Skip fuel filter change?

It says in the owners man. that the fuel filter is supposed to be
changed at 42 mos. (which comes before I hit 52,500) I asked my
regular oil and lube place about doing it, and they said they couldn't
because the job was too complicated involving dropping the gas tank
etc. I called the dealership to see what they would charge, and the
service rep told me not to worry about it. I asked him, "so not having
it changed at the scheduled 42 mos. won't void the warranty? He
replied "absolutely not". He said they very rarely go bad, and the
labor involved in replacing them isn't worth it, unless the thing is
actually shot. So, am I safe in following his recommendation?

 

After doing a little checking in the archives, I'm wondering if my
scheduled maintenance booklet isn't referring to some models that have
an external standard paper type fuel filter in addition to the one
inside the tank?

 

I had earlier posted a similar comment concerning the evap gas filter that's
inside the driver's side rear wheel well. I wanted to buy the filter and
the dealer told me they never sold one, never put one on, and never have
even had one in stock - ever, and they have been around since Hyundai first
started selling cars here. That filter is supposed to be replaced at 36,000
miles, I believe. I can't see how that would void the warrantee. It might
show a CEL, but not do anything else but pollute, possibly.
Tom

 

For the Sonata, it's 30,000 miles. You are supposed to replace the fuel
filter at 37,500 miles. This of course is impossible, as you have to replace
the entire fuel pump assembly. You are also supposed to replace the oxygen
sensors every 45,000 miles.

These are items directly from both the owner's manual, and the Sonata
specific information on Hyundai's web site. The big question is: What
happens if you don't spend the $1000 or so for the oxygen sensors, fuel
pump, and labor?

 

30,000 or 36,000....... Sorry. The point is that Hyundai comes up with
these replacement intervals but even THEY don't follow all of them! Has
anyone changed the evap filter in the wheel well?

Tom

 

Thanks Tom, that makes me feel better. It seems infeasible that a shop
would actually discourage someone from getting work done, so it must
be completely impractical. And considering the expense involved, they
can go right ahead and void my warranty for not agreeing to something
so ridiculous. I'm miffed enough about having to get the timing belt
changed. (I know that has to be done regardless of warranty, most of
which run out before the replacement is needed).

 

It's not necessary to drop the tank. If the filter is indeed in the tank,
there is an access panel through which the pump and filter can be
removed.

There's no big consequence to not changing the filter. The worst thing
that will happen is that your car won't run right. At that time, you'll
need to diagnose the problem and replace the fuel filter (if it indeed is
the problem). Personally, I've only ever seen a fuel filter cause a
problem once, and it was an aftermarket fuel filter that didn't allow
enough fuel flow. The car was approximately a 1989 vintage Excel.

 

I've replaced several at the left rear corner under the vehicle. Usually,
when they fail, they don't vent properly. This causes the check engine
lamp to come on and difficulty fueling the vehicle.

I've also cleaned out some on the filler neck. It seems spiders like to
build nests there.

 

That's interesting! Down here in the south it would be 'mud daubers'
building nests. Those buggers go everywhere. I figured it would give a
CEL. My son's Jetta is really sensitive to tank checking systems. I guess
I'll try to find one of those EXPENSIVE filters. When you say difficulty
fueling the vehicle, do you mean the pump keeps shutting off? I don't have
the problem but will keep that in mind, if that's what you mean.
Glad to have you back!

Tom

 

Yes, it'll cause a check engine lamp. And yes, I'm referring to the pump
auto-shutoff continually engaging.