What happens to a car if the fuel filter is clogged?
A clogged fuel filter causes low fuel pressure that results in a lean fuel condition and engine misfire. This can result in poor fuel mileage, rough idling and possibly cause the check engine light to come on.
Can I unclog a fuel filter?
If it's made of metal and isn't too grimy, you can clean and reuse it. Before you start, relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines, then spray it with a solvent cleaner. Let it dry for an hour, then reinstall it, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.