What is the code number for fuel filter?
There is no universal code number for a fuel filter. The correct "code" is vehicle- and brand-specific, tied to the exact part that fits your engine and fuel system. To identify the right part number, you’ll need vehicle details and/or the filter itself.
In practice, people ask this question when replacing fuel filters across different makes and models. The key is that part numbers come from manufacturers and are referenced in manuals, catalogs, and dealer systems. Using the wrong code can lead to mismatched fittings, pressure ratings, or connectors, so accuracy matters. The safest approach is to verify using your VIN, the existing filter, or an official parts catalog.
How to identify the correct fuel filter code
Use the following steps to locate or verify the fuel filter part number before ordering a replacement.
- Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or service booklet for the recommended fuel filter part number used by your model.
- Find your vehicle’s VIN (usually visible on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb) and use it in an OEM or parts catalog to pull the exact part number for your engine.
- If you’re shopping aftermarket, perform a cross-reference search using your year/make/model/engine to identify compatible filters from multiple brands.
- Ask a parts counter or a dealer to confirm the correct filter by providing your VIN or the current part number you found.
Following these steps helps ensure you order a filter with the correct thread size, hose connections, flow rate, and fuel-line compatibility for your vehicle.
Where to look for fuel filter codes in catalogs and on the part
Catalogs and online tools are essential when you need to cross-reference or confirm compatibility across brands or generations of vehicles.
- OEM manufacturer catalogs and official vehicle manufacturer websites, which list exact part numbers by model, year, and engine.
- Automotive aftermarket catalogs that offer cross-reference lookups between brands and compatible models.
- Local auto parts store databases or dealer systems that can pull the precise part number using your VIN.
- The fuel filter itself, where many brands print or stamp the model/part number, batch code, and compatibility notes.
Using these sources reduces the risk of ordering a filter with an incompatible connector size or fuel-pressure rating.
Summary
The fuel filter code number is not universal. To obtain the correct part number, rely on vehicle-specific identifiers (VIN, model, engine) and consult official catalogs, dealer systems, or the filter itself. Verifying fitment before purchase helps ensure proper function and safety.
What is the HS code for fuel filter?
HS Code 842123 - Tariff Classification of - Oil or fuel filters for internal combustion engines.
How to identify a fuel filter?
On gas-powered cars, it's usually underneath, clipped or bolted to the frame rail. On diesel vehicles, it's usually in the engine compartment and has the same style as an oil filter.
What is the code for a bad fuel filter?
A bad fuel filter doesn't have a single "bad fuel filter code" but can trigger codes for symptoms like a lean fuel mixture (P0171, P0174) or low fuel rail pressure (P0087). These codes appear because the restricted fuel flow from a clogged filter starves the engine, causing it to run too lean or pressure to drop.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad fuel filter and related OBD-II codes: 56sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Apr 16, 2024
Common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
- P0171: "System Too Lean (Bank 1)" – Indicates there's too much air or not enough fuel in the engine's mixture.
- P0174: "System Too Lean (Bank 2)" – The same as P0171 but for the other bank of cylinders.
- P0087: "Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low" – Directly indicates a problem with the fuel pressure, which a clogged filter can cause.
- P0172 / P0175: While less common, these indicate a "rich" fuel mixture, which can also happen if the computer compensates for what it thinks is a low fuel issue by adding more fuel than needed.
- P0300: "Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected" – A clogged filter can cause misfires due to the lack of fuel reaching the cylinders.
You can watch this video to learn how to diagnose a bad fuel filter: 54sPhillips VisionYouTube · Dec 5, 2021
Other signs of a bad fuel filter
- Hard starting or long cranking times
- Hesitation or sputtering during acceleration
- Loss of power, especially under load
- Engine stalling
- A noisy fuel pump, as it works harder to push fuel through the clog
This video demonstrates the symptoms of a bad fuel filter and the potential impact: 57sMechanic BaseYouTube · Feb 19, 2024
Can a fuel pump cause a P0171 code?
Weak Fuel Pump
As a fuel pump ages, the motor's components can wear, making it less efficient. If the pump is unable to feed the system with enough fuel, it can trigger the P0171 code and the CEL. A quick test of the fuel pump's power helps rule out this common cause.
