Hyundai Repair: Wheres the Stinkin Fuel Filter?, fuel pressure gauge, hyundai sonata


Question
Well, let's start from the beginning...it's a 2000 Sonata with about 240,000 miles on it.  It was running VERY well until one day it started "choking" when you gave it gas.  But it would only do it on rare occasions like after being run on the highway.  And, whether it had anything to do with anything, the check engine light has been on for some time.  Anyway, we replaced several parts that needed to be done including the O2 sensor (recommended to assist in getting the darn light off) and such.  So, without having tried to replace the fuel filter yet all seemed to be well while driving short distances or local roads.  We drove it for a couple days around town then tried one evening to get on the highway.  We were travelling about 65 miles an hour for about 20 minutes then slowed to pay a toll.  When we went to accelerate again it starting the "choking" thing again.  We were able to make it back home but it was not a smooth ride needless to say.  Sorry you asked?  Recommendations?
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Please help me find the fuel filter in my 2000 Hyundai Sonata!!!!  It's a 4cyl automatic.  I've had two people (non-professionals) look and we're coming up empty.  The darn thing needs to be replaced desperately.  HELP!!!!

Answer -
I can't find any reference in the service manual, but the parts catalog shows it under the vehicle in the fuel line in front of the fuel tank.  If it's not there, it may be part of the fuel pump assembly.  Hyundai switched to this type filter on the Sonata at some point, but I don't know exactly when.

If I might ask, what makes you think you desperately need to replace the fuel filter?

Answer
If the vehicle loses power when you step on the gas pedal, regardless of engine rpm, then the fuel pump is a prime suspect.  To check, you should install a fuel pressure gauge and check your fuel pressure (hopefully while the vehicle is running poorly).  If it's low (should be 38-50 psi), you should replace the fuel pump (and filter too if it hasn't been changed in 50k miles or more).  Another indicator that it's a fuel pump issue would be that the problem only occurs when the fuel tank is near empty.  If it doesn't occur on a full tank, it suggests that the pump is overheating, but a full tank of fuel helps keep the pump cool.

Just in case, check to be sure the air bellows is connected between the air flow sensor and throttle body and is not leaking air between these places.  Oddly enough, air leaks here tend to occur on acceleration because the engine torque pulls on the air bellows.

If the power loss seems to happen only at high rpm, then you should inspect to see if your catalytic converters are clogged.

Last, I'm not sorry I asked.  The reason I asked is that I didn't think a fuel filter would solve your problem.  Despite the fuel filter being one of the most neglected maintenance items-- I even neglect my own-- I have only seen one performace issue caused by a fuel filter in the 14 years I've been working on cars.  And that was due to a defective brand new filter.