inspect the part for damage or defects before purchasing. Pay attention to the packaging. There should be information about the manufacturer and the date the filter was created. Low-quality fakes are often found on the market.

Selecting a fuel filter on the Spectra

The fuel filter on the Spectra is not difficult to find. The original code is 0K2AA20490. The price is not the cheapest - about 800 - 900 rubles at the time of writing (2016). Maybe he's worth it. If you don’t want to give away almost a thousand rubles, you can choose a substitute. Fortunately there are a lot of them. For a price ranging from 250 rubles to almost 2500, you can choose either a Chinese analogue (Ashika, Japan Parts) or a part from a world-famous manufacturer (WIX, Bosch and others). It is unlikely that anyone (except the manufacturers themselves) will take responsibility for asserting that only the most expensive or original filter elements clean fuel much better or require replacement less often. Among less expensive but well-established brands, you can find parts with a good price-quality ratio. Another thing is that the most famous and expensive brands usually have more stable quality. Therefore, if you don’t want surprises, remember the saying “the miser pays twice” and do not buy cheap products from dubious manufacturers. There have been cases where a clogged fuel filter caused serious problems with the engine, the repair of which cost motorists tens of thousands of rubles. Despite the fact that the price of a new element rarely exceeds 1000. You should not repeat the mistakes of others.

Here are some of the main brand names of filter manufacturers for the Kia Spectra; by choosing one of them, you can be sure that you are buying a quality part and, if replaced in a timely manner, not worry about possible problems.

Filter replacement procedure

The Kia Spectra fuel system is relatively simple, so you can replace the filter in it in 10-15 minutes. All you need is a Phillips screwdriver and a set of rags to clean the surfaces of dirt or gasoline if necessary. Since you will be working directly near fuel lines, ensure that the room is well ventilated and exclude any sources of fire. Do not underestimate the danger of gasoline vapors.

The procedure includes the following steps:

1. Place the machine on a lift or inspection pit. Otherwise, gaining access to the filter will be problematic.
2. Next, you need to reduce the pressure in the system. To do this, put the car in neutral. Remove the rear sofa seat and locate the fuel pump module. To remove the protective cover, unscrew the three screws. Next, disconnect the wiring harness and start the engine. Wait until the gasoline is completely exhausted and the engine is turned off. Then turn on the starter for 3 seconds to equalize the pressure and put the plug and cap back in place.
3. Now let’s answer the question of where the fuel filters are located on the Kia Spectra. The part is attached with a clamp on the right side member of the body near the gas tank.
4. Squeeze the clamps and disconnect the fuel supply pipe from the pipe.
5. Similarly, disconnect the outlet pipe and the fuel supply hose to the engine injectors from the filter.
6. Unscrew the clamp bolt and remove the fuel filter.
7. Install the new component, and then secure all communications in the reverse order.

As you can see, the additional convenience is that the part is located in an accessible place, and not in the gas tank itself, as in most foreign cars. Now you know how to change the fuel filter on a Kia Spectra in a garage and save on car service costs.

Other spare parts for Kia SPECTRA

› Automatic transmission plate › Nut › Clutch fork axle › Spectrum shock absorber l › Factory emblem › Bolt m › Right front door window lifter › Brake master cylinder › Rear bumper booster › Left door stop rear › Front suspension beam › Hood molding clip › Hood cable › Upper right door hinge › Driven gear › Bolt m › Trim › Fuel system pipe › Brake return spring › Spoiler plug › Pin › Bolt m › Liner › Adjustment bar engine valve clearance › Cooling system pipe › Oil filler cap › Flange nut › Valve tappet gasket › Hinge-lift gate, lh › Piston rings to t