Can a bad/dirty fuel filter on a 2.2 liter engine cause poor gas mileage?

 

It sure can.

 

How is that?

 

restricts fuel going to the injectors causing it to starve its self. how many miles do you have on your car?

 

I have about 14100 miles. I dont really have a problem with the power its more about the mpg factor. I am only getting about 25 mpg on the highway. The city mpg is about 24 which is ok for me. But I was figuring that the highway should be higher. I drive at 70mph. My ex had a 06 cobalt ls sedan auto and was getting between 32 and 34 mpg on the highway driving at about the same speed. She had about 40k miles on it but i dont think that should make a difference.

 

it absolutely would make a difference. imaging gunky buildup inside the filter, and getting into the little pipe thingies (i'm sure there's a more technical term) that buildup blocks the flow of fuel. try changing out the fuel filter, you can get them for like 35 dollars and see if it helps.

 

yes it will....just ask jackalope...he had a family of rats in his!!!

 

that was his airbox, not fuel filter

 

isn't the break in period 20,000km's, before he'd see any real fuel mileage?

 

lol i knew that....i am just excited for my CAI to get here is all

 

12427 miles?

 

I was told to expect shitty gas mileage for the first 20,000km's. But this is the same dealer that told me my clunk in the front was comming a loose mud flap in the rear, so that says it all.

actually were is the fuel filter on a 2.2? something we can change ourselves?

 

The filter should be on the back cross member or whatever its called.....(where the axle would be on a RWD car).....its changeable on your own but can be a bit of a pain in the ass if you dont have the right tools.......i just did mine on my 2.4L and it wasnt too bad with the proper disconnect tool.......Hope this helps...Later

 

I have more than 12427 miles I have about 14200 miles now so I would think it should be broken in by now. Im going to try and change out the fuel filter and see what happens.

 

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-guide-43/fuel-filter-change-how-pictures-51977/ for fuel filter how-to.

Some of the main things that will effect gas mileage are fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, tires.

You are almost at 15K miles so you should have changed the air filter once already.

Normally you don't have to change the fuel filter but every 30K, but depending on gas you could have clogged it up.

Spark plugs should be fine.

If your tires are out of alignment, or not properly inflated that can actually make a big difference on gas mileage as well.

Another question - what type of oil are you using and how often do you change the oil?

 

Yeah, I don't see the fuel filter being the cause of your mileage issues here. Do you have a roof rack or anything of the sort installed? Check your tire pressure, alignment, etc. For you to get normal city mileage and bad highway mileage says more about aerodynamic issues rather than engine issues.

 

That is what I was kinding of thinking as well. 24 city is pretty good, but to get no increase on the highway tells me there is possibly a drag issue somewhere.