The fuel filter on the Mazda 626 model cars is the main source for cleansing the fuel before it reaches the intake on the engine. The gas is pumped up from the gas tank and travels through the fuel lines under the car. The gas then travels up to the engine compartment and into the fuel filter. As the gas enters into the fuel filter, it travels through a fibered filter that will trap any small particles and impurities from the gas. The Mazda 626 fuel filters should be replaced between 50,000 and 75,000 miles.
Park the Mazda 626 and open the hood. Walk to the rear of the car and remove the gas cap from the gas tank. This will remove the high gas pressure off of the fuel filter.
Walk back to the front of the car and look down into the driver-side engine bay and locate the silver round fuel filter canister. There is an air intake assembly that will need to be removed to be able to reach the fuel filter.
Unscrew the small bolts that hold the air intake assembly to the driver side of the engine compartment. Pull the air intake out and set it to the side.
Look down into the driver-side engine compartment and you can now see the top of the fuel filter. Slide a small catch pan or container under the fuel filter.
Locate the spring clamps that are holding the top and bottom fuel lines to the fuel filter. Use the pliers to compress the clamps and slide the clamps down on the fuel lines. Then, pull the fuel lines off the fuel filter and let them hang down towards the catch pan.
Pull the fuel filter out of the flexible bracket and discard the old filter into the catch pan. Insert the new fuel filter into the flexible bracket. Make sure that the flow arrow on the fuel filter is directed towards the engine.
Push both of the fuel lines onto the fuel filter ports. There is a raised groove on the fuel filter ports that hold the fuel lines onto the fuel filter. Push the fuel lines past this area. Then, pull the catch pan out of the engine compartment.
Reattach the air intake assembly and tighten down the small bolts with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet and sockets.
Screw the gas cap back on the gas tank. Crank the engine and inspect the new fuel filter with the engine running.
Turn the engine off and close the hood.
