Filled up my tank, and would get terrible (more than usual) fuel economy. Noticed a fuel smell, and a wet spot under the passenger side of the car, under rear seat. There was a recall for cracked rings, but I didn't take advantage of it as I had already upgraded my fuel pump.

This fuel ring replacement applied to both Drive and Pass sides, but I only have pix of the Pass side.

Parts you will need:
Cap Ring (white plastic) F151-42-A14A
O-Ring (black elastomer) F151-42-A61

Tools you will need:
Phillips head screwdriver
Possible needle nose pliers
Cap Ring tool (I got mine from BHR)
Pages from Mazda Manual (see pix)


BHR tool vs Factory tool

Items of note in the Manual

Items of note in the Manual

New Cap Ring and O-Ring gasket from MazMart

 

Step 1: Remove rear seat bottom (dependent on the side). It removes by hand, no tools.

I took the opportunity to clean the seat bottom and

 

Step 2. Remove the metal access plate. Held on via 4 Phillips head screws.

Step 3: Remove the wiring connections / hose connections. Needle nose pliers may come in handy here.

Step 4: Use the tool to remove the ring (pix shows installing, but same thing)


Using BHR tool to tighten new ring

 

Good DIY.

But, why didn't you use the recall to get it fixed?
Why would you pay for parts you can get for free?

Jus sayin.

 

Step 5: Clean with paper towels ring area and threads. This will impact how easy it is to tighten later.

Step 6: Install (lay in) gasket ring.

Step 7: Lay white round plate (part of fuel pump or pick up depending on the side) in place, noting the position arrow and discussed in the manual.

Step 8: Hand install cap ring, tight by hand at least 1 full turn.

Step 9: Use tool to tighten, per manual (50 to 140 degrees, 60 to 95 ft lbs)


Items of note in the Manual

Using BHR tool to tighten new ring

 

Step 10: Connect wires / lines.

Step 11: Replace the metal cap using the 4 screws

Step 12: Replace seat bottom.

Step 13: clean up & done.

 

Pix of the cracked ring

Cracked original cap ring

 

The recall required replacement of the fuel pump, and I had already upgraded mine. I didn't want to go backwards, so I passed on the recall. Free would have been better....

 

Wait, are you saying you're forced to buy a fuel pump to get your recall addressed?

That doesn't seem right.

It's the only recall I haven't taken care of yet, I don't even remember reading the letter.