Mustang Boards - 99-04 Fuel Filter Change

I changed my fuel filter the other day and I'd never done it before, but I thought I'd post how I did it so others first-timers would have something to start with.

Tools/equipment needed
1. Motorcraft Fuel Filter--Part #FG-986B
2. 5/16 Fuel Line-A/C Line Disconnect Tool. (Any autoparts store has them)
3. Flat head screw driver.

Directions

1. I first backed the car up onto my Rhino Ramps.

2. Disconnect the fuel inertia switch that is located in the trunk. This switch cuts off fuel

3. Next find the Schrader valve that is located by the throttle body, which is located at the end of the fuel rail towards the front of the car. It looks like a tire valve.

4. Once the Schrader valve is located unscrew the cap of the Schrader valve and use a small screwdriver or something to release the fuel pressure. This is much like letting air out of a tire....just press down and it will release the pressure. I would recommend wrapping a shop rag or towell around the Schrader valve and whatever you use to release the pressure. Gas will shoot up, not a lot, but enough.

5. Once you have the inertia switch unplugged and fuel pressure relieved start the car and let it idle until there is no more fuel getting to through the lines, which will cause the car to die on it's own and should minimize the amount of fuel that is released when changing the filter.

6. Next unplug the battery. I didn't do this, but my car threw a code after unplugging the inertia switch and used my predator to clear it. I think unplugging the battery will reset the computer after plugging the inertia switch back in when finished.

7. Get under the car and locate the fuel filter, which is right behind the gas tank.

8. Unscrew and remove the clamp.

9. Pry the fuel filter out of the the housing, which will give you a little room to work with.

10. Then take the 5/16 fuel line disconnect tool and slide in on the fuel line and move it to the outside (away from the fuel filter).

11. Once you get the fuel line disconnect tool slid all the way in, then pull the fuel line off the filter. A little bit of gas will come out so have something on the ground to soak it up.....I used some cardboard that I had left over from moving. I would also suggest goggles so fuel can't get into your eyes. Not a lot of fuel came out when I did this, but you never know.

12. Re-connect the fuel lines to the filter, but make sure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the engine side of the fuel line.

13. Slide the filter back into the housing and put the clamp around the filter.

14. Re-connect the inertia switch

15. Re-connect the battery

16. Make sure to put the Schrader cap back on.

17. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position and leave it for a few second, but do not start the car. Do that a few time to allow fuel pressure to build back up.

18. Check for any leaks.

19. Start the car and your done

I know the manual states the fuel filter should be changed every 30k, but I'm going to change mine every 10-15k. It was dirty as hell!

If I forgot anything or someone wants to add something.... post it up!